Trail Creek Road in Idaho is not for novice mountain drivers

Get ready for a wild ride on Trail Creek Road! This super scenic route straddles Blaine and Custer counties in Idaho and is a total hidden gem.

Clocking in at just over 40 miles, the road kicks off near Ketchum, winding its way up to Highway 93 close to Chilly.

Heads up: the pavement doesn't last long! You'll quickly be bumping along on gravel, and then it's mostly dirt and some seriously aggressive, pyramid-shaped rocks. Think insane drop-offs, a skinny, one-lane gravel path, and views that'll knock your socks off. You don't *need* 4WD, but be prepared for some rocky and potholed sections.

This drive is no joke! If you're not comfortable with mountain driving, this might not be for you. Seriously steep sections and unforgiving terrain mean you need to be on your game. There's a reason big rigs and trailers are a no-go. This road has a reputation for flat tires, so make sure your spare is in tip-top shape (and full-sized!). Rockslides and washouts are common, so keep your eyes glued to the road. Did I mention the views are amazing? Just don't become one of them!

Located in the heart of Idaho, give yourself 1-2 hours to conquer this incredible drive without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. The actual time depends on the road conditions and how often you pause to soak in the scenery.

You'll climb to Trail Creek Summit at a whopping 7,910 feet above sea level. This gravel, mostly unmaintained road is snowed under in winter but opens up as soon as the weather warms. We're talking double-digit feet of snow! Plus, rock and dirt avalanches often cause damage during the colder months.