SW Idaho Overlanding
- Thread starter GHCOE
- Start date
This trip was the Lava Roads expedition, but also a trip to verify most of the second half of Leg 2 and most of Leg 3 of the West East Idaho Overland Route (WEIOR). A big portion of this video is running through the Bennett Hills north of Gooding, Idaho and then into the Lava Flows North of Twin Falls, Idaho. Most of this trip was new roads for me and even I did not know what to expect. What did we see? Well ride along with us and find out. I am sure you will not be disappointed.
Well, it is time to post the years trips up that I plan to take. Anyone is welcome to join if they think their vehicles are prepared for it. Just remember, this is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
With that let the adventures begin!
Feb 7 Winter Wonderland IX: 60-80 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Time to hit the trails for 2026! This is what the Winter Wonderland Trips are all about. I have two routes planned just in case we get snow or more snow. Depending on snow depends on what route we will be taking. Lots of snow will probably result in a bit shorter route, 60 miles. If the snow is light then we will attempt to do the second route, 80 miles. The routes overlap so there are options for us if things are a bit icy out there.
I have driven some of these roads, but others I have not. I would suspect, in general, basic 2 track roads. Probably going to be mud, snow, rocky sections. Not expecting anything too technical. Of course, mud and snow can cause slick areas and possible places to get stuck. We'll keep a eye out on the weather and see what pans out!
Mar 6,7 Homestead #1: 168 miles Marsing, ID to Marsing, ID
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead, we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
Apr 10,11 Hoodoos II: 57 miles Bliss, ID to Bliss, ID
This is going to be a overnight in and out trip. We missed part of the Bennett Hills trip last year because of mechanical issues. So, this trip will take in the part we missed and include another section I've driven before a few years back. These trails will be rough. Good tires and a small lift or naturally high clearance vehicles will be recommended. Want to know how rough? Check out this video to give you a good idea what we are in for.
This trip is only 57.1 miles, but they will be miles well earned.
Mordor V11.0: June 5-8
This will be a base camp type trip. We'll post up the location, and you can come out when you can. There will be trail rides planned for the 6th and 7th. Stay in camp or come go out with us for a day adventure, the choice is yours. Routes have not been planned yet. Generally, stock 4x4 vehicles can navigate most obstacles out there.
Dayville the Hard Way: June 26-28 336 miles Vale, OR to Vale, OR (Half the miles are return highway miles)
Have you ever been to Dayville, Oregon the hard way? Me neither! Well, we will attempt to get to Dayville a different way. What to expect? I don't really know. Should be pretty straight forward well-maintained dirt and paved roads. Maybe a short section of rougher stuff but we won't know how rough, if at all, till we get there. I would assume stock vehicles will be fine. We can always reroute if needed.
This area is a area I have been wanting to get into deeper than just highway views. Lots of private property so that is why it is mostly good roads. Sometimes we need just need a easy trip. I allowed 3 days, but it might only be two long days. This is also the last trip before shutting down for the hot part of the year.
East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR) Route Verification #1: Sep 24-27 ? miles Grandview, ID to ?
Yup! You read that right. The East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR), not to be confused with the West East Idaho Overland Route (WEIOR), has begun and we need to start validating some of the roads. Due to road limitations on the west side of the state, I have pretty much driven all of that, so I know what to expect. There are however many miles of road I have not traveled so here we are, going on a verification run. Starting in Grandview, Idaho we will hit the EWIOR within a few miles. Then it will be 3 days of driving, and we get as far as we can. I allowed one day for the return trip so take that into consideration if interested in driving this route with us.
The EWIOR, for the most part, is not as isolated as the WEIOR but this route will cover the most remote portion of it. Road conditions like the WEIOR route will vary drastically especially for the section we are covering. How rough can it get? I don't really know, I would guess stock high clearance vehicles would be fine and mildly lifted vehicles as well. Good all terrain tires would be good too. Two speed transfer case as well. There are lots of miles of good roads but there are some short stretches that could be problematic to vehicles that are not prepared.
Homestead #2: Nov 14-15 154 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Well, we had Homestead #1 this spring so we will finish off with Homestead #2 this fall. This might be the beginning of a new series!
Heading down south again we will visit and hopefully camp at this homestead along the Bruneau River. This will be a in and out overnighter. From what I know of this route it should be good for a stock 4x4 vehicle. Could be cold this time of year so be prepared.
This will be the last trip of the year. The Holiday season will be close by time we get done with this trip.
