Sun Valley Mountain Bike Trails One of the best-kept secrets in the mountain biking community is still Sun Valley, Idaho. Some of the world’s best riding may be found on smooth, decomposed granite routes that are supported by a forest service that is friendly to mountain bikes. We aren’t joking. From every summit and crest, the Pioneer, Sawtooth, and White Cloud mountains may be seen. The switchbacks on the ascents are all very rideable, while the descents fly by turn after turn for what seems like an eternity. You’ll smile after this riding experience, and you might even find yourself stunned. On this journey, the altitudes are under 10,000 feet. We ride 20 miles per day on average but must climb to see the sights, so singletrack riding skill is essential. This vacation is really enjoyable.
Your Upcoming Mountain Biking Bucket List Destination Is Sun Valley, Idaho
Mountain riding in Sun Valley is frequently referred to as something off one’s bucket list. What qualifies this location for such a prestigious name? First off, there are literally hundreds of miles of top-notch Idaho singletrack, and since the valley is less well-known among mainstream mountain bikers, there aren’t many people vying for space. Have you seen the film, Private Idaho? Feeling like you have a place to yourself is rather typical. Where do you begin when there are so many options? Well, it’s important to assess the type of riding you want. Or are you totally ready for a rough, sub-alpine experience that will leave your legs and arms feeling like a raw tartare you may find on a French menu? Do you prefer to skip through meadows and focus more on the breathtaking view than the white-knuckle descent? Do not be alarmed; we have everything you need and can point you in the proper route.
Calm Rides
Snowy Clouds
There are several excellent options available virtually outside your door for those looking for a less strenuous excursion with no shortage of breathtaking sights. The beginner-friendly White Clouds trail is perched on a ridge between Sun Valley and Ketchum. The gradual inclines lure you up to a breathtaking vista where you can admire the region’s famous picture-postcard views before effortlessly circling the slope back to the valley plain.
Creek Corral
Corral Creek is a must-do if some forested singletrack is more to your taste. Once you’ve joined the route, it will zigzag through aspen and sage before you duck beneath the forest canopy, right past the Trail Creek Cabin. However, as you travel, keep your head up so you can see the breathtaking peaks of the Pioneer Mountains in the distance.
Lane’s in Sunnyside
Not to be overlooked is Sunnyside and Lane’s route, popular among locals. You will pedal into the aspens before kicking up into the picnic table at the ride’s highest point as you leave the Adams Gulch trailhead. Here, you can relax right below the cliffs and consider your next course of action while admiring the magnificence of the surroundings. You can go back if you’ve had enough, but why not push yourself a bit further? Continue to travel beneath the escarpment and descend all the way to the brook. After crossing, you can turn left and enjoy Shady Side’s sinewy singletrack, which will lead you back to the parking area.
Adam’s Valley
If you’re thirsty for additional entertainment, Adams Gulch has enough on tap for you. Consider taking on Adams loop to the base of Griffin Butte if you want to see what lies above those cliffs. Swing up to your right and take the Citizens route to the foothills instead of dropping all the way to the creek. You’ll reach a tranquil side canyon with gurgling streams and soaring Douglas fir trees. It takes some work to press the pedal up, but the rollercoaster ride is well worth it. Just a warning: you should probably stay away if you have any fears of wildflowers or breathtaking views.
Crown – Greenhorn
When you’ve completed all the local rides, or even if you haven’t, pack the vehicle with your bikes and leave in search of a backcountry experience. It won’t be difficult to locate either because it is much more available. South of Ketchum, in Greenhorn, is the first stop. You can tear a bison’s legs off with the terrain and vertical here, and the fast descents will make your mouth curve back into a permanent grin. This area was once featured in The Collective film Roam.
What to do
Mount Bike riding
Riders may crank it up for weeks on end without ever repeating the same route because the region is known for flowy, loamy buff singletrack that is matched with rowdier, more challenging terrain in the subalpine and alpine. It feels like you’ve reached mountain biking heaven when every ride takes you somewhere magical. Mountain riding on Bald Mountain is now available with lift access at Sun Valley Resort as of the summer of 2014. The European-style ski mountain lends itself pretty well to a hair-on-fire large mountain experience on two wheels with a 3,400-foot vertical drop to the valley bottom.
Keep it civil
Trails provide a common ground that unites us despite our disparate backgrounds or modes of outdoor recreation. We recognize the luxury of having access to trails, which we can only protect by acting civilly toward one another. It is extra crucial than ever that we treat one another with kindness as we share the trails and communicate with one another. Everyone has the right to seek happiness outdoors. Come together to guarantee that everyone has a great trail experience.
Assisted Experiments
Connecting with one of the many outstanding guide services in town is the best way to make the most of your time in Sun Valley. In addition to knowing all the best paths, guides also know how to avoid crowds and customize a trip to suit your needs.
