Sun Valley Singletrack - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

This morning, after packing up, we’ll ride from the meeting spot and head out Warm springs road to our camp. We will take the time to set up camp before going to explore some single track. Our ride will take us further out Warm springs to the Castle creek drainage, from here we will hop on singletrack and explore the area. This drainage experienced a fire in 2014, opening up a window for viewing into the Smokey mountains. This ride will ready us for the rest of the week. Frenchman’s Hot Springs is just down the road from camp so we’ll be able to return to this spring for a relaxing soak. TOTAL MILEAGE: 27 miles

DAY 2

Today, we’ll enjoy a fantastic lollipop loop from camp, the Red Warrior Trail. We begin with a short warm-up ride on a dirt road before we enter the singletrack. Our ride takes us up Red Warrior drainage, crossing the creek uncountable times. We reach the divide between Red Warrior and Lodgepole Gulch. This saddle is a perfect place to enjoy a trailside lunch and views of the Pioneer, Smoky and Boulder mountains. Atop the mountain, singletracks head off in all directions through lovely stands of aspen and Douglas Fir, open meadows and toward hidden drainages. We’ll loop down Lodgepole Gulch, swooping through towering stands of pine, to Mahoney Creek where we’ll traverse lupine filled meadows back up to the saddle. From here, Red Warrior will feel like a new trail, descending fun switchbacks, twisty sections and lots of rollers. At the end of the ride, it’s a perfect time to hop in the hot springs; then we’ll head back to camp. TOTAL MILEAGE: 19 miles

DAY 3

From camp it is a nice six mile cruise up the Warm Springs Road to our trailhead at the South Fork of Warm Springs. Here, we enter the backcountry on a beautiful trail that climbs up through the forest to Poison Flats. From this beautiful meadow there are incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The last bit of the climb up to the flats is a fairly brutal pitch. Although it’s not technical, it is aerobically demanding as the pitches are steep and long. But here’s the good news: from the top, it is mostly downhill to our camp at Deer Creek. Once we begin our descent from Poison Flats, the trail becomes more technical as it follows the banks of Deer Creek. Several challenging, rocky sections gradually give way to a long, smooth section that will bring us to our support vehicle and camp. Camp is in a secluded forest area on the banks of the creek. TOTAL MILEAGE: 21 miles

DAY 4

For today’s ride, we’ll leave from camp and head down the road to Wolftone Creek to begin a gradual ascent on an old doubletrack road before hitting the singletrack. The trail parallels the creek alternating between lush forest and wildflower meadows before climbing up onto the ridge. From the apex of our ride, the views are awesome. To the south lies the prairie country of Southern Idaho and to the north lies the rugged backcountry of the Sawtooth and Boulder mountains. To the east are the jagged peaks of the Pioneers and to the west are Buttercup Mountain and the high peaks of the Smoky Dome area. From lunch we follow the south side of the ridge before turning north and beginning a fantastic descent along Curran Creek. This trail winds through meadows before plunging into the forest and alongside the creek bed, and then deposits us onto the Deer Creek Trail. This is a world class descent. We’ll end up back at our camp where we’ll spend a second night. TOTAL MILEAGE: 18 miles

DAY 5

Our last day in this mountain paradise begins with a climb up the north fork of Deer Creek to a fun switchback climb up Howard’s Trail to a ridge overlooking Greenhorn Gulch. Once again the views are fantastic. The descent from the top down to the trailhead just might be the finest yet. This trail has fun, smooth singletrack, gentle grades, lots of rollers and nicely banked turns. From here, it’s an easy 12 mile cruise along dirt roads and a paved bike path back into Ketchum for lunch and the journey’s end. TOTAL MILEAGE: 24 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

We love biking and traveling as much as you do! For over 30 years, we’ve been in the business of bike guiding and we’ve honed every little detail to give you the highest quality bike trip on the market. We’ve cherry-picked the best mountain bike trails and road rides so you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of the American West. We go the extra mile to make sure you have the most fun on your bike!

At Western Spirit, our staff is the heart of our company. Our guides love what they do, and are dedicated to providing you with a memorable vacation. Each of them has received extensive training in backcountry travel, cooking, natural history, and first aid, not to mention their cycling and mechanical skills. They are committed to helping people experience the outdoors and have a wealth of knowledge to share. Their attention to every detail leaves you free to enjoy the riding.

It’s our philosophy that everyone in our busy world needs to get outside more. We know it’s tough to squeeze it all in, but with Western Spirit we’re here to make it as easy as possible. Our friendly office staff is just a call away to help you find the perfect trip for you. We believe in getting away from it all, spending rejuvenating time in nature, and most of all, having a lot of fun!

