Are dogs allowed on Big Elk Creek Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Big Elk Creek Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Big Elk Creek Trail?

No, Big Elk Creek Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Big Elk Creek Trail?

Big Elk Creek Trail is rated difficult. It is 10.2 miles long with 1,903 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Idaho trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Targhee National Forest/Idaho

Big Elk Creek Trail

Irwin, Idaho

10.2 mi

Distance

1,903 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 53m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The trail for the first half is easy and there are two or three rock water crossings for horses. Not for beginners beyond this point. The trail is narrow for the advance hiker or rider. It was worth the ride to the end. Water is too deep before July. Advanced Hikers can take the upper trail to get around the stream. It wasn't made for horses. You can see the trail at the water crossing.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,735 ft

Max:1,923 ft

580 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:ID

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Wyoming hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Big Elk Creek Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Spring Run Canyon to Little Sheep Creek

South Fork Indian Creek Trail

Bear Creek Hot Springs

Palisades Creek to Sheep Creek

Upper Palisades Lake Trail

Upper Palisades Lake Trail to Lower Palisades Lake

Other trails in Targhee National Forest

Darby Canyon Wind Cave Trail

Upper Palisades Lake Trail

Mesa Falls Nature Trail

Alaska Basin Trail

Upper Mesa Falls Boardwalk & Lookout

Targhee Creek Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Big Elk

Palisades Reservoir

Riverside Park Campground

Targhee National Forest Riverside Park Campground

Calamity

Targhee National Forest Calamity Campground

Similar trails in Idaho

Stack Rock Trail

Sawtooth Lake

Scotchman Peak Trail

Hulls Gulch Nature Trail

Upper Palisades Lake Trail

Polecat Loop Trail