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 Centenial Mountains
North of Kilgore, Idaho
FEE: None
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4.6 miles rountrip
960 feet elevation gain
7,960 feet at highest point
4.5 hours hiking time
Easy to moderate
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Wildlife Viewing
Wild Flowers
Fishing
Mountain Scenery
Camping
Hiking
Horseback riding
Mountain Biking
No motorized vehicles
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Spring, Summer, Fall
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Aldous and Hancock lakes are located in the Centennial Mountains, north of Kilgore, Idaho, at the base of the continental divide. The trail passes through shady woods and flower strewn meadows. At times it passes nearby Ching Creek cascading down the mountain. While the trail is generally easy, it is up hill most of the way.
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Directions.
The drive to the trail head is a beautiful, but not direct. The first set of pictures below show the signs at all the major intersections you will pass through.
From Rexburg go north on the Salem highway passing the St. Anthony Sand dunes heading to Kilgore. Along the way you will see sign indicating you are on the Fort Henry Scenic byway. See picture below. As you approach Kilgore, this byway will intersect with the Lost Gold Scenic Trail. Eventually the road will turn to the east heading to Island Park. There will be a turn off to Kilgore. See picture below. At Kilgore, you will come to a T intersection. Turn left to the west at the Sign for Ching creek. After half mile, turn right heading north at the sign for Cottonwood creek. See picture below. Continue to follow the road to Cotton wood creek where the road forks to Camas creek. See picture below. All future sign will indicate the directions to Aldous Lake. Stay on road 26. You will eventually turn onto road 27. The road terminates at the trail head. See picture below.
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Description of The Trail.
The trail is shaded by tall trees. In the early summer there are wild flowers everywhere. Small bridges provide easy access across streams and marshy areas. After initially traversing level ground the trail begins to climb. While the incline is not steep it is constant. The trail passes above Ching creek which provides the sound of falling water. After 1.3 miles you will arrive at Aldous Lake. A trail circles the blue green lake. There are several camping areas on the west and north shores of the lake. From the north camping area the trail continues for another mile up the hill to Hancock lake. Hancock lake empties during the summer. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent.
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IMAGE GALLERY, (Click for Enlargement)
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