Challis, ID

Challis is a small mountain town in central Idaho's Salmon River Valley, serving as Custer County's seat and a gateway to wilderness areas. US Highway 93 runs north-south through town, connecting to Salmon and Arco, while Highway 75 heads east toward Stanley and Sun Valley. The high desert setting at 5,000 feet elevation offers cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys. The distinctive gray tailings pile from the old Challis Mine dominates the southern skyline.