A Sun Valley Insider’s Guide to Mountain Bike Trails in the Valley
A Project Created by a Local Teen Rider
hello
My name is Elias. I am 18 years old and an avid cyclist. For me, home base is located in Hailey, Idaho. This gives me access to some of the greatest trails in the United States. Trails in the Wood River Valley are characteristically steep, loose, and have very dry dirt, and there are very few trails that were specifically built for mountain biking. Most of the trails are old moto trails that have been converted into mountain biking and hiking trails, so there are very few trails that are technical with rock gardens and jumps, but those that do have made my list of top 15 trails in the valley. All these trails wind through and beneath the Boulder, Pioneer, Smoky, and Sawtooth mountain ranges, leaving some of the best views in the world. Over the past few years, I have explored mile after mile of the wilderness and these trails, and in doing so, discovered my favorite trails in the valley. Here is that list (and a photo of me with my favorite coach and riding buddy, Eric.
EDITOR’S NOTE In no way is this a guide book to help you find or navigate any of the trails. It should not be referred to for directions or as an authoritative description of routes or their difficulty. There are many great businesses and guides for exploring the bike trails in the Wood River Valley and beyond. A list of some of the best shops in town is at the back of this guide. The Wood River Valley is at an elevation of 5500’ and higher as you go north. The climate is dry, the summer days can be hot, and afternoon thunderstorms can bring lightning and high winds. BE PREPARED for our weather, which changes as often as you change gears going up a climb. Have fun, yield to hikers and horses, and always grind with a grin!
The Grinder
Located in the Galena Lodge trail system about 24 miles north of Ketchum, The Grinder is one of the more advanced trails in this trail system. With grueling climbs, ripping downhills, and fantastic views, this trail easily slides its way into my top 15 trails in the valley. At a total of 13.7 miles, this ride is not a loop, but can be made into a loop very easily. One thing that makes this trail so much fun is that it is a fantastic trail no matter which direction you ride it. Going either way, riders will be faced with steep, long climbs that suck take them to their limits, but they will be rewarded with fast downhills on tacky, fun dirt.
Distance: 13.7 miles Elevation Gain: 3,250 feet Elevation Loss: 2,422 feet Recommended Ability Level: Advanced Average Time: 115 minutes
Distance: 2.2 miles Elevation Gain: 300 feet Elevation Loss: 550 feet Recommended Ability Level: Beginner Average Time: 15 minutes
Rip and Tear
A 2.2 mile downhill trail, Rip and Tear is a trail that is great for all levels. Another trail in the Galena Lodge trail system, Rip and Tear is a favorite of mine for more than a few reasons. The tight, twisty turns at the top are great for gaining technical skill and getting better on a bike. The rest of the way down features big berms that are built perfectly. Throughout the trail, rollers and small jumps come up that beginners can easily roll over, while more advanced riders can jump over them and fly through the trees.
Spring Creek
Continuing through the trail system at Galena Lodge, one of the most popular trails in the valley can be found: Spring Creek. A 6.2 mile downhill trail, Spring Creek features everything that any rider could ever want; technical and tight turns, fast and flowing sections, jumps, drops, and rocks gardens. Spring Creek also has characteristics that relate to the other trails in the Galena trail system. Like the others, Spring Creek is a great trail for all levels of riders. Beginners can learn and experienced riders can push their limits. The dirt on Spring Creek is generally fantastic, however, if there hasn’t been rain in a little while, the dirt can become dusty and loose. Throughout the trail, breathtaking views of the Pioneer and Sawtooth mountain ranges come up.
Distance: 6.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet Elevation Loss: 1,600 feet Recommended Ability Level: Low Intermediate Average Time: 45 minutes
Alden Gulch
Down south of the Galena Trails, 15 miles north of Ketchum, is Baker Creek Rd, which leads to access to miles of advanced trails. One of those trails is Alden Gulch. Two years ago, Alden Gulch got a revamp, and has become one of the premier downhill trails in the valley. A 4.5 mile downhill, this trail contains many natural and man made dirt and rock features. With big jumps at the top rock drops in the middle, and rock gardens at the bottom, Alden Gulch is truly a thrill. At the top of this trail, 360 degree views will make someone think that they have died and gone to heaven. Throughout the trail, big berms allow riders to carry their speed through the turns. Like the other trails in the valley, the dirt on Alden Gulch is generally pretty good, but without rain, it becomes very dry and loose.
