A Peaceful Escape Can Be Found Along This Year-Round Mountain Trail In Idaho
By Courtnie Erickson|Published May 15, 2024
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
If you love to spend time outdoors all year long, I have just the place for you. Located in the Boise National Forest, not far from Garden Valley, is the Stargaze Point Trail via Beaver Creek Summit Trail. This is considered one of the best hikes in Idaho and it’s perfect for a year-round adventure. During the warmer months of the year, this is a beautiful and quiet hiking trail and during the winter, it is one of the best snowshoe trails in the state. It’s a peaceful escape into nature.
The Stargaze Point Trail via Beaver Creek Summit is an outdoor adventure for when you want some solitude in nature. This is a 3.0-mile, out-and-back hike that will certainly leave an impression.
You will find the trailhead at the Beaver Creek Summit parking area, along Idaho Highway 21. During the winter months, this is a Park N’ Ski area, which means there is a small fee for parking a vehicle.
If hiking in the warmer months of the year, you will have a few challenges ahead of you. This trail is considered moderate in difficulty as there are some rocky areas and you will climb nearly 700 feet in elevation.
However, it is also a lesser-known trail, meaning you are less likely to encounter many others on your journey. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy a little peace and quiet along your way.
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I recommend that you don’t rush as you hike. The mountain views are gorgeous and on clear days, it is easy to see for miles.
And while I love a summer hiking adventure, nothing beats this trail in the winter. This is one of the most popular snowshoeing trails in the area and for good reason – it’s perfect.
If you desire, you can even reserve the Stargaze Yurt, which is accessed along the trail. You will have to snowshoe to reach the yurt but it’s an epic winter adventure.
The Stargaze Yurt is managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and reservations are required.
For an escape into nature no matter the time of the year, we suggest a trek along the Stargaze Point Trail via Beaver Creek Summit. Hike or snowshoe — either way, it’s an adventure you won’t soon forget.
For more information on this hiking trail in Idaho, visit AllTrails. You may also want to check out AllTrails+ and our ultimate hiking packing list for ideas to make your trek just a little bit easier.
What are some of your favorite hiking trails in Idaho? Do you think the Stargaze Point Trail via Beaver Creek Summit is one of the best hikes in Idaho? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
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