Bald Mountain Mountain Biking
Mountain Riding In The Sun Valley Mountain Bike Trails is some of the best and most beautiful in the nation, with more than 400 miles of singletrack dispersed across the valley. America’s longest downhill course that was specifically developed and over 3,100 vertical feet of exhilarating lift-accessed trails are now found on Bald Mountain. Visit the White Clouds trail system or meander through the town on the green Wood River Trail, which has over 30 paved kilometers to explore, for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience. Are you new to mountain biking? Take a look at our Beginner’s Guide.
Access to Bald Mountain
Although there are many places where you can climb or ride a bike up Bald Mountain, River Run Plaza is the only one with a lift service (tickets are available here and at the River Run Ticket Office). From here, you may load your bike onto the cutting-edge gondola and ride for eight minutes up 2,000 vertical feet. You can take a few laps on the bottom part of the Mountain or carry your bike onto the Christmas quad chairlift and go all the way to the top.
Best Mountain Bike Trails In Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho
OUTER LOOP OF THE WHITE CLOUD TRAIL
Just a mile outside of Ketchum, the White Cloud Trail System is accessible by bike on the paved bike path. There are a few loops of both easy and intermediate trails in the system. The 4.2-mile White Cloud Outer Loop track is largely flat with a few minor inclines, making it ideal for novices. It is a pleasant and easy trail. The trail’s western section offers stunning views of the mountains and the resort community of Sun Valley.
HARRIMAN TRAIL
The Harriman Trail is a leisurely 19.2-mile dirt doubletrack that follows the Big Wood River from the North Fork campsite (8 miles north of Ketchum) to Galena (no motorized vehicles are permitted). It can be taken as a shuttle from North Fork to Galena, or it can be divided into portions utilizing one of the many pull-offs along Highway 75. It gains or loses around 1,300 feet, depending on which direction you take it. A number of river crossings are made along the scenic journey through meadows, aspen groves, and fir forests. You’ll be entertained by views of Galena Peak and the vibrant Boulder Mountains, which grow better as you get closer to Galena. Its entirety is excellent for a pleasant family cruise, and any portion of it can serve as the starting point for the Oregon Gulch loop (see below).
GREENHORN TO IMPERIAL LOOP
About 20 minutes southwest of Ketchum, near the Greenhorn Gulch trailhead, is where this loop begins. Over its 10.8 miles, the trail ascends and falls by around 1900 feet. It is a fantastic intermediate trail with lots of different types of scenery, stunning vistas, and wildflowers. The loop begins at the trailhead with multiple bridge crossings and a gradual ascent through a number of picturesque viewpoints. You will pedal up lofty hills and through dense woodlands. The Pioneer Mountains are beautifully visible as you descend. This circle will lead you through a meadow of wildflowers, across a burned area (caused by a fire in 2013), and back to the trailhead.
BIG DESCENT BALD MOUNTAIN
You will descend 3,600 feet on the 13.6-mile, point-to-point Bald Mountain Big Descent course while taking in the breathtaking sights that surround you. You can start the trail more easily by using the Bald Mountain gondola, but you can alternatively hike up the Mountain to earn your way down! At the top of the gondola, the trail begins on Broadway Saddle Trail and descends Bald Mountain’s backside on singletrack. Views of Ketchum, the ski area, and wildflower fields can be seen far below you. The majority of Warm Springs Trail is quick and smooth, with a few somewhat difficult rocky parts. Don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking views while you travel! You must ascend 2 miles up the Traverse track, a dirt road that runs through the ski area, after traveling 5 miles on Warm Springs. When you take the River Run trail’s right turn, it will be well worth it. As you fly down the Mountain, River Run Trail offers a quick descent with never-ending switchbacks. As you descend, be careful to keep an eye out for hikers on the trail!
CURLY’S LOOP
Starting on Baker Creek Road, about 12 miles north of Ketchum, is this loop trail with less traffic. Over its 12.1 miles, it climbs and descends 1,650’, making it a fantastic intermediate route with a quick descent. After continuing along Baker Creek Road for a while and taking in the breathtaking vistas, turn onto Road 168 East Fork Road and begin rising. There are only a few brief areas of hard climbing. You can take in the sights once you get to the summit before turning left to follow Curly’s Trail down. Back at Baker Creek, the descent is enjoyable and flowy.
ADAM’S GULCH MIDDLE LOOP
Over 30 miles of trails and a wide variety of loop rides are available at the Adam’s Gulch trailhead. The area is well-marked, making it difficult to get lost. The paved bike route is a short 1.5 miles from the town to the trailhead. The 10.9-mile intermediate loop, which is mostly exposed and gains and loses around 1,900’ in elevation, provides stunning mountain vistas on both sides. As you begin the ascent of the Adams-Lake Creek Connector, you will immediately begin to ascend. You will then continue the ascent on a series of switchbacks on Harper’s Trail. It becomes slightly steeper as you approach closer to the peak. Griffin Butte Connector is where the drop begins; it’s quick, so keep an eye out for hikers. The Forbidden Fruit path drop, with its large berms, is the most well-known part of Eve’s Gulch, which is a gentle climb.