Distance: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 150 feet Elevation Loss: 1,950 feet Recommended Ability Level: Advanced Average Time: 25 minutes
Distance: 3 miles Elevation Gain: 200 feet Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet Recommended Ability Level: Advanced Average Time: 15 minutes
Oregon Gulch)
Still in the Baker Creek area is a trail named Oregon Gulch, or, in more fitting fashion, edge of the world. With a similar starting point as Alden Gulch trail, the views are equally as amazing at the top. A popular shuttle ride in the valley, Edge of the World is a 3 mile steep, fast, loose, and raw downhill. A trail not for the faint of heart, the sections a rider will encounter will without a doubt push their technical boundaries. Oregon Gulch is a popular trail that hosts races every few years.
North Fork Loop
One of the shorter trails on my list, but one of my favorites, is south of Baker Creek Rd a few miles at the Fox Creek Trailhead. The trail is called North Fork Loop, and it is 1.7 miles of fun. Not a ride that I would recommend for a beginner, North Fork Loop is one of the few trails in the valley that has true technical features; rock gardens and rock drops.
The dirt on North Fork Loop changes throughout the ride. When in the trees, the dirt is tacky and fast, but when the trees turn to shrubs, the dirt is loose and dry. For me, it is a great training ride because it is not only very fun, but I can time my efforts around the loop to see my improvements on it. At spots throughout the ride, the pioneers can be seen looming in the distance.
Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation Gain: 450 feet Elevation Loss: 450 feet Recommended Ability Level: High Intermediate Average Time: 15 minutes
Pioneer Cabin
Further down the valley, east of Ketchum out Trail Creek Rd, is a trail that is one of the most popular hiking trails in the valley; Pioneer Cabin Trail. The steep, technical, lung wrenching climbs ensure that not a lot of bikers ride the trail, but if a rider can push through all that, they are in for one heck of a ride. After 4 miles of climbing, the view at Pioneer Cabin is possibly the best in the valley. Turning around and heading back down the way they came up, riders are presented with a combination of fast, technical, and rocky downhills that will make them holler with joy. Pioneer Cabin is home to some of the best dirt in the valley; tacky, fast, and fun!
Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet Elevation Loss: 89 feet Recommended Ability Level: Advanced Average Time: 85 minutes
Distance: 3.1 miles Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet Elevation Loss: 700 feet Recommended Ability Level: Beginner Average Time: 25 minutes
Corral Creek
Another trail out Trail Creek Rd is Corral Creek, a 3.1 mile trail that I use to train on all the time and have probably spent more time on than any other trail in the valley. Corral Creek is a ride fit for all levels of rider. It does not have many technical sections and is always in great shape. A family can go out and have a wonderful, leisurely ride and an experienced rider can go as hard as he can and both parties will have a great time. The dirt on Corral Creek is the best in the valley. It is always tacky and fast, and riders don’t have to worry about slipping out very often.
Forbidden Fruit
In the Adams Gulch trail system, just north of Ketchum, Forbidden Fruit is a well known downhill only trail. Possibly my favorite trail in the valley, this 1.1 mile flow trail is best known for its high speeds, big berms, and great spots to catch some air. Forbidden Fruit is a great trail for all types of riders. For a less experienced rider, it is a perfect place to learn some more fundamental skills and push their comfort zones. For an experienced rider, Forbidden Fruit allows the rider to push their limits and have a wonderful time doing so. Unfortunately, the trail is almost always very dry with large braking bumps in certain sections, making it slippery and easy to lose control. If it weren’t for the dryness, it would most likely be my favorite trail in the valley.
Distance: 1.1 miles Elevation Gain: 230 feet Elevation Loss: 450 feet Recommended Ability Level: Intermediate Average Time: 10 minutes
Distance: 2.1 miles Elevation Gain: 50 feet Elevation Loss: 900 feet Recommended Ability Level: Intermediate Average Time: 15 minutes
Harper’s’ Trail
A good two way trail, this 2.1 mile trail is also in the Adams Gulch trail system. Harper’s Trail is also one of those few trails in the valley that has true technical features and isn’t just raw and loose. With steep spots that require a rider to be very stable and rock gardens that require them to be “on their toes,” this trail is another one that is not for beginners, however an intermediate rider could ride this cautiously. As per usual, the dirt is generally loose and dry, but when it rains this trail is better than good. At a few spots throughout the trail when the trees break, the views are as good as ever, with the Pioneers staring directly back.
