The Magruder Corridor has often been called the “wildest road in the lower 48 states.” Whether true or not, there’s no doubt that this road in North-Central Idaho is historic and scenic all rolled into one. For 117 miles of winding, off-road travel, the corridor stretches across the state all the way to Montana, and it is truly one of the most unique road trips one can take in Idaho.

The Magruder Corridor was originally named for Lloyd Magruder who, along with his exploration party, was brutally murdered on the road in 1863. If that doesn’t intimidate you, be sure to check this road trip out! Along the way, you’ll catch sight of stunning vistas, lush valleys, forest expanses, and rushing rivers, with plenty of opportunities for rustic camping or resting in comfort. This corridor crosses not only the wilderness mountains of Idaho, but cuts through a few sleepy, quiet towns as well. To truly amp up the experience, we’ve slightly modified this road trip to make it appealing to the wider audience. The trip will take you from rural Grangeville to the Montana border, with a total drive time of 14 hours or so. Enjoy!

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1. Grangeville
J.Stephen Conn/Flickr
Orin Blomberg/Flickr
Orin Blomberg/Flickr
Grangeville will be the starting point for this beautiful back-country road trip. A small town of just over 3,000 residents, to launch your trip you can drive or bike the Camas Prairie Railroad across the valley and enjoy the views from 120 feet above the pavement. Grangeville's Native American name means "the foot of the mountains," making this trestle and city the perfect start to a weekend adventure.
2. Clearwater River
Forest Service Northern Region/Flickr
The Magruder Corridor essentially divides the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness from the Frank Church Wilderness. As you travel into Elk City, you'll have the opportunity to explore the rushing Clearwater River, do some fishing, camping, or simply enjoy nature.

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3. Red River Hot Springs
Red River Hot Spring Resort/Facebook
After exploring the forest and water, Elk City is the last city you'll see for a few hours, so stock up on snacks! If you'd like to make one last stop, make a slight detour to check out the Red River Hot Springs Resort just a short drive outside of town to soothe your muscles and catch a good night's sleep in a cabin before continuing your journey.
4. Magruder Road
Viriato Patrao/YouTube
Viriato Patrao/YouTube
Welcome to the main part of your trip. Not far outside of Elk City, the Magruder Road begins, 100-mile one-lane path that is for high-clearance and off-road vehicles only. Keep in mind this is wolf and mountain lion territory, as well as protected, unimproved wilderness. Here, you'll see remnants of wildfires past, gentle creeks, beautiful mountainscapes, and simply have the opportunity to escape into solitude.
6. Burnt Knob Lookout
Doug Printz/YouTube
Doug Printz/YouTube
To stretch your legs and take a break from the winding roads of the corridor, take a hike up to the Burnt Knob Fire Lookout for a stunning panorama of the mountain valley. Simply take the 4-wheel drive-only road #468C up to the lookout point. You'll see three scenic lakes below, and have the opportunity to catch a vibrant sunset here, if you choose to stay.
7. Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
Aaron/Flickr
The entirety of the corridor is encased in wilderness, so travel slowly and be prepared for some bumpy terrain. Fortunately, the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness stretch is the smoothest portion of the trip. Here, there are a number of trails to explore and a number of historic bridges over the water to check out. The elevations in the area vary from 3100' to 8200', but do be prepared for blocked roads from falling branches, or for tire trouble.

This easy 2-day road trip is a must-do for those who want to explore a few sites off the beaten path. There are numerous opportunities and options for side trips to truly make this trip fit your family’s lifestyle and preferences, including the option to simply drive straight through. The choice is up to you! However, keep in mind that this truly is a wilderness road. Fallen trees, flat tires, and car trouble are extremely common, so be prepared with extra provisions and tools to keep you and your family safe.

Have you ever driven Magruder’s Corridor? What did you think of the journey?

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