more stats
2.1 miles
Distance
1,073 ft
Climb
-51 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
1,022 ft
Altitude change
7,198 ft
Altitude min
7,222 ft
Altitude start
8,245 ft
Altitude end
9.3%
Grade
-9.1%
Grade max
40.2%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
1,165 ft
Distance down
387 ft
Distance flat

Mill Lake Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Dirtbike/Moto
  • Riding Area
    Prairie/Miner
    Ketchum, Idaho
  • Ref Number
    #136
  • AKA
    7136
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    30 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 95 in Hiking
    • 5 in Dirtbiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Global Ranking
    #258003 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #295795 in Trail Running
    • #26326 in Hiking
    • #4617 in Dirtbiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Season
    5/1-11/30
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    Sawtooth National Recreation Area

In 2020 the access to the trail was moved to the trailhead at the end of Prairie Creek Road.

Mill Lake Trail is open to motorcycles and e-bikes from May 1 through Nov. 30 of each year.

The #136 Trail is a nice path to Mill Lake. The lake formed , which formed when water backing up behind a large landslide deposit. The lake's water drains directly into and beneath a half-mile of rocky debris, which explains the lack of an outlet stream. The lake slowly drains throughout the summer leaving exposed sand and mud flats for late-summer visitors. In mid-summer wildflowers along sections of the creek are often bountiful.

source: BCRD
Access Info

Head north from Ketchum on Hwy 75.. Prairie Creek Road is about 18 miles north of town. Turn left and follow the dirt Prairie Creek Road for 2.6 miles to its end at to the Prairie Creek Trailhead (2.6 mi).

For addition al information contact the Sawtooth National Recreation Area by visiting their headquarters and visitors center, which is on the east side of Hwy 75 and about 8 miles north of Ketchum. You can phone the SNRA Headquarters and Visitors Center at (208) 727-5000.

Trail Supporters

  • USFS
    Land Manager
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 1 rides
  • 5 miles avg distance
All
  • 2 rides
  • Last: Aug 21, 2026
update trails status or condition

Mill Lake Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Oct 30, 2025 @ 2:18pm (America/Boise)
Oct 30, 2025
 Snow covered. Will not melt until next spring.
Nov 19, 2024 @ 9:21am
Nov 19, 2024
 Snow covered. Will not melt until next spring.
Jul 14, 2024 @ 8:19pm
Jul 14, 2024
 Couple down trees. One about .5 mile from the bottom, the second nearing the top.
Jun 21, 2024 @ 12:53pm
Jun 21, 2024
 dry, has not been maintained yet this year
Jan 16, 2024 @ 9:20am
Jan 16, 2024
more »
Status:
on Oct 30, 2025
Snow Covered
no votes yet
Your vote: 0

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  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to mill-lake trailhead (43.802480, -114.645010)
        View on Discover Map

        Photos

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        hike
        70 |
        May 23, 2020 @ 5:36pm
        May 23, 2020

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        1 Review & Comments

        ddup ddup
        Details
        Status: Partial
        Difficulty: Intermediate
        Uses: Mt Biking & Hiking & Equestrian & Motorcycle & eBikes
        Length: 2.1 miles
        Start: 7,247'
        End: 8,242'
        Min: 7,183'
        Max: 8,281'
        Gain: 1,128'
        Loss: -132'

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        Prairie/Miner

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        Frequently Asked Questions

        ▼ Where is Mill Lake located?
        Mill Lake is located in Prairie/Miner, Ketchum, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Prairie/Miner trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 43.80248, -114.64501.
        ▼ How hard is Mill Lake?
        Mill Lake is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 9.3%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Mill Lake?
        Mill Lake has 1,073 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 51 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 7,198 ft to 8,266 ft.
        ▼ Is Mill Lake a point to point trail?
        Mill Lake is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
        ▼ How long is Mill Lake?
        Mill Lake is 2.1 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
        ▼ Are dogs allowed on Mill Lake?
        Yes, dogs are allowed on Mill Lake. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
        ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Mill Lake?
        Mill Lake is best visited during: 5/1-11/30.
        ▼ How do I access Mill Lake? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Mill Lake are: View all parking locations in the area.
        ▼ How busy is Mill Lake?
        Mill Lake is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 39 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 68 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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