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Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area

Located near the town of Gimlet, Idaho not far from the Sawtooth National Forest and Craters of the Moon National Monument, the Little Wood River Wilderness Area spans 4,000 acres and offers gorgeous views and many recreational activity opportunities. The area’s mountain landscape is cut through by the Little Wood River, which is lined with beautiful trees and supports a range of wildlife.

Like all BLM sites, the Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area is made up of public lands. These lands are preserved through the work of the Bureau of Land Management to protect the plants and animals that call this area home. BLM sites are also designed to offer a space for people to get closer to nature through camping, hiking, or other activities. To find BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Kane Lake Trail

Located in the nearby Salmon-Challis National Forest, this trail offers incredible views and is particularly breathtaking during the fall months.

Length: 8.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Norton Lakes Trail

This route through the Sawtooth National Forest offers access to nearby fishing and camping locations.

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Baker Lake Trail

This trail meanders around a picturesque lake and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Length: 3.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Chocolate Gulch Trail

This scenic trail is great for both hiking and mountain biking.

Length: 5.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Taylor Canyon Loop

This trail climbs in elevation and offers incredible views at the higher points.

Length: 4.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Both the Big and Little Wood Rivers are fantastic for fishing. Trout are the most common catch, and fly fishing is generally the preferred fishing method. The East Fork of the Lost River also offers great trout fishing, and anglers can also catch grayling.

Climbing

There are several fantastic rock climbing locations near the Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area. The Pioneer Range offers one traditional and one alpine climb. Billy Goat Buttress, which is just north of Ketchum, one of the towns closest to the wilderness area, offers six traditional, top rope, and alpine climbs. Trail Creek in Sun Valley provides seven sport and traditional climbs.

Wildlife Viewing

The Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area is the perfect place to spot wildlife. Thanks to the incredible, secluded environment the river and mountains create, mule deer, grouse, chipmunks, porcupines, pine martens, weasels, hares, and elk are commonly spotted. The cottonwoods in the canyon are common nesting locations for raptors. Lucky visitors might even see a mountain lion, wolf, black bear, or wolverine.

Picnicking

The Penny Lake Picnic Area is a great spot to stop for lunch. There are tables and fire rings, and restrooms are available. The Sun Creek Picnic Area offers beautiful views of the creek. There are tables and restrooms. Another fantastic choice is the Deer Creek Picnic Area, and it offers stunning views of the scenery.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Boundary Campground in the Sawtooth National Forest. There are nine sites, and drinking water and vault toilets are available. Each site has a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Reservations are not accepted, and there are no hookups. The Meadows RV Park is another excellent option for RV camping. The park offers gorgeous views and full hookups. There are also restrooms, laundry facilities, and a playground.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available right in the Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area. Campers can set up a dispersed site wherever they like as long as there is little vegetation and the campsite is at least 200 feet from any water sources, such as the river. The Wolftone Campground is also a good choice for rugged, dispersed camping. Federal Gulch Campground, another free option, has three sites along the East Fork of the Wood River. The campsite is open from May to October, and campers can stay for up to 16 days.

RV Rentals Near Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

Generally, summer, late spring, and early fall are the most popular times to visit the Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area. Temperatures in the summer are in the 70s and 80s although nights can be chilly. Winter temperatures often fall below freezing. Although this makes for excellent cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling weather, it can also be dangerous. If you plan to adventure out during cold weather, keep an eye on the forecast. Dress in layers and pack food and first aid supplies.

The Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area is relatively remote. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Check the status of roads ahead of time to make sure they’re passable and that four-wheel drive or all-terrain vehicles aren’t required. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Always utilize "Leave No Trace" practices, such as making sure you leave Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in a better state than you found them. Pick up any litter you see, and always dispose of trash properly. Don’t throw food waste, such as bones, into the landscape, but instead throw them away or pack out waste. Keep fires to a minimum, and when you do start a campfire, make it in a designated area such as a fire pit. Only use small pieces of dry wood that you collect from the area. Importing firewood can also import invasive species.

Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area Location

From Gimlet, head south on State Hwy 75. Continue for about 11 miles before turning left onto Pine Street. Continue for another 13 miles, and then, take a sharp left onto Baugh Creek Road. Continue for just under three miles until you reach the wilderness area.

Shoshone Field Office: 400 West F Street, Shoshone, ID 83352

Ready to visit Little Wood River Wilderness Study Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.