The Mine Loop on Lucky Peak provides single track trails, scenic views, no
crowds, and it's located just 10 minutes from Boise. The preferred loop
starts at the Highland Valley Road gate on ID-21, just south of Highland Valley
Summit. This gate is typically closed from November to May, but that may vary
according to weather and fires. From here, follow a well traveled jeep
road west to Pt 3789 where you'll leave the Highland Valley Road (historic) and
turn right (north). About 1/4 mile from this junction you'll find a single
track trail cutting across the road from both directions. Take the right
(northeast) single track as it climbs steeply at first, levels off, then climbs
steeply again, before finding the jeep road again after 1.7 miles of narrow
trail. Either take the Mine Loop road or the main road. If taking the Mine
Loop, take the second right down to the Black Hornet Mine (marked on the USGS).
If taking the main road, follow it steeply to the next junction after a cattle
guard. Take the right down a steep hill and find the same junction described in
the last sentence (left this time to the Black Hornet Mine).
The Black Hornet Mine is just a remnant area of late 1800's to early 1900's
mining. Plenty is left in the form of building foundations, tailings
piles, and rock outcroppings. The trail narrows to a single track again as it
passes through this area, then climbs steeply north to a small saddle and
junction with the Fish & Game Road. Looking down into the valley just
north of here is several large mining buildings in really good shape. This area
is called the Adelmann Mining Area and these were used last in the mid 1900's.
From the Adelmann saddle, follow the jeep road up and north to reach the
summit of Lucky Peak. The road actually connects to the main road again, north
of the summit after passing through the pine trees. Snow lingers late in this
upper northeast area. To complete the loop, go right and downhill from the
Adelmann Saddle. Follow this road east toward the Fish & Game (Boise Wildlife
Management) Office. You'll pass the
Fish & Game Boneyard, where they dump all the roadkill from the local
highway. Every so often they take a bulldozer and bury the bones, but the
area is usually full of carcasses and bones from mostly elk and deer.
Common visitors to the Boneyard include crows, birds of prey, and coyotes.
You'll reach the back of Fish & Game (public access is okay) and ID-21. Walk up
and over Highland Valley Summit on ID-21 (briefly) to reach the parking area.
Mine Loop from upper Highland Valley Road parking:
9.8 miles and
3032 feet gain (loop)
Mine Loop from upper Highland Valley Road parking with a excursion to
Lucky Peak Summit: 12.7 miles and
3734 feet gain (loop)
