--- title: "Great Basin High Desert EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads" description: "Use seven Owyhee routes before the two alpine stages. Start on open desert roads. Add technical trails, mountain weather, and high elevation later." canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/owyhee-uplands-first-remote-byway" last_updated: "2026-08-09" --- ![Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway in Idaho](/media/photos-ai/33-owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway.webp?v=20260808) ![Great Basin High Desert route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/great-basin.svg) ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · IDAHO + OREGON # Great Basin: High Desert to Alpine Progression Use seven Owyhee routes before the two alpine stages. Start on open desert roads. Add technical trails, mountain weather, and high elevation later. QUICK READ Route stages 9 Plan length 8–12 days High point 10,417 ft Typical season Check each route Base area 42.7415, -116.5632 Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready GREAT BASIN COLLECTION 9 stages, in order - [01 Antelope Ridge Road easy](#stage-1) - [02 Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway easy](#stage-2) - [03 Bachman Grade Road moderate](#stage-3) - [04 Jack's Creek Road moderate](#stage-4) - [05 C900 Trail System moderate](#stage-5) - [06 Silver City Road moderate](#stage-6) - [07 Lost Trail expert](#stage-7) - [08 Steens Mountain Loop moderate](#stage-8) - [09 Railroad Ridge (Jim Creek-Livingston Mine) difficult](#stage-9) WHY IT FITS ## Why this progression can fit your trip. The Owyhee stages form a regional route set, not one token byway. The Oregon and central Idaho stages then add elevation and longer transfers. WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER Wet clay, heat, snow, fire, and altitude can end a stage. The areas are far apart, so plan highway transfer days and charging. ROUTE PROGRESSION ## Add one skill at a time. Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish. 01 easy ### Antelope Ridge Road Route distance 15.2 mi Allow 2–3 hours Start on an open high-desert road. Use it to test dust, heat, navigation, and tire settings. SKILL ADDED Build a short remote-road baseline. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=42.71585&lng=-116.49652&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/scout-routes/3613-antelope-ridge-road) ![Topographic route map for Antelope Ridge Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/antelope-ridge-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Antelope Ridge Road, from start to finish Climb +1,368 ft Descent −427 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway in Idaho](/media/photos-ai/33-owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 02 easy ### Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway Route distance 103.8 mi Allow Full day or overnight Use the easy surface to practice long-range energy, navigation, and communication checks. Do not enter wet clay. SKILL ADDED Learn remote systems without a technical obstacle. Access note: BLM lists a seasonal closure from first snowfall until Memorial Weekend; contact Owyhee County for current conditions. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=42.74148&lng=-116.56316&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/trails/8504-owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway)[Check current access](https://www.blm.gov/visit/owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway) ![Topographic route map for Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway](/media/maps/33-owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, from start to finish Climb +2,640 ft Descent −4,567 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 03 moderate ### Bachman Grade Road Route distance 23.2 mi Allow Half day Add a grade and more route-finding work. Stop if rain changes the road surface to clay. SKILL ADDED Add climbing and a stricter weather limit. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=42.90883&lng=-116.54219&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/scout-routes/3612-bachman-grade-road) ![Topographic route map for Bachman Grade Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/bachman-grade-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Bachman Grade Road, from start to finish Climb +2,942 ft Descent −770 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 04 moderate ### Jack's Creek Road Route distance 23.8 mi Allow Half day Use this road to practice navigation across a wider desert area. Confirm every junction before you continue. SKILL ADDED Add more distance between clear landmarks. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=42.62524&lng=-116.26446&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/scout-routes/3595-jacks-creek-road) ![Topographic route map for Jack's Creek Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/jacks-creek-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Jack's Creek Road, from start to finish Climb +1,711 ft Descent −662 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 05 moderate ### C900 Trail System Route distance 8.1 mi Allow Half day Add a trail system with more route choices. Keep the selected loop offline and avoid unplanned branches. SKILL ADDED Add navigation complexity without an expedition transfer. