About Arid Peak Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Views and Setting
- View
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Arid Peak Lookout.
001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (46)
What Guests Are Saying
Arid Peak Lookout offers a unique and rustic experience, with many visitors enjoying the beautiful scenery and the cozy lookout despite its need for some maintenance. While the hike can be challenging, it is generally manageable, and the area is appreciated for its tranquility and abundance of nature. However, some travelers have reported difficulties with directions and access, emphasizing the importance of careful navigation.
What Guests Are Saying
Arid Peak Lookout offers a unique and rustic experience, with many visitors enjoying the beautiful scenery and the cozy lookout despite its need for some maintenance. While the hike can be challenging, it is generally manageable, and the area is appreciated for its tranquility and abundance of nature. However, some travelers have reported difficulties with directions and access, emphasizing the importance of careful navigation.
Review Summary
mattt m
VerifiedAugust 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
This was one of the most romantic trips I've taken with my wife. We didn't mind getting a little sweaty hiking up the trail to the lookout. Especially looking on back the experience. Most of the elevation gain is in the first mile along a hillside of huckleberries. We did see 2 black bears, 1 along the trail and one who was checking us out at the lookout. The views were great. The best views were at night laying down, turning your head and seeing stars or lightning in all directions. The lookout was very clean and had all the basics. We loved experiencing a bit of western history. The solitude and peace really made it magical.
Thank you USFS and volunteers who keep this place up.
P.S. The spring water is very very cold and refreshing. Bring a water container and life straw for the way up
mattt m
VerifiedAugust 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
This was one of the most romantic trips I've taken with my wife. We didn't mind getting a little sweaty hiking up the trail to the lookout. Especially looking on back the experience. Most of the elevation gain is in the first mile along a hillside of huckleberries. We did see 2 black bears, 1 along the trail and one who was checking us out at the lookout. The views were great. The best views were at night laying down, turning your head and seeing stars or lightning in all directions. The lookout was very clean and had all the basics. We loved experiencing a bit of western history. The solitude and peace really made it magical.
Thank you USFS and volunteers who keep this place up.
P.S. The spring water is very very cold and refreshing. Bring a water container and life straw for the way up
Andy R
VerifiedAugust 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Love this place.
Andy R
VerifiedAugust 11, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Love this place.
Christopher B
VerifiedAugust 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Great hike to tower. Water is a challenge but all around a great trip.
Christopher B
VerifiedAugust 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Great hike to tower. Water is a challenge but all around a great trip.
Jon J
VerifiedJuly 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Beautiful weather and beautiful views!!
Jon J
VerifiedJuly 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Beautiful weather and beautiful views!!
Sandra L
VerifiedJuly 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Nice scenery and wild flowers. Someone built a very neat stone fire pit and pathways. Lookout is in a isolated area so be sure to have supplies/gas before arriving in Avery.
Sandra L
VerifiedJuly 23, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Nice scenery and wild flowers. Someone built a very neat stone fire pit and pathways. Lookout is in a isolated area so be sure to have supplies/gas before arriving in Avery.
Location Arid Peak Lookout
Address:
34 Hoyt Drive Hc Box 1
Avery, ID, 83802
United States
From Avery, turn left and head north up the North Fork of the St. Joe River Road #456 toward Wallace. Travel about 4.5 miles, then turn left down the hill just before the bridge across the river. You will then be on Road #1997, which is a single lane gravel road with pull outs. Drive about 3.5 miles and turn left on the first road (also labeled Road No. 1997). Travel 6.5 miles to Trailhead #175.
A turn-around is just past the trailhead before the gate. Do not block the turnaround or the gate. Park in the wide spot by the trailhead. Hike up Trail #175 for 1.5 miles to the junction with Trail #173. Turn right and hike 1.5 miles on Trail #173 to Arid Peak.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.3589 / -115.765
Elevation: 1610 feet
Policies & Rules
General
- Entry is by combination lock; combination can be found on your confirmation.
- No drinking water available; bring water or treat and boil spring water, found a half-mile down a steep trail
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility
- Wastewater should be strained and all food particles should be packed out; remaining water should be poured in a hole away from lookout
- No smoking allowed in lookout
- No pets allowed
- Please seal all food in rodent-proof containers (one provided) or coolers
- Bring plenty of blankets and warm clothes for cold nights
- Click here for more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Nearby Campgrounds
Last updated: June 4, 2026
