Divide Trail 505 Open for Recreation Travel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2026

Divide Trail 505 Open for Recreation Travel

BOISE, Idaho - In a collaboration between the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (NPCNF) and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), the segment of Divide Trail 505 between Trails 504 and 672 is reopened to motorized uses. The IDPR Motorized Trail Program will be able to provide maintenance necessary to improve access to the trail going forward.
NPCNF Supervision Jon Word rescinded a long-term Forest Order D5-11-981 prohibiting motorized use of the segment effective today.

"We are excited to be providing this new recreational opportunity in partnership with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation on the Red River Ranger District, creating improved access," said Jon Word, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests supervisor. "This is a great example of expanding opportunities through mechanisms such as the EXPLORE Act Good Neighbor Authority agreement."

IDPR Director Susan Buxton said, "The partnership between IDPR and NPCNF results in the restoration of a highly valuable looping opportunity for shared multiple use, long requested by recreation stakeholders of IDPR's Trail Program. As with our other shared projects being pursued under GNA agreement pursuant to the EXPLORE Act, we look forward to further collaboration with Supervisor Word toward improving recreational access to the remarkable landscapes of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests."

The 5.6-mile trail segment reopened is in Red River Ranger District east of Elk City and north of Red River Hot Springs. Lifting of the Closure Order restores a critical link for long-distance looping opportunities, from the Magruder Corridor to the Boundary National Recreational Trail. With short road connections, recreationist will be able to enjoy a nearly all-trail experience from the Magruder Corridor to the Selway River, with road and trail connections well beyond each.

The restored trail segment can be viewed on the IDPR Idaho Trails interactive map
To view the old travel restriction notice for the trail that has been rescinded please view this page.

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State of Idaho
Department of Parks and Recreation &
United States Forest Service