Hiking at Brundage Mountain Resort: trails and practical info

Brundage Mountain Resort is a ski area in central Idaho. In summer, its Summer page cites more than 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, the latter lift-served. The resort's Summer Trail Report splits these trails into three groups: downhill bike trails, where hiking is not allowed; cross-country bike trails, which are open to hikers; and three hiking trails, Hidden Valley Overlook, Lookout Trail and South Lodge Lane.

Getting to the summit

The Bluebird Express scenic chairlift takes about 14 minutes to reach the summit. The resort's hiking page puts the summit at 7,640 feet (2,329 m), while its Summer page and a May 2026 announcement say 7,800 feet (2,377 m). The prices listed on the scenic rides page are $20 for adults (13 and up), $15 for juniors (7 to 12) and free for children 6 and under. A signed waiver is required, and the resort prohibits carrying a child in a backpack, front pack or car seat on its chairlifts. Dogs cannot ride the chairlift, service dogs included.

For 2026, the summer opening was set for June 19, with service Wednesday to Sunday from June 24 to September 7. On September 1, the resort announced that a maintenance issue would keep the Bluebird Express from operating for the rest of the season, pending a part from the manufacturer. The scenic rides page says lift operations have concluded and shows "Coming summer 27".

The three summit hiking trails

• Hidden Valley Overlook: starts at the top of the Bluebird Express heading north, past the Ski Patrol HQ Cabin. The resort's hiking page gives 0.3 miles (0.5 km) each way. Views take in Hidden Valley, Granite Mountain, the Seven Devils, the Salmon River Mountains and the Payette Lakes. Rated green by the resort.
• Lookout Trail: starts at the top of the Bluebird Express heading south, by the Restroom Cabin. The hiking page calls it rocky but relatively flat; a 2020 resort article gives about a half-mile (0.8 km) along the ridge and mentions wildflowers in season. It leads to the Forest Service fire lookout, which is still active: the viewing platform is open to the public, but the tower itself is not, since it serves as someone's residence and workplace. Rated green by the resort.
• South Lodge Lane: a descent of about 3.1 miles (5 km) from the summit to the base area; hiking up and back down makes 6.2 miles (10 km). Rated blue by the resort.

The Cat Track, a wide trail from the base to the summit, is 6.2 miles (10 km) round trip; the shorter option is to ride the Bluebird Express up and hike 3.1 miles (5 km) down.

Other trails open to walkers

Greenhorn, Hammerhead and Thorn Creek were built for mountain biking but are also used for hiking; Greenhorn starts at the west end of the Main Parking Lot. The Lakeview Vista Loop is a scenic 2.8-mile (4.5 km) shared-use trail that follows the Cat Track south, then FS Road 456. The Goose Creek Trail is a popular out-and-back hike to Goose Creek Falls; it starts at the west end of the Gordon Titus High Elevation parking lot, off Goose Lake Road.

Before you go

• The resort asks hikers to check the Summer Trail Report for trail status and closures, and recommends closed-toe shoes.
• Hiking is not permitted on the downhill bike trails. Hikers stay on designated trails and mountain roads; downhill hikers yield to uphill hikers, and on shared-use trails bikers yield to hikers.
• Dogs: the resort calls itself dog-friendly. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and are limited to designated areas and trails, including Greenhorn, Thorn Creek, Hammerhead and the base area amphitheatre. There is no shaded parking for pets, which should never be left unattended.
• Bears: the resort advises avoiding hiking at dawn or dusk, hiking in a group, making noise and carrying bear spray.
• During the fall shoulder season, the resort says there are no on-mountain emergency or patrol services (call 911 in an emergency), and trails may close with little or no notice.