Graham & Banner Ghost Towns

This outing takes you right into the middle of Idaho's wilderness.  The route in to Graham travels over an 8,200-foot elevation pass and is therefore only open from mid-July through October.  

There is only one way in for motorized vehicles and I have known of people being trapped at Graham due to either trees falling across the road or early snows.   The road is frequently closed due to damage of one type or another.  Check with the Boise National Forest for current road conditions before attempting this trip.

The drive all of the way into Graham can probably be done without four-wheel drive, but I would recommend having a vehicle with a low-range transfer case for navigating the steep grades.  I have ridden a dirt bike across the high summit in during a thunderstorm where lightning was striking all around us.   Being prepared with the proper foul weather clothing and not allowing yourself to be caught on a ridge during a storm is prudent.

Fires have removed all remnants of the town of Graham and its mine, but there are 10 or so buildings still visible at Banner.  Both of these settlements were mining communities.  

The route into this area begins at the Edna Creek Campground between Mores Creek Summit and Beaver Creek Summit at coordinates: 43° 57.82' north, 115° 33.33' west.  Turn to the right off US 21 and proceed along the all-season gravel Edna Creek Road for 4 miles to reach coordinates: 43° 58.34' north, 115° 33.73' west. 

Turn left onto the jeep trail.  Travel 1.1 miles to coordinates: 43° 59.00' north, 115° 32.92' west.   Turn left onto the jeep trail and drive about 2.9 miles to reach the ghost town of Banner, Idaho.  These following photos are of Banner.

Turn around and return to the last intersection.   Turn left and drive 9.2 miles to reach coordinates: 44° 03.11' north, 115° 25.20' west. 

Turn left and drive 2.1 miles to the base of Jackson Peak Lookout tower road.  You will most likely have to walk up to the tower, the gate is typically closed.  

The views from this 8,124 foot elevation lookout are amazing.  

Turn around and return to the last intersection.   Turn left and drive 15 miles.

Reach coordinates: 43° 58.10' north, 115° 16.45' west.   The area on the west side of the road just before reaching the campground is where the townsite of Graham was located.

To continue on to the Graham Guard Station and International Airport, you must ford the North Fork of the Boise River.  Depending upon the time time of the year you visit, the water level will vary greatly.   Typically, this is not much of a challenge, especially if you are on an ATV.  As you can see, on a dirt bike, you are going to get your legs wet.

The time I visited Graham and encountered the thunderstorm, my riding buddy dumped his Honda XR250 while crossing the river right here and flooded the engine.  He righted the bike and then proceeded to try kick starting it.  We could see the black wall of rain approaching from down river as he kicked it repeatedly in vain.  Finally, it started and it was a race to reach the summit before the storm hit.  We lost and were soaked and frightened by the lightning.  Lesson learned well.

The Graham Guard Station can be reserved for overnight visits.   Reservations can be made at the following url: Boise National Forest - Graham Guard Station - Rental Cabin 

Something to keep in mind.  With the road closed for 9 months of the year, those who chose to fly into the Graham airstrip can be guaranteed a lot of privacy when staying in the area.   I have a friend who is a back country pilot and Graham airstrip is his favorite camping location.  I flew into Graham with him once and it was an amazing trip.