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=42.93952&lng=-116.38904&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/scout-routes/3425-c900-trail-system) ![Topographic route map for C900 Trail System](/media/adventures/regions/maps/c900-trail-system.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### C900 Trail System, from start to finish Climb +439 ft Descent −1,331 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 06 moderate ### Silver City Road Route distance 20.4 mi Allow Half day Use the seasonal road only after you confirm access. Slow down for traffic and blind corners. SKILL ADDED Add a destination drive with seasonal constraints. Access note: Source snapshot: Seasonal Closure. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=43.05778&lng=-116.64010&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/scout-routes/626-silver-city-road) ![Topographic route map for Silver City Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/silver-city-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Silver City Road, from start to finish Climb +3,795 ft Descent −941 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 07 expert ### Lost Trail Route distance 7.5 mi Allow Full day Keep Lost Trail as the technical Owyhee stage. Use a capable vehicle, experienced driver, and complete recovery plan. SKILL ADDED Add technical ground before the distant alpine routes. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=43.24202&lng=-116.61604&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/trails/8712-lost-trail) ![Topographic route map for Lost Trail](/media/adventures/regions/maps/lost-trail-owyhee.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Lost Trail, from start to finish Climb +839 ft Descent −509 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![Steens Mountain Loop in Oregon](/media/photos-ai/23-steens-mountain-loop.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 08 moderate ### Steens Mountain Loop Route distance 55.7 mi Allow Full day Add a seasonal mountain loop, large elevation change, and exposed high-country weather. SKILL ADDED Add altitude and weather while the road remains a defined byway. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=42.73027&lng=-118.78162&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/oregon/scout-routes/335-steens-mountain-loop)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/oregon/steens-mountain-summit-road) ![Topographic route map for Steens Mountain Loop](/media/maps/23-steens-mountain-loop.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Steens Mountain Loop, from start to finish Climb +5,177 ft Descent −5,690 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![Railroad Ridge (Jim Creek-Livingston Mine) in Idaho](/media/photos-ai/34-railroad-ridge-jim-creek-livingston-mine.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 09 difficult ### Railroad Ridge (Jim Creek-Livingston Mine) Route distance 6.4 mi Allow Half day Use this short alpine road only when it is dry and open. Walk narrow or eroded sections before driving them. SKILL ADDED Add steep climbing, narrow road, and a summit above 10,000 feet. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=44.13812&lng=-114.55712&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/scout-routes/343-railroad-ridge-jim-creeklivingston-mine)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/idaho/jim-creek-livingston-mine) ![Topographic route map for Railroad Ridge (Jim Creek-Livingston Mine)](/media/maps/34-railroad-ridge-jim-creek-livingston-mine.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Railroad Ridge (Jim Creek-Livingston Mine), from start to finish Climb +3,187 ft Descent −83 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ROUTE READINESS ## Do seven checks before you leave pavement. 01 ### surface Desert byway, seasonal mountain loop, and steep alpine two-track 02 ### clearance Moderate clearance early; more clearance and tire strength later 03 ### remoteness Long gaps from help are normal 04 ### charging Plan the trail and the highway transfer as separate energy problems 05 ### cell Coverage Carry redundant offline navigation and satellite communication 06 ### weather Do not enter wet clay, extreme heat, or snow-covered high roads 07 ### turnaround Use fixed mileage, weather, daylight, and energy checkpoints BEFORE YOU GO ## Make these decisions while you have a signal. - Confirm the route is open and dry - Plan chargers for every transfer - Carry redundant navigation and communication TURN AROUND WHEN ## Follow the limits that you set. - Clay starts to collect on the tires - Snow or wind removes the visible road edge - Consumption breaks the written checkpoint CARRY ## Prepare for common problems. - Satellite communicator - Complete tire and inflation system - Water, food, layers, and emergency shelter ![Topographic route plate for Great Basin: High Desert to Alpine Progression](/media/maps/33-owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway.webp) FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager. OPEN THE LIVE MAP ## Check the drive home. See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage. [Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=owyhee-uplands-first-remote-byway)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=42.74148&lng=-116.56316&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/idaho/trails/8504-owyhee-uplands-backcountry-byway)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=owyhee-uplands-first-remote-byway) ## Sitemap See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.