Eve’s’ Gulch
Our last stop in Adams Gulch is another out and back trail called Eve’s Gulch. Round trip, this 8 mile journey will take a rider up steep and loose switchbacks to the top of a ride with surprisingly underwhelming views, which are blocked by trees. However, the lack of views are completely made up for by the ripping downhill to come. After suffering up brutal climbs, a rider is rewarded by fast, steep, flowing descents. The dirt on Eve’s Gulch is almost always stellar and it is rarely loose or dusty. With all this in mind, this trail is best for intermediate to advanced riders.
Distance: 8 Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet Elevation Loss: 2,100 feet Recommended Ability Level: High Intermediate Average Time: 75 minutes
Warm Springs
One of the two trails that I picked that are located on Bald Mountain, the local ski mountain, is called Warm Springs. An 8.3 mile trail, riders can take this trail either way, although I prefer going down it. Warm Springs has a combination of all sorts of different riding. There are fast and flowy sections of the trail tight and technical sections that a rider needs to slow down to avoid their tires slipping out. Like all the majority of the other trails in the valley, the dirt is loose without rain, but when it rains, the trail becomes almost the perfect trail. The start of Warm Springs is at the top of Bald Mountain, with 360 degree views of the valley, encompassing the massive mountains to the north and east.
Distance: 8.3 miles Elevation Gain: 800 feet Elevation Loss: 3,250 feet Recommended Ability Level: Intermediate Average Time: 45 minutes
Distance: 3.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet Elevation Loss: 75 feet Recommended Ability Level: Intermediate Average Time: 38 minutes
River Run Trail
The other of the two trails that I chose on the local ski mountain is River Run Trail. This 3.4 mile trail is possibly my favorite in the valley. It is another go-to training ride that is great for pushing limits on the climb and laying it all out there on the descents. It is a two way trail that is equally as enjoyable going up as it is going down. Although it has a fairly moderate grade most of the way up, there are some steep sections that will have rider’s lungs gasping. Turning around and coming down, a rider will get to experience fast and flowy as well as tight and technical. The dirt on River Run Trail is almost always good, with a hard packed and fast texture. Since River Run Trail does not go to the top of the mountain and is mostly in the trees, there are not a whole lot of views, but about halfway up the trail there is a lookout that boasts a great view of the Pioneer Mountains.
Red Warrior
Red Warrior is undoubtedly the most rugged trail on this list. It is used as much for mountain biking as it is for dirt bikes. At 8 miles, this trail gains around 2,500 feet of elevation in the first 5, making it a steep, grueling climb. At the top of the climb, the views are unmatched, leaving the rider breathless both from the climb and the scenery presented before them.
One unique thing about Red Warrior is that the start of a climb crosses the same creekbed at least 10 times as it snakes its way up a canyon before heading straight up to the top of the mountain. At the top, there is a 1,500 foot descent that is fast, loose, and treacherous with big dirtbike bumps that can easily send a rider flying, as it has me. The dirt on Red Warrior is a mix of loose sand and tacky, hard pack.
Distance: 7.7 Miles Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet Elevation Loss: 1,350 feet Recommended Ability Level: Expert Average Time: 110 minutes
Greenhorn-Imperial /
Greenhorn-Imperial is a trail that actually forms a loop, whereas the rest of the trails on my list of top 15 trails in the valleys can only be ridden with other trails mixed in. I prefer to ride this 10 mile loop counterclockwise, but it is a great loop to ride either direction. Riding it counterclockwise brings a 4 mile climb that is very steep and grueling, gaining about 1,800 feet of elevation in that distance. Mile 5-10 is a fast, flowing downhill with some tight and technical sections thrown in there and a short climb towards the end. At multiple points throughout the trail, the Pioneer Mountains stare directly back at the rider with their massive, looming peaks.
Distance: 10 Miles Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet Elevation Lost: 2,000 feet Recommended Ability Level: Intermediate Average Time: 90 minutes
trail locations in the valley
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Bike Shops and Helpful Insights Backwoods Sports | backwoodsmountainsports.com BCRD Trails | summertraillink.bcrd.org Elephant’s Perch | elephantsperch.com Galena Lodge | galenalodge.com Idaho Cycles | idaho-cycles.com Books and Guides (purchase locally please) Pete Lane’s | sunvalley.com Good Dirt I and II (by McRoberts, mountain biking) PK’s Ski & Sports | pkski.com Sun Valley Idaho Trail Map (by Adventure Maps) Sturtevant’s | sturtevants-sv.com Sun Summit South | crankandcarve.com
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