Overview Of Sun Valley Mountain Bike Trails Park
In Idaho, summer means it’s time to hit the trails, and Sun Valley offers a variety of routes made to appeal to all levels of cyclists. High alpine traverses, berms, and tables are just a few of the park rides available in Sun Valley. You can challenge yourself to a whole day on the Mountain by taking a trip up to the well-known Bald Mountain via gondola. The 32 miles of lift-accessed trails on Bald Mountain are the ideal complement to the surrounding network of mountain biking trails, which totals over 400 miles of singletrack in the Sun Valley area. In 2018, Sun Valley will celebrate 20 years of mountain riding with lift access, and new terrain will be unveiled that is sure to thrill even the most ardent fans of gravity.
An Overview Of Sun Valley Bike Park For Riders
Downhill mountain biking is offered in ever-expanding quantities at Sun Valley Bike Park, along with some of the best and most beautiful terrain in the nation. America’s longest purpose-built downhill is now found at Bald Mountain, along with 3,100 feet of exhilarating lift-accessed vertical (including a brand-new black trail!). Visit the White Clouds trail system or meander through the town on the green Wood River Trail, which has over 30 paved kilometers to explore, for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience. To appeal to a large range of consumers, the current trail mix offers a wide range of difficulty levels.
Warm Springs and Cold Springs, two of the peripheral trails in Sun Valley Bike Park, offer almost 20 miles and 3,100 feet of singletrack down to the valley level. The new Saddle Up and Lupine freeride courses are great for riders seeking a more modern machine-built flow experience. All riders will enjoy Bald Mountain’s alpine traverses, berms, and tables.
Along with mountain biking, the base area skills loop allows kids on strider bikes to play in the woods and beginner riders to practice their MTB fundamentals. You’ll want to add this bike park to your bucket list once you factor in the thrilling new additions, Sun Valley’s more than 450 miles of bike-friendly singletrack and an extra 200 miles over Galena Summit in the Stanley Basin.
Sun Valley Bike Park’s Recent Developments
Pale Rider, the first double-black diamond course to reach Sun Valley slopes, is new to the Park. Additionally, keep an eye out for Cold Springs Trail updates while it underwent renovations The newest freeride trail in the Park, Mindbender Trail, contains the greatest jumps in the entire valley and offers a variety of loop options to get you to the River Run base area. This trail connects the higher peak to River Run’s base at a distance of 3.7 miles. A 9.5-mile, 3,100-foot fall of machine-built downhill mountain biking magnificence is created by connecting the upper and lower mountains. Using the Roundhouse Gondola and a 1,800-foot drop, this track also enables riders to execute shorter, 5.9-mile hot laps on the front side of the Mountain. Six new trail kilometers on Bald Mountain will be built by Sun Valley Resort beginning in July. The completion of a 10-mile bike-only downhill track from the top of Bald Mountain to the River Run Plaza will include machine-built trails aimed at intermediate and advanced riders. The 20th year of lift-accessed mountain biking at Sun Valley Resort will be marked by the opening of new routes in 2018.
The Sun Valley Bike Park And Beyond
With an extra 200 miles of bike-friendly singletrack above Galena Summit in the Stanley Basin, the Sun Valley region has over 450 miles of singletrack. Sun Valley is a true trail-riding paradise with smooth, purpose-built trail networks and authentic mountain epics. There are various hiking, fishing, and beautiful driving options in the Sawtooth National Forest, which is surrounded by thousands of acres of backcountry. Sun Valley offers much more than just riding and hiking. Check out the performance schedule, wander around some of the shops at River Run Plaza, or take a gondola ride up to the historic Roundhouse restaurant for breathtaking views and lunch on the wrap-around deck if you’re looking to unwind. To ensure that everyone can enjoy your trip, a variety of hotel, camping, and food options are available.
Common inquiries about Sun Valley’s mountain biking routes
Which Sun Valley mountain bike trail is the longest?
Mount Thorn, through Hostetter and Verdugo Crest Trail, is the longest mountain bike trail in Sun Valley, according to AllTrails.com. The estimated length of this trail is 18.8 kilometers, and the average hiking time is 5 hours and 54 minutes.
Which Sun Valley mountain bike trail gains the highest elevation?
Sun Valley: Of all the mountain bike paths in the region, Mount Thorn via Hostetter and Verdugo Crest Trail gains the most elevation (753 m). With a 493 m height increase, Hostetler Fire Road – La Tuna Canyon has the next-highest ascent for mountain bike paths.
Which Sun Valley mountain bike trail is the most well-liked and challenging?
La Tuna Canyon Trail, which has a 4.4-star rating from 532 reviews, is the most well-liked and challenging mountain bike trail in Sun Valley.
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