Photo Essay: Kicking Off Summer in Sun Valley

Last week we wrapped up another 5-day trip to Sun Valley, Idaho… in typical early-summer fashion we had perfect weather and absolutely incredible trails.  Over the course of the four days of riding, our crew knocked out almost 100 miles spread out between five different trail systems!  Despite a couple changes to the original itinerary we still got the group on some of the best trails in the area, and it was a perfect match for our riders.

Just like after every trip, we’ve put together some of our favorite shots from the trip along with a short description of the day’s ride… check it out below to see what you can expect over the course of a trip to Sun Valley!

Day 1: Saddle – Chocolate – Fox Creek – Adam’s Gulch (22 miles, 2900′)

A perfect start to the trip with plenty of options to either extend the day’s ride or cut it a bit short, these trails give you a bit of everything to get ready for Sun Valley riding… steady climbs, shady wooded decents and a bit of loose singletrack too!

Day 2: Osberg Ridge to Oregon Gulch (24 miles, 3100′)

A new twist on an old favorite, this has become a Chasing Epic special… instead of taking the standard Osberg Ridge route all the way back into town, instead we veer north and connect to “Edge of the World” (aka Oregon Gulch) which ends with a big 6-mile, 2000′ descent that’s got a bit of everything.  This ride has it all with big views, long downhills and some of the best singletrack in the Rocky Mountains.

Day 3: Galena Pass Loops (25 miles, 3000′)

The Galena Pass trails are only 30 minutes north of town (and about 2k’ higher so they’re much cooler) and offer endless flow and an absolutely pristine riding experience. There aren’t any huge climbs or decents here, rather everything is a bit shorter and faster so you can really knock out the miles!

Day 4: Greenhorn Gulch (12 miles)

One of our favorite last-day rides, the Greenhorn-Imperial loop never disappoints; unless you just don’t like never-ending descents, amazing views, and one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see.  After a pretty decent climb to the top of the Imperial descent, you’re rewarded with a 5+ mile downhill that has a little bit of everything.  We managed to have perfect dirt and cool temps, which just made things that much better!