Backcountry Hot Springs

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

This tour will begin at 8:00am MST at Sun Summit, 791 Warm Springs Rd, Ketchum, Idaho, 208-726-0707. You will need to spend the night before in Ketchum. Make sure you eat a big power breakfast to get you ready for your morning climb.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to Ketchum between 2:00-3:00 pm on the last day.

ITINERARY

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 at mile 11. The road is a broad and 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

TRIP 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 U.S.F.S. 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

TRIP DAY 3

This morning we will continue our downhill 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 that seem to make the time pass rather quickly. We will pass Rocky Bar, an old mining town now abandoned. Atop the summit, we immediately plunge down 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

TRIP DAY 4

Today we will have a layover day in Atlanta. There are numerous rides in the area that range from technical singletrack to easy dirt roads. One of the best options is an out and back ride that goes up Grouse Creek on some of the best and most remote singletrack in the area. This ride goes through some fine stands of old growth timber and presents a sturdy climbing challenge, rewarded by a ripping downhill. Another fun ride goes up the Middle Fork of the Boise drainage to the Sawtooth Wilderness Area boundary. This is a great singletrack on which to practice technique as it contains a variety of easy challenges. This trail parallels the river and leads to some trophy swimming holes. For those wishing for an easy day, the hot springs by camp offer a refreshing and relaxing bypass from strenuous activity. There is also some great hiking nearby in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. TOTAL MILEAGE - Optional 15 - 35 miles

TRIP DAY 5

Today hiking and soaking in Atlanta are on the agenda. At some point we will head over to the airstrip in Atlanta and fly by charter plane to the Hailey Airport. On our flight, we will be able to look down and see most of the week's route. From Hailey, we will ride 12 miles on the bike path back into Ketchum. This is a nice way to end a great journey. TOTAL MILEAGE - 12 miles

TERRAIN

Riding Surface: Graded main dirt roads, some singletrack options.
Technical Difficulty: Moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with long climbs.
Altitude: 6,000 - 9,000 feet.

Please Note: Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

-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. This shuttle departs from the Boise airport at 2:45 pm and is $66 each way with 7 day advance booking. Call 208-622-8267 or 877-622-8267 for group rates and to book ahead. For your return, the shuttle departs Ketchum at 8:30 am.

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

TAXI SERVICE
A-1 Taxicab 208-726-9351
Sun Valley Chauffer 866-472-5059
They will take you from the Sun Valley Airport (Hailey) into Ketchum.

LODGING

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.

Best Western Kentwood Lodge
$160-210
800-805-1001, 208-726-4114

Clarion Inn
$160-250
800-262-4833, 208-726-5900
The Clarion is across Main Street from the bike shop.

Tamarack Lodge
$145-165
800-521-5379

Best Western Tyrolean
$139-174
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
$95-125
208-788-2477

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

Above rates are approximate.

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP
You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! When you arrive for your tour, we will give you a dry bag in which to pack your gear. If you have questions about anything on the list, please call us.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Sun Summit Ski & Cycle, 791 Warm Springs Rd, Ketchum ID, 83340; 208-726-0707. It is critical that you include your name, "Western Spirit Cycling" and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. There is no Saturday UPS delivery. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.

THINGS TO DO

RESTAURANTS

BREAKFAST
The Kneadery, 260 Leadville Ave - excellent excellent breakfast

LUNCH
Smoky Mountain Pizza, 200 Sun Valley Road - good salads and pizza

DINNER
Mama Inez, 7th Street and Warm Springs Road - our favorite Mexican
Globus, 6th and Main Street - internationally inspired cuisine
Roosevelt Tavern, Main St and Sun Valley Road - good variety, steaks and pasta

MAPS

Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:

For Forest Service Maps of the Western Spirit Routes go to http://www.store.usgs.gov/. To get to the Forest Service maps go to "Featured Products" and then under "Go to product line" choose US Forest Service Maps. Pick Idaho and: 111677 SAWTOOTH NF, FAIRFIELD & KETCHUM, ID