Well, that is it for this year. Seven trips should make for a full year of adventure. Keep your eyes open here for more detailed descriptions of upcoming trips and any date/time changes. All posted information is subject to change in a moment's notice. Check back often for updates.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
See you on the trails! George.
With that let the adventures begin!
Feb 7 Winter Wonderland IX: 60-80 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Time to hit the trails for 2026! This is what the Winter Wonderland Trips are all about. I have two routes planned just in case we get snow or more snow. Depending on snow depends on what route we will be taking. Lots of snow will probably result in a bit shorter route, 60 miles. If the snow is light then we will attempt to do the second route, 80 miles. The routes overlap so there are options for us if things are a bit icy out there.
I have driven some of these roads, but others I have not. I would suspect, in general, basic 2 track roads. Probably going to be mud, snow, rocky sections. Not expecting anything too technical. Of course, mud and snow can cause slick areas and possible places to get stuck. We'll keep a eye out on the weather and see what pans out!
Mar 6,7 Homestead #1: 168 miles Marsing, ID to Marsing, ID
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead, we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
Apr 10,11 Hoodoos II: 57 miles Bliss, ID to Bliss, ID
This is going to be a overnight in and out trip. We missed part of the Bennett Hills trip last year because of mechanical issues. So, this trip will take in the part we missed and include another section I've driven before a few years back. These trails will be rough. Good tires and a small lift or naturally high clearance vehicles will be recommended. Want to know how rough? Check out this video to give you a good idea what we are in for.
This trip is only 57.1 miles, but they will be miles well earned.
Mordor V11.0: June 5-8
This will be a base camp type trip. We'll post up the location, and you can come out when you can. There will be trail rides planned for the 6th and 7th. Stay in camp or come go out with us for a day adventure, the choice is yours. Routes have not been planned yet. Generally, stock 4x4 vehicles can navigate most obstacles out there.
Dayville the Hard Way: June 26-28 336 miles Vale, OR to Vale, OR (Half the miles are return highway miles)
Have you ever been to Dayville, Oregon the hard way? Me neither! Well, we will attempt to get to Dayville a different way. What to expect? I don't really know. Should be pretty straight forward well-maintained dirt and paved roads. Maybe a short section of rougher stuff but we won't know how rough, if at all, till we get there. I would assume stock vehicles will be fine. We can always reroute if needed.
This area is a area I have been wanting to get into deeper than just highway views. Lots of private property so that is why it is mostly good roads. Sometimes we need just need a easy trip. I allowed 3 days, but it might only be two long days. This is also the last trip before shutting down for the hot part of the year.
East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR) Route Verification #1: Sep 24-27 ? miles Grandview, ID to ?
Yup! You read that right. The East West Idaho Overland Route (EWIOR), not to be confused with the West East Idaho Overland Route (WEIOR), has begun and we need to start validating some of the roads. Due to road limitations on the west side of the state, I have pretty much driven all of that, so I know what to expect. There are however many miles of road I have not traveled so here we are, going on a verification run. Starting in Grandview, Idaho we will hit the EWIOR within a few miles. Then it will be 3 days of driving, and we get as far as we can. I allowed one day for the return trip so take that into consideration if interested in driving this route with us.
The EWIOR, for the most part, is not as isolated as the WEIOR but this route will cover the most remote portion of it. Road conditions like the WEIOR route will vary drastically especially for the section we are covering. How rough can it get? I don't really know, I would guess stock high clearance vehicles would be fine and mildly lifted vehicles as well. Good all terrain tires would be good too. Two speed transfer case as well. There are lots of miles of good roads but there are some short stretches that could be problematic to vehicles that are not prepared.
Homestead #2: Nov 14-15 154 miles Grandview, ID to Grandview, ID
Well, we had Homestead #1 this spring so we will finish off with Homestead #2 this fall. This might be the beginning of a new series!
Heading down south again we will visit and hopefully camp at this homestead along the Bruneau River. This will be a in and out overnighter. From what I know of this route it should be good for a stock 4x4 vehicle. Could be cold this time of year so be prepared.
This will be the last trip of the year. The Holiday season will be close by time we get done with this trip.
Well, that is it for this year. Seven trips should make for a full year of adventure. Keep your eyes open here for more detailed descriptions of upcoming trips and any date/time changes. All posted information is subject to change in a moment's notice. Check back often for updates.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
See you on the trails! George.
Last edited:
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
Looks like a good selection of trips. I should be able to make at least a few of these!
