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Best Long-Distance Hikes in Idaho

The directory currently contains 7 quality-checked routes matching this guide in Idaho. Their average mapped distance is 484 km and average recorded ascent is 7,446 m (24,429 ft); the longest route in the set is 1558 km.

This subset represents 7% of the 105 quality-checked routes in Idaho. Its average distance is 484 km, compared with 41.3 km across the full local set. Average recorded ascent is 7,446 m (24,429 ft), versus 907 m (2,976 ft) for all quality-checked routes in the same area.

These routes carry the long-distance tag. Total distance is shown for comparison; stage planning and accommodation require separate research. Within this set, 0 routes (0%) are rated easy, 7 (100%) are rated hard or expert, and 0 (0%) are recorded as loops. Ratings are computed from available distance and elevation data and do not establish current terrain or access.

Data refreshed September 2026

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

84.8 km

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

2,018 m

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.

Trails

Expert

Idaho · United States

Distance
156 km
/ 97.1 mi
Elevation gain
5,148 m
Typical duration
44 hr
  • Mountain
  • Waymarked route
  • Long-distance path
Warm Springs State Hospital, Warm Springs, Montana
Expert

Idaho · United States

Distance
1558 km
/ 968 mi
Elevation gain
12,077 m
Typical duration
388 hr
  • Mountain
  • Long-distance path
Expert

Idaho · United States

Distance
560 km
/ 348 mi
Elevation gain
10,039 m
Typical duration
148 hr
  • Mountain
  • Long-distance path
Expert

Idaho · United States

Distance
277 km
/ 172 mi
Elevation gain
11,006 m
Typical duration
82 hr
  • Mountain
  • Long-distance path

The shortlist, side by side

The ten highest scoring routes on this page, so you can compare effort before opening any of them.

Distance, ascent, walking time and difficulty for the top routes
RouteDistanceAscentTimeDifficultyBest season
Pacific Northwest Trail 02 IdahoIdaho156 km5,148 m44 hrExpertJune to October
Palouse to Cascades State Park TrailIdaho400 km2,018 m97 hrExpertApril to October
Pacific Northwest Trail 01 MontanaIdaho350 km7,077 m93 hrExpertJune to October
CDT - Idaho & Montana SectionIdaho1558 km12,077 m388 hrExpertJuly to September
Lewis & Clark National Historic TrailIdaho84.8 km4,759 m26 hrExpertJune to October
Idaho Centenial TrailIdaho560 km10,039 m148 hrExpertJuly to September
Idaho Centennial Trail (West)Idaho277 km11,006 m82 hrExpertJune to October

Pacific Northwest Trail 02 Idaho, Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail 01 Montana currently rank highest in this filtered set according to the directory score. Open an individual route to inspect its mapped line, elevation profile, data source and planning caveats. Check live access, conditions and local rules with an official source before travelling.

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