Where else can you bicycle through an active military bombing rang? Brian Frankle recently hike the Idaho Centennial Trail from north top south said
“A few minutes into my morning, I came upon a Bombing Range sign laying in the dirt which stated: 'Warning!! Objects may fall from low flying aircraft.' “...entering the boundary of the Saylor Creek Air Force Range. I could see 4 aircraft in the sky and hear the explosions of ordinance --- thankfully well in the distance. At about 2:30 the bombs stopped and the planes flew off west towards Mountain Home Air Force Base. “
The Idaho Centennial Trail winds from the southern border of Idaho all the way to the Northern part of Idaho near Canada. The hiking trail winds through the Frank Church wilderness area. Bicycles are not allowed in the Frank Church wilderness areas so there is an alternate route for bicycles on the Idaho Centennial Trail.
The Idaho Centennial Trail takes dedication and good planning if you wish to complete the entire trail in one season. The Frank Church Wilderness is an amazing spectacle. If you do not wish to detour around the Frank Church wilderness you can always arrange to pick up your bicycle on the other side of the Frank Church Wilderness and then hike through the vast section of Frank Church Wilderness where bicycles are not allowed.
Many parts of the Idaho Centennial Trail passes through private land. Because of this a parcel of land that was permissible to pass one year may now be forbidden and and you will have to detour yet again. You will more than likely make many detours when traveling by bicycle on the Idaho Centennial Trail. Wildfires, private land, and unexpectedly running low on water will keep you busy with the maps.
The Idaho Centennial Trail begins near the Nevada border by Murphy's Hot Springs. Murphy's Hot Spring is not a place to stock up on supplies. You need to be stocked and prepared BEFORE you go to Murphy's Hot Springs. Murphy's Hot Springs is located on the East Fork of the Jarbidge River. According to Idaho Public TV if your are hiking the Idaho Centennial Trail you should begin early in the year. The southern Idaho desert can be scorching hot with little water during the summer months. If you begin your hike early you can avoid the extreme highs of the Southern Idaho Desert and bu the time you hike to higher elevations the Snow should be gone.
When biking the Idaho Centennial Trail you will have more leeway but it is still strongly advised not to attempt the Southern Desert Region during the summer months. Centennial Trail through Bikers generally begin their trip in May. If you are in the desert during July or August you are asking for death.
The approximately 1,100-1,200 mile Idaho Centennial Trail starts off in the high desert region of southern Idaho. The mileage can vary drastically depending on the detours that will add mileage to your route. It is common for summertime temperatures to be over a hundred degrees with little to no shade on the trail. This first section of the Idaho Centennial Trail takes you right through a section of the Saylor Creek Bombing Range. You probably don't need to worry about getting bombed by any Military training sorties. When you set up camp for the night Keep an eye out for UFOs which many people have reported in the area through the years.
This part of Idaho is very remote. Even many people from Southern Idaho are shocked at how remote and vast this part of Idaho is. In fact Jarbidge Nevada, near Murphy Hot Springs Idaho, is considered one the most remote towns in the lower 48 states. The only towns that are more remote then Jarbidge Nevada are located in Alaska.
After leaving the Saylor Creek Bombing range you will continue on riding through hot dry desert. Hammett Idaho is the end of stage 1. Stage 2 of the Idaho Centennial will leave Hammett Idaho through more dry desert until you reach the mountains. Hammett Idaho is easily accessible from I-84 but the town is very small and spread out.
Stage one of the Idaho Centennial Trail is vastly different from the next stage. Stage 2 is where you will reach the mountains. The views of desert, lava rock, and sagebrush turn into the majestic beauty of the Sawtooth mountains.
For More Information on the Idaho Centennial Trail:
Brian Frankle's '08 Idaho Centennial Trail Hike Pictures
Idaho Parks And Recreation Idaho Centennial Trail Website
Idaho Public TV Centennial Trail
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