The trip price includes food and drinks for the trip, guides, support vehicle, campsites, permits, and any entry fees into national parks and public lands.

Not included are: rental fees (bikes and camping gear), alcoholic beverages, gratuities for your guides, and applicable sales tax. If you would like to bring alcoholic beverages we will store them for you at the appropriate temperature.

Your total tour cost will include your trip fee, appropriate rental fees and applicable sales tax

We provide water, coffee, teas, electrolyte drinks, and assorted soft drinks. We cannot provide alcohol. You are welcome to bring your favorite alcoholic beverages and our guides will store them at the appropriate temperature. We’ll keep the beer cold while you’re out riding!

Yes! From lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day, we’ve got healthy and delicious food to fuel your fun. Food is one thing we take pretty seriously and we get rave reviews from our guests.

Our guides are amazing backcountry chefs and will prepare all your meals. All snacks are included. We’re sponsored by Clif Bar, and provide you with plentiful bars, snacks and electrolyte drinks. If you have specific favorite riding snacks, however, please bring them with you.

Yes, no problem! We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and we do it frequently. Our guides are masters at making sure everyone is satisfied. Please let us know when you fill out your forms so our guides can accommodate you and your needs. It is good to be specific (e.g., vegetarian but prefer tempeh over tofu) to help the guides with meal planning.

We wish we could tell you exactly, but Mother Nature is quite unpredictable as you may know. Our trips are designed with the best weather in mind, and follow the seasons—desert trips in spring and fall, and mountain trips in the summer. By sticking to our packing list that we’ve designed for you, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes our way (bringing rain gear almost assures it won’t rain, right?).

Most of our permits allow us to take 13 guests and 2 guides, although many trips are smaller than our maximum allowed. Our Maze permit in Canyonlands National Park is more limited with only 7 guests and 2 guides to maintain the remote wilderness experience.

For mountain bikes, we use the Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29ers. For road bikes, we use the Specialized Diverge E5 Elite. All our rental bikes come with flat pedals, a helmet, and one water bottle cage. We provide the water bottle and all the bike repair gear.

If you’re renting a bike from us, you do not need to show up early. Please meet at the scheduled time and we will fit you to your rented bike then.

All Western Spirit rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you have clipless pedals (e.g., SPD, Crank Brothers, etc.), you’re welcome to bring them along with your shoes. We swap out pedals all the time!

The packing list will tell you how to pack, since it depends on which trip you are on. Overall, we use a 3-bag system:

Camping gear and personal items for camp (gets packed away in the morning and is inaccessible throughout the day), Small daypack (stays in vehicle and is accessible throughout the day, e.g., extra layers, prescription medications, extra snacks, etc.), Hydration pack you wear (all things you readily need, right there on your back). We recommend a 2-liter hydration system (e.g., Camelbak) to carry the things needed during the day (water, snacks, lunch, rain gear, extra layer, sunscreen, camera, etc.), and to easily hydrate without stopping.

Nope! We provide spare tubes (for 26”, 27.5” and 29” wheels), lube, tool kits, and pumps.

Certainly! If you bring camping gear, please bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. We’ll provide everything else you need. Don’t worry about the camp chairs—we bring those too!

Please make sure all your gear is in excellent, working condition before you head out on your trip. If you’re bringing your own bike, please make sure it has been tuned up and is in excellent riding condition before the trip.

Yes! We rent tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads. Sleeping bags are thoroughly washed between trips. The following prices are for the whole trip:

2-person tent – $40 Sleeping bag – $35 Sleeping pad – $15 Total $90

We offer solar showers which are a nice way to rinse off and refresh yourself, but it is not enough water to take a full-fledge shower. The showers are not private, so please bring a swimsuit and your own towel. Showers are dependent on water resources, which may be restricted if it’s a hot desert trip. Some campsites have streams and lakes available for swimming. We also recommend wet-wipes to refresh after a fun day on the bike.

It’s not a glamorous topic, and we know this can be a subject of concern and embarrassment for some. We make it as easy and sanitary as possible! If we’re camping in designated campsites, we use the pit toilets available in the campgrounds. If we’re camping in the backcountry, we obey by the pack-it-in-pack-it-out rule. We set up a portable toilet lovingly called “the groover,” and put it in a private location with a stunning view. We provide a hand wash system for clean up.

Please join us! We get solo travelers all the time and going on a bike trip is a great way to meet like-minded people. Many of our guests end up as lifelong friends after a Western Spirit trip.