Burnt Aspen Trail

The Burnt Aspen Hike would make an excellent addition to your Salmon-Challis National Forest adventure itinerary, assuming you don’t mind breaking a sweat. Explore exposed grasslands and pine forests interspersed with aspen groves, occupied by a diversity of flora. This scenic expedition offers great views of the Pioneer Mountains, so make sure you bring your camera! Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and wear SPF to avoid overexposure.

Embark on your adventure along the Burnt Aspen Trail from the trailhead off Wild Horse Creek Road. Setting out from here, you will immediately begin your climb, trekking southwestwardly. The steep terrain is made more manageable with the help of switchbacks, winding up the forested ridge. Mind your footing on the uneven terrain and revel in the diversity of wildflowers and brush that carpet the landscape. After some hiking, the trail will straighten out for a while before quickly traversing some switchbacks up the ridge.

Eventually, you will reach the route’s end—marvel at the mountain views, then head back down the path the way you came, all the way to the trailhead.