Mountain West Recreation Alliance (MWRA) is in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Tread Lightly, Trout Unlimited and the Challis Ranger District. The project builds on successful work completed in 2024 and will further expand trail connectivity and resource conservation in the Custer County region.These improvements will protect fisheries and water quality in the Challis Creek drainage, provide sustainable access for larger OHVs, and open up new looping trail opportunities into Bayhorse State Park—a long-sought recreational connection for the region. This project aligns with MWRA’s mission to promote multi-use trail access while stewarding the public lands that make Idaho exceptional.A key achievement of this project is the establishment of a new 80-inch connector trail, offering long-awaited access for full-size off-highway vehicles (OHVs). This upgrade—made possible through collaboration with the BLM and Challis Ranger District—represents a major step forward in trail inclusivity, expanding recreational opportunities for a broader range of users. The 80" designation not only supports responsible motorized access but also creates a critical looping connection into Bayhorse State Park, something that previously did not exist from the Custer Motorway. This connector will serve as a model for future trail planning in the region.

The Creeks, Trails, & Community: The Challis Project will have a significant and lasting impact on Idaho’s overland community by enhancing access, expanding route options, and promoting sustainable travel in one of the state’s most scenic and under-connected backcountry areas.

New 80-Inch Connector Trail: This trail is a breakthrough for the full-size OHV and overland community, accommodating a wide range of vehicles including overland trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. It allows these users to legally and safely access areas that were previously unavailable due to width restrictions or degraded trail conditions.

Looping Access to Bayhorse State Park: This long-desired connection creates a new multi-day overland loop opportunity that integrates with the historic Custer Motorway. The added loop will encourage deeper exploration of the region, spread out user impact, and create new staging opportunities for multi-vehicle groups.

Improved Trail Connectivity: Overlanders often plan their trips around connected, scenic routes. This project closes a key gap in trail systems, making the region more attractive for trip planning and increasing trip duration and economic impact.

Annual Users Impacted: Based on regional trailhead use data, state OHV registrations, and usage growth trends, we estimate:

Expanded Tourism Draw: Improved access to Bayhorse State Park and surrounding areas will attract out-of-area overlanders from neighboring states, increasing visitation and economic activity in Challis and Custer County.

Establishes a replicable model for integrating full-size OHV access into multi-use trail networks without compromising environmental goals.

Encourages a culture of responsible recreation, supported by MWRA’s partners such as Tread Lightly and Trout Unlimited, ensuring overlanders become active participants in stewardship efforts.

Promotes multi-agency collaboration as a proven method for balancing recreation and conservation—an approach that can be scaled across Idaho and beyond.

Key components of this effort include:

Construction of approximately 1,500 feet of jackleg fencing to protect riparian areas near the Challis Creek trailhead;

Installation of a new trailhead kiosk (FS approved design)

Brushing and trail re-routes along the 4WD access to Challis Lakes, including a short singletrack realignment;

Completion of Phase 2 of the Keystone-Ramshorn Trail expansion, converting the route from a 50” trail to 4WD width and improving a sensitive bog area;

Continued volunteer mobilization to support fence building, trail clearing, kiosk installation, and stewardship efforts.