RECOMMENDED RIDES
beds , to wetlands , to high desert . The highway runs alongside the beautiful Lost River Mountain Range . These are some of the highest mountains in Idaho , including Mount Borah , the highest peak in Idaho at 12,667 feet . Believe me ; you ’ ll know it when you see it . There are hiking trails to the peak if you are so inclined .
Located not far up the Lost River Valley from Arco , near the town of Moore , is King Mountain , the site of the World Hang Gliding Championship . The drafts of air flowing up the open valley make King Mountain an ideal location for hang gliding .
Also located near Arco is the Idaho National Laboratory . The facility was initially used for research into the design and construction of nuclear power plants . Arco was the first city on Earth to be lit by nuclear power .
Twenty-seven miles from Arco , you come to the small town of Mackay ( population 450 ). This is your best bet for services along the way , with gas stations , modest motels , and several small cafes . There are even a few RV parks .
Mackay started as a gold mining town in 1879 . Almost a million tons of ore were dug out of the ground in the now abandoned nearby towns of Cliff City and White Knob . A stop at Mackay ' s Mine Hill will give you spectacular views of the Lost River Mountains and the Lost River Valley .
Not long after leaving Mackay , you should be able to spot Mount Borah . From Mackay , the scenery changes drastically from lava beds and sagebrush to far-reaching meadows . This is the Lost River Valley . It is named for a river that goes underground and resurfaces many miles farther on .
This willow valley is fed by mountain streams and was once a favorite for mountain men trapping beaver . The beaver were all trapped out in a few short years , but these green meadows now roll to the base of far-off ragged peaks . There are ranches scattered throughout the area , some cattle grazing and the remains of old log cabins and
corrals , now long abandoned . As you ride past these abandoned homesteads , imagine the days when solitary figures trapped , mined , or ran cattle in these wide open meadows and among these steep canyons .
This is also where you will pass by Mackay Reservoir . There are a few lakeside public campgrounds here if you have a mind to stop and rest awhile , and yes , there are a few restrooms in the camping areas .
At last , there is Challis , a nice little western town with plenty of choices for accommodations and food . There is that feeling of old west charm here with no touristy attractions . It ’ s just a nice little western town .
From here , you can make a loop ride on to Stanley Idaho , the Sawtooth National Recreation Area . Head south through Sun Valley , and maybe stopover at the Craters of Moon National Monument and Preserve on your way back to Arco . But that might be a ride for another day . CMA
Tom and Kathie Palazzolo oversee the West Region as
National Evangelist .
13⎪November 2021⎪www . cmausa . org