Looking for routes in Sun Valley or McCall, ID...

[omurphy]

A friend and I are looking for a 3-4 day bikepacking route in the Sun Valley or McCall, ID areas. Prefer a loop (to make logistics easier) with a taste of high country and remote wilderness. Probably ride 50-60 miles per day. Late July or August, depending on snowpack. We'd greatly appreciate any suggestions you have or resources (books, websites, bike shops) you recommend. Thanks in advance! Happy planning and riding to everybody out there. -Owen

[caseygreene]

I'm planning a trip down there in late Sept. Probably the most notable feature of the area is the large concentration of soakable hot springs. Nothing more relaxing after a hard days ride

I'd Pick up this book: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Springs-Pools-Northwest-Original/dp/1890880086/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331230041&sr=1-1

And, check out this site: http://www.idahohotsprings.com/hot_springs/idaho_hot_springs.htm

Good (small scale) maps for planning. Although, it dosen't show the wilderness boundary: http://www.amazon.com/Idaho-Road-Recreation-Atlas-Benchmark/dp/0929591062/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331230374&sr=1-1

[omurphy]

Thank you Casey! A singletrack hot spring tour has a nice ring to it. I'll do a bit of research and let you know where we decide to go. Thanks again for the leads. - Owen

[caseygreene]

Sweet. Definitely let me know where you guys go.

[Kimberly]

Would be psyched to know more about your ride plans. Looking to do a multi-day bikepack trip either in the Sierras or Idaho in August. Hot springs and singletrack might be two of my favorite things. If you put together a route would you mind sharing details? Thanks! Kimberly

[caseygreene]

For sure. Ill post info up here when i get it together. Think i'm going to put together 2 or 3 different tours. While Late Aug/Sept is probably the best time for a hot springs ride, its also prime fire season in Northern Rockies. Gotta have a backup route.

Let us know if you come across any good info too.

[GJ MTBiker]

Did you decide on a route?

[omurphy]

Yep... We're actually going to ride the Dixie 200 route in southern Utah. Didn't want to chance snow closures and I have only a small window of opportunity. Someday I'll get back to Sun Valley in the fall, but can't do it this year. Looks like an incredible area!

[caseygreene]

I did find a few different options, but i think the one we're going for is a loop out of Stanley. I'll try to post a map or description soon.

[caseygreene]

here's a rough outline of the possibilities. Green squares are undeveloped hot springs, and green circles developed.

[JayP]

Little different location in Idaho...

Fitz-Barn - Fitzgeralds Bicycles (Victor, ID) to Red Barn Bicycles (Hamilton, MT). 350 - 400 miles. August 17th.

http://fitz-barn.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/FitzBarnRide

[caseygreene]

Jay,
Looks like it's going to end up being a really nice route, especially through the Beverheads. Chad's been sending me sections of the route you guys have been whipping up. Wish i could ride, but it's same day as my sisters wedding in Ohio.

[mr cowboy]

Casey
You can't lose with the riding around Ketchum and Stanley (excellent singletrack near both of those towns). The Idaho City area has some of my favorite forest service roads in Idaho. That whole map you posted all contains great stuff. Enjoy your trip down here.

[caseygreene]

Thanks. You mind if i hit you up for some recommendations?

[mr cowboy]

Sure fire away with where you'd like to go. I know the Idaho City forest service roads better...and have wanted to do a connecting ride over there for a while.  Depending on what you want to do and where you want to go....there is doable Boise to Idaho City ride that can be extended further out. I think it'd be cool to make an Idaho route that's forest service roads mixed with trails if possible.

Ketchum and Stanley it's the single track that I know better.