Overlanding the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route: 17 Days of Adventure and Wonder

Join us for an unforgettable 17-day 7000 mile journey across the country that will lead us to.......Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route (IDBDR) ! Together, we will navigate all 1233 miles of Idaho’s rugged landscapes, boundless wilderness, and breathtaking trails, where every turn reveals a new chapter of discovery.

Starting at the southern border, we’ll journey northward through pristine wilderness, towering mountain ranges, and remote valleys. Each day will bring challenges—from conquering rocky passes to fording crystal-clear streams—met with camaraderie and determination.

This journey will balance quiet mornings by alpine lakes, overlanding through beauty like no other, and evenings around the campfire under a canopy of stars. Idaho’s backcountry will inspire teamwork and awe in equal measure.

Landmarks include the majestic Sawtooth Mountains, the serene shores of Priest Lake, and the sprawling forests of the Bitterroot Range. Along the way, we’ll explore ghost towns, discover hidden hot springs, and experience the changing landscapes, from arid deserts to lush alpine meadows.

This overlanding journey isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the connections we’ll forge with nature, our rigs, and each other. Each participant will bring their own energy and perspective, making this adventure one to remember.

Are you ready to explore the road less traveled? Join us at Venture Unknown, where the trails are wild, the friendships are lasting, and the possibilities are endless.

NOTE: There is an opportunity to combine this trip with the following Colorado Adventure planned Sept 15-28th. Each trip has its own ticket.

Dates

Thurs Aug 28th - Sept 14th

Summary

3.5 days to Rally

10 days on trail

3 days to return

Thurs Aug 28th

Departure Day

Most will begin the trek across the country around this day. The estimated time from Greenville SC to Jarbridge NV is 34 HOURS.

Thurs 28th / Fri 29th - Mon Sept 1st

TRAVEL DAYS Time to head West and put miles behind us! There will be attempts to discover dispersed camping along the way. (Minimal hotel stops preferred) VU will work on finding dispersed camping if all possible. Convoying is optional

Mon Sept 1st HOTEL NIGHT

RALLY DAY Estimated arrival into Jarbridge NV. We have the opportunity to stay in an ol barn in Jarbridge called the Outdoor Inn. VU will cover the cost of this accommodation in your ticket. Each rig / family will have their own room. Bathroom is a community style but there are men/women and hot showers

Tues Sept 2nd - Sept 12th

DAY 1 - 10

We will embark and officially begin the Idaho BDR.  

Everyday will be a different camp as we move north towards the northern terminus at the Canadian border. (see daily routine)

Fri Sept 12th

Return home.

Hopefully we will have finished the BDR by this day. When we wake up....home will need to be put into the GPS and we will begin the 2500+ mile trek East.

Ride Itinerary  

This is one of those trips that truly requires an Adventurous Spirit. We will explore freely and openly along the BDR while balancing time to finish but also stopping to smell the flowers, visit the fire towers, explore ghost towns, and whatever else pulls us in.

Daily routine 

This is a TRUE overlanding trip. Meaning we move camps everyday.

Wake up around 7am, cook breakfast, 8am we will huddle and be ready to depart everyday. Remember things can happen. Always bring your adventurous spirit. Be prepared to pack camp daily and wheels up around 8am. This route requires a full 10 days to complete. Finishing it will be the goal but if we dont.....It'll give us an excuse to come back.

Rally Point

Outdoor Inn

630 Main St, Jarbidge, NV 89826

Difficulty 

VU Level 4 

(Venture Unknown)

 Why is this a VU4??? Well because of the unknowns. Essentially this is a scouting trip that MAY mean we encounter long days, pinstripes, and rugged terrain. 90% of this trek can be done in a stock 4x4. There are offshoots to fire towers that will require 4wd and can be a challenge. This routes main difficulty is the amount of days off-grid.

Rig Requirements

• Mild built 4x4

• All terrain tires 31s minimum

• Auxiliary fuel REQUIRED

• Off grid cooking and storage for multiple days

• Recovery gear

• Recovery points

• Full size spare tire

• Potable water for shower and cooking

• Common parts that fail ( CV axle, tie rods, brakes, u joints, etc)

Max rig count

7

Camping type

Dispersed camping that changes nightly. Do not depend on facilities, water, or power. There are vault toilets in some places along the route.

What to bring?

• Everything to be self-sustained for multiple days in the wild.

• Proper clothing for the season,

• Footwear (water resistant boots recommended),

• Plenty of food, including trail snacks

• Cooking apparatus

• First aid kit and fire extinguisher

• Rain gear

• Chainsaw gas or electric

• Downloaded offline maps and paper maps,

• Portable toilet

• Auxiliary fuel is also HIGHLY recommended.

• Most important the right attitude.

• If you forgot something we will give you the shirt off our back but please plan ahead. Don't be shy, ask questions. We love to help people enjoy this hobby.

Communications 

Before the trip

We will schedule 2 calls via Google Meet leading up to departure.

First one, will be for introduction, questions, and to discuss expectations.

Second one, will be a wheels up call to ensure final prep is a go!

I will create 2 options to join each call. It is mandatory to attend these short meetings.

We will be available for any questions you may have via phone, messenger, or email. 

We will also create a team chat via FB messenger for all that are planning to come appx one month before the departure.

During the trip

We use GMRS radios during our rides. We highly recommend this type of communications. If you need recommendations on what to buy we will be glad to help. If you aren't able to secure a radio for the ride, we will provide a loaner. We will use GMRS CH17 (462.600)

VU will also have an active starlink avail to log into to send messages back home. As well as we carry satellite communicator for safety.

What's included? 

• Experienced and insured trail guide with years of recovery and guiding experience.

• Show up, follow the lead, and not have to worry too much about planning.

• Skilled mechanics on hand. If a breakdown incurs, we will do our 100% best to get the rig off the route and a plan back home.

• Shared GPX files of the route before and after.

• Access to the photo album.

• 1 nights hotel stay at the rally point.

• A piece of mind that you know you will be around a positive team mentality.

• Educational opportunities during this ride will include driving techniques, gear recommendations, communication and navigation lessons.

• Is it worth it? Only you can decide that. If its not for you, we understand and ask you to respect the time and effort it takes to bring an adventure like this together.

Cost

$600 per rig

Notes

• Answer registration questions carefully

• Arrive at rally topped off as possible with fuel this is VERY important.

• Auxiliary fuel REQUIRED

• Please bring a bundle or 2 of firewood for the community fire

• Read over our code of conduct found under the policy of this registration

• By signing up for this adventure you are agreeing to our waiver.

Linking Idaho with Colorado???

Yep we are doing Idaho first and then heading to Colorado. If interested in linking these two trips, simply register for both. This will mean a full month of a dream overlanding trip like no other!! Dates would be Aug 28th-Sept 28th. With a 5 day travel/rest/free flow days in-between!

Due to planning and this registration holding your spot before anyone else, the experience is non refundable

Check out all our adventures. We can personalize and plan your adventure