Winter Wonderland IX
February Saturday 7
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: Grand View Gas 110 ID-78, Grand View, ID 83624
Destination: Owyhee Foothills
Estimated Duration: 1 day
Estimated Distance: 60 or 80 miles (Grand View to Grand View)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Holidays are over and it is time to hit the trails again. Winter Wonderland IX, the first trip of 2026.
I have two routes planned and it depends on the weather which one we will attempt. If we have no snow or little snow between now and the trip, we will take the long route which will gains some elevation (6300 feet). The shorter route will stay lower (4000 feet). Or we can combine the two and make it a longer day depending again on weather and if there is a lot of snow or mud. There are some side trips that can be explored if we have the time as well.
I am expecting mostly two track roads for this trip. Roads could be muddy and or snowy, rocky in some places. I am not expecting anything technical. Should be a good time to get out into the field and have fun! g
This should be a great trip to start the year with.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Hope to see you there! George.
February Saturday 7
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: Grand View Gas 110 ID-78, Grand View, ID 83624
Destination: Owyhee Foothills
Estimated Duration: 1 day
Estimated Distance: 60 or 80 miles (Grand View to Grand View)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
Holidays are over and it is time to hit the trails again. Winter Wonderland IX, the first trip of 2026.
I have two routes planned and it depends on the weather which one we will attempt. If we have no snow or little snow between now and the trip, we will take the long route which will gains some elevation (6300 feet). The shorter route will stay lower (4000 feet). Or we can combine the two and make it a longer day depending again on weather and if there is a lot of snow or mud. There are some side trips that can be explored if we have the time as well.
I am expecting mostly two track roads for this trip. Roads could be muddy and or snowy, rocky in some places. I am not expecting anything technical. Should be a good time to get out into the field and have fun! g
This should be a great trip to start the year with.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Hope to see you there! George.
Homestead #1
March 6,7 (Friday 6-Saturday 7)
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: ATM (I-O-N Truck Plaza) 5644 Buntrock Rd, Marsing, ID 83639
Destination: Owyhee Canyon/Desert
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 184 (I-O-N Truck Plaza to I-O-N Truck Plaza)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead, we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
March 6,7 (Friday 6-Saturday 7)
Time: 7:00am
Meet Place: ATM (I-O-N Truck Plaza) 5644 Buntrock Rd, Marsing, ID 83639
Destination: Owyhee Canyon/Desert
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 184 (I-O-N Truck Plaza to I-O-N Truck Plaza)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
This trip will visit a old ranch on the Owyhee River and then a planned night at a interesting place. I was across the river from this homestead a few years ago so now is the time to actually visit it.
After visiting the homestead, we will head over to a place to spend the night in a area I have been wanting to check out for some time. Next day we will drive along some lava and visit Jordan Craters, might be some other stops if we have time.
I made this trip a Friday, Saturday trip since Saturday will probably be a long day on the trail.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
Jordan craters is quite cool, for anybody who's not been there. Absolutely worth the drive. I'm planning on making this one, as it will be a good trip to test the longer trailer tongue.
Hoodoos II
April 10,11 (Friday 10-Saturday 11)
Time: 8:00am
Meet Place: Love's Travel Stop 680 US-30, Bliss, ID 83314
Destination: Bennett Hills
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 57 miles (Love's Travel Stop to Love's Travel Stop)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
This is going to be a overnight in and out trip. We missed part of the Bennett Hills trip last year because of mechanical issues. This trip will take in the part we missed and include another section I've driven before a few years back.
These trails will be rough. Good tires and a small lift or natrually high clearance vehicles will be recommended. Want to know how rough? Check out this video to give you a good idea what we are in for.
This trip is only 57.1 miles, but they will be miles well earned.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
April 10,11 (Friday 10-Saturday 11)
Time: 8:00am
Meet Place: Love's Travel Stop 680 US-30, Bliss, ID 83314
Destination: Bennett Hills
Estimated Duration: 2 days
Estimated Distance: 57 miles (Love's Travel Stop to Love's Travel Stop)
Comms Channels: GRMS=17, CB=13
This is going to be a overnight in and out trip. We missed part of the Bennett Hills trip last year because of mechanical issues. This trip will take in the part we missed and include another section I've driven before a few years back.
These trails will be rough. Good tires and a small lift or natrually high clearance vehicles will be recommended. Want to know how rough? Check out this video to give you a good idea what we are in for.
This trip is only 57.1 miles, but they will be miles well earned.
This is not a guided tour and all who attend are ultimately responsible for their own safety. I am not responsible for damage, injury and or death. You partake under your own free will knowing the dangers of such activities.
