Snow Run to Atlanta – 2024

Snow Run – Fun for All

UPDATE 1-04-24: The meet and departure times have been bumped up 15 minutes. New Times: Meet no later than 8:15 am. Depart at 8:45 am.

BRING EXTRA CASH FOR THE ATLANTA FIRE DEPARTMENT “FILL THE BOOT” – The FD will be posted in Atlanta to do some fundraising during our run! The Atlanta Fire Department maintains the main road from Atlanta to the Elmore/Boise County Line near Arrowrock Dam. These funds directly help the community and their efforts in keeping the road open to year-round activities.

Highlights of this trail run: Ready to test your snow driving skills? This snow run is 160 miles of dirt, snow, and ice. It starts with a nice drive up to Arrowrock Dam. Then, you get to navigate through potholes and twisty roads. But, look to the right, and you’ll see crisp mountains across the nearly empty reservoir. Then, we’ll follow the Boise River to Atlanta.

There are numerous photo opportunities.  You will see snow covered mountains and roads. Sometimes, snow will fall during the drive. Several frozen springs create wonderful scenes along road where wild birds fly right in front of you. We’ll enjoy lunch in Atlanta at the Beaver Lodge Atlanta where burgers and chicken sandwiches can be ordered.

Details

Host: Aaron Malin
Who can attend: Everyone!
Meeting Place: Albertson’s at Gowen and Federal Way
Time: Meet by 8:15 am. Pull out at 8:45 am – Plan to return around 8pm or later, depending on the roads and length/# of stops along the way — It’s about 5 hours each way and an hour for breaks and meals.
Distance: Round trip from Albertsons is about 160 miles. There is no gas available.
Rig minimum: Stock Jeep Wrangler or equivalent. Yeah, this is a scenic ride. However, we will get into snow where you’ll want good mud/snow (M+S) tires or very good all-terrain tires (AT).  We will have lots of ice, and you will want to air down and slow down.  If your tires look somewhat bald, you’ll be asked to stay in town.  If you are running a tire that does not have M+S or the Three Mountain symbol, you’ll be asked to stay in town.  
Leave the rigs with city tires or tires with little tread at home. If you have a heavy rig, bring chains in case the ice becomes too much. If you’re often sliding on the roadway, you’ll be stuck on this one. Please plan ahead.
What to Bring: Lunch (if not eating at the restaurant), water, and warm clothes. Be sure to have your cold weather emergency pack (see other post).
Trailer Parking: Trailer parking will be available, meet at Albertsons. This is a one way in and same way-out trip.

Note on timing:  There may be nearly 50 vehicles on this run.  We will leave Albertsons at 8:45 am sharp!  Our first stop will be along Middle Fork Road where we will stop to air down and leave any trailers.  Due to the number of vehicles, we hope to keep everyone on the road, and minimize the recovery activity.  Please be prepared for lots of ice.