Sun Valley Riding and Other Info

[smmokan]

Many of you guys know I run Chasing Epic- and for 2019, I'm looking to expand into the Sun Valley area in order to run a few trips each year. Don't worry, our trips are pretty small and we make a point of not over-crowding the trails with large groups. Plus, I also believe in supporting the local bike groups and community, so hopefully us coming there will be seen as a positive.

I've never personally ridden there, so I was hoping to get some info from the TGR collective since I know there have been old threads with lots of great stuff, but they seem outdated. Maybe consider this an update?

- What are the good 20-30 mile loops that are relatively close to town? What about 12-15 mile rides?
- Are there any good condo complexes where we could rent 3-4 condos for each trip? We typically book 3-4 bd condos for three nights each.
- If not to the above, anyone know of a good property management company I could go through to find rental lodging?
- What are the must-hit restaurants that don't cost a fortune?

Additionally, I'm planning to come up there in August to scout trails, take photos, and do a handful of other things in order to get ready for 2019. If anyone is around and wants to ride, beers and dinner are on me.

[mtnjam]

Here is a good start for mapping https://summertrailink.bcrd.org/ what you'd like to start on riding, but make sure you hit Forbidden Fruit from the top. The south valley trails are OK, like around Rotarun ski hill, and the Deer Creek area is kind of gone after the fire and washouts (i.e. Wolftone/Kinsey/Curran) at least from what I have heard, although that may have changed. Adams Gulch is the nearby easy access to trails for the Wood Riverites. The trails to the east in the Pioneer range area are definitely trail riding, but worth the effort.

Go to Elephants Perch and make everyone in the group purchases one of those nice waterproof Adventure maps.

As for condo rentals for groups, I know there are a bunch of condos at the River Run area, but I'm sure others can chime in on what and where are the easiest to work with.

As for food, plenty of options around the area from basic pub foods to high end. Personally I really like The Rickshaw, but for a big group, might be kind of hard to get in. CK's Real Food (Hailey) is great, but pricy. Grumpy's and/or Lefty's for burgers and schooners of beer. The Casino for good stiff drinks and Whiskey Jacques same. Breakfast at The Kneadery is a must prior to big rides.

Hope that helps....if you get to Boise, shoot me a message and I'll ride/drink with you. Currently don't have plans to ride in the WRV this year, but long weekends to get over there are easy.

[funkendrenchman]

Let me know if you need any deals on hotel rooms. We also have a couple residences as well. https://www.limelighthotels.com/ketchum Breakfast is included.

Second The Rickshaw as the top restaurant in town.

[mtnjam]

Let me know if you need any deals on hotel rooms. We also have a couple residences as well. https://www.limelighthotels.com/ketchum Breakfast is included.

Second The Rickshaw as the top restaurant in town.

Ha, stayed with you guys in November when I needed to get my fix in for icy turns, seconded for a quality place to stay and some great breakfasts. I shoulda asked for change $0.05 when I checked in...

The other place for good European flair and pastries is The Konditorei in Sun Valley village. If you like good schnitzel and speak German or Austrian that's the place. They'll still speak English to you too.

[smmokan]

Let me know if you need any deals on hotel rooms. We also have a couple residences as well. https://www.limelighthotels.com/ketchum Breakfast is included.

Second The Rickshaw as the top restaurant in town.

Just sent you a PM.

[funkendrenchman]

Ha, stayed with you guys in November when I needed to get my fix in for icy turns, seconded for a quality place to stay and some great breakfasts. I shoulda asked for change $0.05 when I checked in...

Glad you enjoyed it. I actually work out of Aspen, but Ski Co owns Limelight Ketchum.

[rippling over canyons]

Adams and Oregon Gulches north of town have some fun loops. A lesser know, but pretty fun loop is Prairie Creek>Miner/Prairie Connector>Miners Creek, north of town. I've only ridden it once, but really enjoyed it. You get to check out some pristine alpine lakes. My typical Sun Valley ride is at Greenhorn Gulch, south of town: Mahoney>Lodgepole>Mars Ridge>Greenhorn down and back up>Imperial Gulch. A popular point to point is to start in Greenhorn and descend Red Warrior to Warm Springs Road. The ride ends at a hot springs. My favorite ride there is Pioneer Cabin>Johnstone>Bear>Parker, but this ride has a ton of climbing (about 5K). This ride has not been affected by recent fires which is why I like it. The Greenhorn area is a shell of its former self (burnt out forests with sandy soil). When I'm up in that area, I'll stop in Sun Valley for re-supply and 1 ride, then I high tail it up to the Stanley Basin, which is now not nearly as good after the Wilderness Area was established in '15. I usually camp, so don't have any lodging recs.

[panchosdad]

I like the Greenhorn/mahoney area, lots of loop options in varying lengths, and it's cool riding through some of the burn.

[skivan]

Sun valley trekking also a great resource. Talk to joe. Might not be in your schedule, but their yurts and support (shuttle?) are awesome for riding, and you could ride some of the above named trails back into town. Osberg etc.

Galena is great. If august the riding up north in Stanley will likely be nicer. Hit the bakery, hot springs, etc.

[zion zig zag]

I always hit Greenhorn gulch area on the way into or out of town. We rode Osberg Ridge>Oregon Gulch>Fox Creek and then back into town last year and it was a fun/big day with a little more tech than typical SV. Ran out of water and was considering drinking from the stream at one point. We got dropped off at the dirt road right off of HWY 75 and pedaled to the top, I think you can get a shuttle to drop you off at the top which would save a lot of dirt road grinding and make it a little easier.

[smmokan]

I always hit Greenhorn gulch area on the way into or out of town. We rode Osberg Ridge>Oregon Gulch>Fox Creek and then back into town last year and it was a fun/big day with a little more tech than typical SV. Ran out of water and was considering drinking from the stream at one point. We got dropped off at the dirt road right off of HWY 75 and pedaled to the top, I think you can get a shuttle to drop you off at the top which would save a lot of dirt road grinding and make it a little easier.

Awesome... Greenhorn looks like it would be perfect, and I dig the shuttle options around town too!

Skivan- I'll be working with the guys at Sun Valley Mountain Guides (through Sturtevant's) so I'm sure they'll have a ton of good recommendations as well... but it's always nice to get lots of opinions before heading into a new area.

[mfa81]

Let me know if you need any deals on hotel rooms. We also have a couple residences as well. https://www.limelighthotels.com/ketchum Breakfast is included.

Second The Rickshaw as the top restaurant in town.

Humm... love deals! the limelight seems pretty sweet!

[Mountainman]

but make sure you hit Forbidden Fruit from the top.

I wouldn't go out of my way to ride this trail. If you're near it why not, but it's a pretty poorly built 'flow' trail.

and the Deer Creek area is kind of gone after the fire and washouts (i.e. Wolftone/Kinsey/Curran) at least from what I have heard, although that may have changed.

Deer Creek is all open, although it's tough to keep up with all the blow down each time a storm comes through.

[smmokan]

Update... if anyone's around or in town during the weekend of August 4-7th, I'll be there with a couple of friends. Would love to go for a ride, have a beer, or just hang out.

[smmokan]

Bumping this up because I'm currently in Ketchum (for the next 3-4 days).... I'm definitely impressed so far. Did a 17 mile loop at Galena today and didn't see another biker. Tomorrow we're doing Osberg to Adam's Rib back to town, then Monday the guys at Sturtevant's have something big planned. Greenhorn and Imperial (apparently) on Tuesday before heading back home.

It's a little hazy from the fires, but it seems to come and go depending on where you are. Talk about a scenic location.