Backcountry Hot Springs Trip - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

We begin our tour in lovely Ketchum, Idaho. Our first morning’s ride will take us past the ski resort up Warm Springs Road to our first hot springs of the tour. The road has a broad, smooth surfaced grade that climbs gradually through a pretty canyon alongside Warm Springs Creek for 21 miles before a steeper five mile climb brings us to Dollarhide Summit. The views from the summit are outstanding and in the distance one can see the peaks of the Pioneer Mountains, the Boulder Mountains and the Smoky Range. In early summer, yellow and purple lupines carpet the area and the sweet smell of flowers fills the air. A fun nine mile downhill ride takes us to Worswick Hot Springs, our first night’s camp. The springs are a delight to soak in and bathers have a choice between several nice pools. TOTAL MILEAGE: 35 miles - Physically strenuous day 3300ft climbing

DAY 2

Today we will pass three hot springs while riding along the banks of the Boise River. We will be following the course of Little Smoky Creek to the confluence with the South Fork of the Boise River. Our afternoon ride is a fun cruise down the South Fork of the Boise and tonight we will camp at Baumgartner Hot Springs. These springs were civilized by the CCC in the Roosevelt days and are beautifully maintained by the forest service. A concrete pool 10 x 20 x 3 feet deep has been built to contain the crystal clear hot water. A deep swimming hole at the end of the campground makes for a great plunge. The surrounding granite boulders, sculpted smooth by the river, are a warm, comfortable place to relax before a dinner under the pines. TOTAL MILEAGE: 24 miles

DAY 3

This morning we will continue our rivergrade cruise beside the river for another 11 miles to the small town of Featherville. Here we turn up the Feather River and begin a series of climbs as we head to James Creek Summit. This steep, 3,000 foot climb has great views of the Sawtooth Range. We will pass Rocky Bar, an old mining town now abandoned. Atop the summit, we immediately plunge down along James Creek to the Middle Fork of the Boise River. From here a two mile ride brings us into the town of Atlanta. Situated at the end of the road from Boise, this isolated settlement boasts about 25 full time residents. The town has a small museum full of interesting artifacts from the mining days. Near our camp are three hot springs from which to choose. The Atlanta Hot Springs are nestled underneath a giant stand of old growth Ponderosa Pines. Further down the road are the Chattanooga Hot Springs. Here, a hot waterfall cascades into a sizable pool on the banks of the river. Finally, just below camp on the river bank is an unnamed spring containing several great pools. Here, you can lay on your back in hot water and enjoy a marvelous view of the mountains. TOTAL MILEAGE: 36 miles - **Physically strenuous day with 4400ft climbing and a steep, loose and rocky technically challenging descent.

DAY 4

Today we will wake up in beautiful Atlanta, ID and continue our exploration of the Middle Fork of the Boise River. We will backtrack through historic Atlanta and continue our ride on mellow river grade. We will pass multiple hot springs and areas of the rich mining history of the region. We will camp near Loftus Hot Springs this evening where we can soak after a great ride.

TOTAL MILEAGE: 35 miles

DAY 5

Our last day of the tour we will continue along the Boise River to Lucky Peaks reservoir. We will pedal past some of Boise's best kept secret fishing holes. We will finish our tour with a tasty lunch before shuttling back to our starting location in Ketchum, ID. TOTAL MILEAGE: 20 miles

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.

A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• Bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• Helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pair warm long pants
• long sleeve fleece or sweater
• pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving Ketchum is located 77 miles north of Interstate 84 on Highway 75. We have a place to park all the vehicles while on the tour.

Flying into Sun Valley Airport Code: SUN

Flying into Boise, ID Airport Code: BOI From here, there are two options: 1) Rent a car and drive to Ketchum, a 2 1/2 hour drive. You will have to park the car while on the tour. 2) Take the Sun Valley Express shuttle service. Call 208-622-8267 or 877-622-8267 for times, rates and to book ahead.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT Airport Code: SLC Rent a car and drive to Ketchum, about a 5 hour drive.

TAXI SERVICE A-1 Taxicab: 208-726-9351 Sun Valley Limo & Taxi: 208-481-2119 (airport shuttles)

Ketchum is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Hotel Ketchum 208-471-4716

Tamarack Lodge 800-521-5379, 208-726-3344

Best Western Tyrolean 800-333-7912, 208-726-5336

Lodging in Hailey  Hailey is a cute little town with good restaurants. It is 10 miles south of Sun Valley. Allow 1/2 hour drive time in the morning.

Airport Inn Hailey, ID 208-788-2477

Innidaho.com – Central Reservations for all of Idaho 800-844-3246