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| Home > Idaho > Danskin Mountains |
Danskin Mountains OHV Area
Thursday, April 11, 2024
| Other Names | Danskin Trails, Danskin System, South Fork Boise River, Elmore County, Mountain Home Ranger District, Boise National Forest, Little Fiddler Flat, Three Point Mountain, Bennett Mountain, Bender Creek, Willow Creek, Case Creek, Blacks Creek Road, Danskin ORV Area |
| Last Known Status | Open |
With over 160 miles of trails on over 60,000 acres, this area offers a good variety of terrain with spectacular views of the valley. Terrain consists mostly of hard pack and sandy trails winding through the high desert scrub brush with the occasional patch of trees, a few shallow water crossings, some large canyons and sand washes. Most trails range from easy to moderate difficulty.
A large portion of the trails are designated as OHM-only (off highway motorcycles) but there is also a network of ATV trails in the southern part of the area which allow machines up to 48" wide. Shade is somewhat limited, and the best camping is actually in the designated campgrounds to the north and east of the OHV area.
Due to the lack of trees, the area generally thaws by mid April (sooner than most other riding areas) making this a safe choice for a good spring ride.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Idaho OHV Registration Sticker |
| Dates Open | April 11 - December 31 | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | No | A non-resident registration sticker must be purchased. (As of January 2020, Idaho no longer honors stickers from other states.) |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. shovel & bucket also required during fire season |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | measured at 1/2 meter |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (48 inches) | has entrance gate and narrow terrain |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Some Areas | (maximum width 48 inches) about 50% of the trails are motorcycle-only (marked OHM) |
 UTV & SXS | Prohibited | maximum width 48" |
 4x4 & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | vehicles limited to 48 inches wide on all trails |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Prohibited | |
 Campfires | Prohibited | |
| Night Riding | No | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trail |
| Alcohol | No Restriction | |
| Rule Enforcement | Few/Periodic | Jeep/SUV Patrol |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 60,000 acres (94 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 160 | |
| Climate Type | high desert, patches of trees | |
| Elevation | 3500 to 6500 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Some | |
| Hard Pack | Some | |
| Sand | Some | |
| Mud | Some | |
| Dust |  Little | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees |  Few | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings | Some | |
| Small Jumps | Some | |
| Large Jumps | Some | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | Few | |
| Single Track |  Many | |
| Roads | Some | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | |
| Shade | Few | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | Few | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) Beware of cliffs. |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur |  Mostly | |
 Expert |  None |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | BLM, National Forest, State of Idaho Endowment Land |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Boise - Chevron (208) 342-1006 |
| Diesel | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Boise - Chevron (208) 342-1006 |
 Water | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Blacks Creek Rest Area (north on I-84) |
 RV Hookup | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Boise - Mountain View RV Park (877) 610-4141 |
 RV Disposal | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Boise - Mountain View RV Park (877) 610-4141 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (NW) | Boise - Chevron (208) 342-1006 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Pros | huge area, 160 miles of trail, trails marked and maintained, lots of motorcycle-only single track, good variety of terrain, great views |
| Cons | limited shade, separated from the best camping and boating areas, slick when wet |
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | 3-5 Days Late spring, before it gets too dry |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Boise, ID | ||
| Address | Blacks Creek Road, Boise, ID 83716 | ||
| From: Boise, ID
1) Take I-84 South to Exit 64 (Blacks Creek Road) 2) Turn left (east) off the ramp onto Blacks Creek Road, continue 6.3 miles 3) Veer left at fork to stay on Blacks Creek Road, continue 4 miles 4) First staging area (Three Point Mountain) is on the right and is good for ATVs 5) Continue further for additional staging that is better for accessing the motorcycle-only trails (Bender Creek and Willow Creek staging areas). South Entrance: (long and rough) 1) From downtown of Mountain Home, take Canyon Creek Road north 2) Veer left at the fork on Mayfield Road 3) Continue about 10 miles to Case Creek trailhead (on the left). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Boise National Forest - Mountain Home Ranger District 3080 Industrial Way Mountain Home, ID 83647 (208) 587-7961 mailroom_r4_boise@fs.fed.us www.fs.usda.gov |
| Contact Info | Idaho Parks And Recreation 5657 E. Warm Springs Ave Boise, ID 83716 (208) 334-4197 reghelpline@idpr.idaho.gov idahostateparks.reserveamerica.com |
| Comment | Idaho OHV Sticker Info |
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
There is no shortage of mountain and valley views here.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
Even the ATV trails are narrow and twisty. During the spring months expect to cross a few shallow water crossings.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
The Three Point Mountain Trailhead has an informational kiosk and a vault toilet. This is a day use area and camping is not permitted.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
Some sections of the trails are surrounded by aspen trees and green grass.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
Three Point Mountain, Bender Creek and Willow Creek staging areas have a vault toilet.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
Most of the trails wind through various sage and scrub brush.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
Most of the ATV trails are smooth and hard packed, making it a good choice for beginners.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
This photo sums up the type of trail that you will encounter here.
Danskin Mountains Trail Photo
Another view of one of the narrow ATV trails surrounded by green grass and trees.
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS