SUN VALLEY, ID

Physical Exertion:  Int-Adv   /   Technical Ability: Intermediate

Trip Category: High Country Epics

 

What to expect in Sun Valley: Long climbs, long descents, epic views and big days on the bike!

 

Sun Valley, Idaho sits at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, one of (if not the) most scenic mountain ranges in the United States.  The landscape and views alone are worth a visit to Sun Valley, but we tend to focus on the abundance of singletrack in the area.  With over 400 miles of trails, all interconnected and close to town, it’s yet another perfect Chasing Epic destination.

Between Sun Valley and north to Galena Pass, you’ll find big mountain riding with huge views, long climbs, and long descents that will have you grinning from ear to ear.  The topography lends itself to some amazing high-country riding, with long drainages, huge mountain ridges, and plenty of forests and flowers to keep things tip-top.  To the west of town is the true backcountry experience, where we’ll show you epic descents with not a soul in sight.  Then head south of town towards Hailey, and you’ll find the low-elevation rides like Greenhorn-Imperial, which are right up there with the best and offer some of the most fun 15-20 mile loops we’ve ridden anywhere.

 

By partnering with the local crew at Sun Valley Mountain Guides, we’re able to put together amazing itineraries that most folks can only dream of!  But make sure you bring your climbing legs and high-altitude lungs because we’ve got some big days planned!

 

Airport Options:  Sun Valley (10 minutes)  –  Boise (2.5 hrs)  –  SLC (4 hrs)

“Our trip was well organized with good, hard rides in a truly amazing location. But what set this experience apart for me was the guides – local guides who knew the area, the trails, the weather, and were clearly invested in their community. Our guides were patient, positive, and instructive. It felt very welcoming – just like a group ride with old friends – allowing me to connect to a new place in way I never would have experienced otherwise.”

INTERACTIVE SUN VALLEY TRAIL MAP

WHAT TO EXPECT

Day One: On the first day of our trip, plan to meet at our designated lodging around 5-6pm that evening.  We’ll do a quick introduction, followed by bike setups, a welcome dinner and drinks.  The first night is meant to be social and relaxing, as we’re getting ready for four big days on the bike!

 

Day Two:  Today’s ride is going to be BIG, so make sure you put in the miles leading up to your trip.  We’ll hop in our shuttle to head about 20 minutes north of town to the Baker Creek TH, where we’ll tackle Oregon Gulch before heading back into town.

 

From Oregon Gulch, we’ll make our way back towards town hitting Chocolate Gulch, Fox Creek, Harper’s and more before a couple incredible descents and flow trails.  All told we’ll probably knock out about 20-22 miles with 3000′ of climbing, but close to 5,000′ of epic Sun Valley descent!

Day Three: Today’s ride will be both mind-blowing and limit-pushing, so be sure to eat a BIG breakfast this morning to fuel up for today’s adventure.  Our ride starts with another shuttle to the Baker Creek TH, where we’ll be dropped off for an all-day epic.

 

After about a mile of fairly steady climbing, we’ll quickly veer off onto Castle Creek, where we’re rewarded with an amazing 7-mile descent down the gulch (and along the creek) towards Warm Springs.  Go ahead, take a minute to wipe the smile off your face.  From there, we’ll have a pretty steady (and sometimes punchy) climb up the Warm Springs Trail to the top of Red Warrior, where we’ll get another HUGE descent… over 5 miles of flow that ends at the hot springs along the river.  Today’s ride will be around 24 miles with 2500 feet of climbing- maybe a bit more if we’re feeling frisky at the top of Red Warrior!  Post-ride beer and a soak, anyone?

Day Four:

EPIC ALERT!  This morning everyone is probably feeling it, so be sure to eat a hearty breakfast!  We’re going to start with another shuttle ride, and this one is to the start of Osberg Ridge.  Osberg’s all the way back to town is an absolute classic, but make sure you’ve got the legs and lungs to tackle it.  Expect long climbs, huge views, incredible singletrack, and some rugged backcountry riding.  Today’s ride will clock in around 25 miles with over 3500′ of climbing.  We’ll end at world-famous Grumpy’s for a post-ride beer and a snack, before heading back to the house for a hearty dinner.

Day Five:  Today’s our last day in Sun Valley, but we’re going to treat you to one of our favorite “short loops” anywhere… just south of town in Greenhorn Gulch.  Greenhorn-Imperial is an incredible 11 mile, 2000′ loop that is the perfect topper for an incredible trip.  If you’re feeling good on today’s ride and want a little more, we’re happy to add some climbing and descending to make it a longer ride too!