TRAIL2SPARTA
Explore. Adventure. Get Lost. Find Yourself!
The Lost Souls Challenge is the ultimate way to explore the trails, learn the paths, discover new training routes, and bushwhack your way to adventure.
You will have 100 days to complete 50 routes (for the Lost Souls Challenge) or 10 routes (for the Trailblazer Challenge).
The challenge begins in mid-May and runs to the end of August. Registration opens in February.
For the 2025 group and details go to:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/empire-of-lost-souls--2025
FACEBOOK GROUP
All Challengers are invited to a Private Facebook Group. The group is where you can find all of the routes, add pictures, and interact with all of the other participants.
The group has routes divided by Area so you can easily find places to explore. It also provides a convenient way for you to track the routes you've completed.
ROUTES
Each year there are between 60-80 routes to choose from. For each route you'll have a Google Pin (to get you there), a Cal Topo Map (so you don't get too lost), a description (so you know what you are in for), and Completion Requirements (so you know how to finish).
SOCIALIZATION
Weekly (and often more) group runs are set up that anyone can join in on to complete routes. In addition, you can complete routes with friends, family members, etc.
By Being a part of the Facebook Group you'll be able to find others who want to explore and adventure in Eastern Idaho.
SWAG - PRIZES
It's Free to Join and Participate in the Lost Souls Challenge.
However, if you want to do the "Paid" version to get swag (shirts and stuff) and prizes (finisher awards, secret mission awards, etc.) and support us in putting on this group, we greatly appreciate it.
Training Grounds
Dirty Buggers, Paved Paradise, Taylor and Henry
These routes are close to town and used frequently by the Idaho Falls Trail Runners for training. Examples of routes you might get in this area:
Maw Maw Clowards (pictured), is a barely used dirt road, with a crossing of Willow Creek, followed by an adventure on an abandoned old road.
Uncle Buck-dirty simplicity.
Grandpa Henry's House-Steep and untamed also a lot of fun.
Trail Hollow-Rolling Dirt Road with great views.
Single and Double Track Adventures
Fall Creek, Kelly Canyon, Antelope Creek, Wolverine and more.
Some single track, some OHV trails and some dirt roads, but all beautiful. For most these are only a 30-45 minute drive from Idaho Falls.
The Wild West
The Badlands, West Tex
Rattlesnakes, Gunsmoke, and Rednecks. You'll find it all on these wild routes. Some are abandoned roads, some are on volcanoes, some are rugged desert, some are just untamed. Filled with hidden history sure to bring back memories of forgotten times.
River Trails
Snakebites, Northern Rivers and Rails
The Snake River is a prominent feature of Eastern Idaho. There are trails, islands and routes up and down the river. We include several for you to explore.
Places like The Dam Island, Kid's Fishing Pond Park, and Firth River Bottoms are fun and easy adventures.
The Rivers and Rails Trails take you along old railroad tracks and to beautiful vistas overlooking rivers.
Trail Perfection
Palisades
This area is the furthest one from Idaho Falls, however, it has to be included, both because it is absolutely beautiful, but also because so many Idaho Falls folks adventure out that way.
Great routes like Big Elk, North Indian Creek, and Spring Run will all keep you inspired and in love with trail adventuring.
Lost Souls Lore
2022
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Total Participants: 194
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Routes Completed:
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King of the Lost Souls: Chris Carney (19 days)
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Lady of the Lost Souls: Linda Smuin (23 days)
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Bingo Winner: Stacey Mae
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Total Lost Souls Finishers: 25
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Total Trailblazer Finishers: 61
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Special Challenge: BINGO
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Lost Souls Prize: Tin Can
2021
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Total Participants: 189
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Routes Completed: 2448
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King of the Lost Souls: Mark Varvel (26 days)
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Princess of the Lost Souls: Michelle Preston
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Secret Missions:
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Total Lost Souls Finishers: 25
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Total Trailblazer Finishers: 68
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Special Challenge: SECRET MISSIONS
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Lost Souls Prize: Skull
2020
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Routes Completed: 2032
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Queen of the Lost Souls: Tricia Varvel (25 days)
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King of the Lost Souls: Mark Varvel (25 days)
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Participants: 170
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Total Lost Souls Finishers: 18
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Total Trailblazer Finishers: 39
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Special Challenge: Immunity Idols
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Lost Souls Prize: Bone
The Original Lost Souls (not in any real order)
Amanda Rynes
Ben Lewis
Cheryl Birks
Chris Carney
Fran Roach Bunnell
Jeff Syverson
Jennifer Summers
Jenn Haas Walker
Jennifer Wenzel
JT Thorn
Kristen Pearson
Mark Varvel
Marnie-Mo Wheeler Havas
Nate Reese* (Found the Grand Champion Immunity Idol)
Sandy Terrill
Stacey Mae
Steph Taylor Jones
Tricia Young Varvel