Idaho BDR trail map

This is the official Idaho BDR Trail Map. The yellow line is the trail. You also can see the zoom in section maps – there are zoom in maps of every section. Get your map and start planning!

Idaho BDR traverses Idaho’s high mountain passes and historical sites. It was my first, and an absolute blast. Starting in the historic town of Jarbidge, NV, the trail runs north all the way to the Canadian border.

Backcountry Discovery Routes, often referred to as BDRs, are off-road trails specifically curated to adventure motorcyclists and off-road explorers. These routes encompass a variety of challenging terrains, ranging from rugged dirt roads and mountain trails to picturesque gravel paths. BDRs provide riders with an unparalleled opportunity to venture through uncharted territories, with some resources and without worry about trespassing.

The experiences you have on a BDR trip are unique and thrilling. You will see sights that few people have ever seen before and meet people that you will never forget. Some people feel like they have to go outside the country to see sights, but I say they’re right here in the good ol’ US of A.

Whether you’re a seasoned off-road enthusiast or a newcomer, BDRs are unforgettable. So, gear up, plan your journey, and get ready to experience paths less traveled. Your next great adventure starts with you and where the pavement ends.

Find out about my experience on the Idaho BDR, what to hit, what to miss and the equipment that worked best for me. But really my favorite part was the people I met along the way.

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Based on our personal experiences, this new planning guide was designed specifically for adventure riders preparing for BDRs. Includes advice on gear, logistics, packing, load management, downloadable planning tools, and more! It’s designed to be written in, referenced, highlighted, and used while actively planning your trip all in one place.
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Idaho BDR Posts:

May 19, 2026
Idaho BDR

Idaho BDR Memories | Small Towns, Remote Roads and Adventure Riding Through Idaho

The Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route is one of those rides that stays with you long after the dust settles. From the unexpected canyons outside Jarbidge and the remote beauty of Deadwood Reservoir, to mornings in Yellow Pine, and the winding roads along the Salmon River, the Idaho BDR delivers a constantly changing landscape filled with small towns, wildlife, history, and long stretches of true backcountry riding. I’ve done parts of the Idaho BDR a couple of times, and it ranks among my favorite rides. One important thing to remember before heading out: conditions change fast on the Idaho BDR. Always check the official Idaho BDR Facebook group for current information on road closures, fires, weather, fuel availability, and gas station outages before your trip. Some […]
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August 30, 2025

What are Backcountry Discovery Routes? BDR Motorcycle Trips and the Paths Less Traveled

If you’ve ever been on a motorcycle trip and found yourself on a less traveled back road, (for me it was highway 789 from Wyoming to Colorado) you may have thought to yourself, “This is outstanding, but what about those dirt roads I can see off in the distance?” This is where the Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) come into play. The BDR group has taken guess work of where that dirt road goes, so it makes it possible to plan an off grid trip and have knowledge of what to expect along the way. The BD Routes are done in stages, and have unique challenges based on that states terrain. Not all the sections are easy, and not all the sections are hard, that is […]
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