RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July – August

Introduction: Experience the Ultimate Idaho Hot Springs Cycle Tour

Experience the ultimate mountain biking trip, where every ride leads to a stunning natural hot spring, inviting you to relax and soak in the beauty of Idaho’s wild landscapes! We begin our trip in Ketchum, Idaho, and bike to the edge of the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. We’ll ride through rugged mountain passes, wildflower fields, and breathtaking valleys, all while knowing that a steaming natural hot spring awaits at every campsite—a perfect way to unwind after a thrilling day of mountain biking. This is truly a mountain biker’s dream vacation! The terrain on this tour is primarily dirt roads, offering a smooth ride with some challenging climbs and rewarding descents.

Hot Springs, High Passes & Challenging Backcountry Dirt Roads

This Idaho Hot Springs Cycle Tour is designed for Intermediate riders seeking a physical challenge, featuring:

  • Hot Springs Immersion: Unwind at multiple natural hot springs along the route, including Worswick, Baumgartner, Atlanta, and Chattanooga Hot Springs.
  • High-Altitude Passes: Conquer challenging climbs up to James Creek Summit (3,000 ft ascent) with outstanding views of the Sawtooth Range and Pioneer Mountains.
  • Historical Immersion: Cycle through historic gold mining towns like Rocky Bar and explore the CCC-maintained Baumgartner Hot Springs.
  • Terrain: Primarily graded main dirt roads (doubletrack), offering a smooth but physically demanding ride.

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

  • Road Surface: Graded main dirt roads.
  • Overall Rating: Intermediate
  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Physical Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with long climbs.
  • Altitude: 6,000 - 9,000 feet
  • Biking Mileage: 20-36 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Ketchum, ID
This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST. The address will be provided in the Confirmation Email, call the office to confirm. 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

We will return to Ketchum between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

GETTING TO KETCHUM, ID

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)

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

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

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: When you arrive for your tour, you will be given a dry bag in which to pack your gear for the trip. Smaller bags may fit, but very large duffels will not.

To pack efficiently in a dry bag, we highly recommend you compartmentalize your clothing and gear into separate bags. Stuff sacks, reusable grocery bags, etc. in different colors work great for this (example: cycling gear in blue stuff sack, camp clothes in red stuff sack, etc.).

Your dry bag will ride on the Western Spirit support vehicle 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 daypack 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
✓ dry bags to pack your gear
✓ solar showers
✓ sunscreen & bug spray
✓ bike stand and lube
✓ guides bring their own tools
✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

o bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
o helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
o tent
o sleeping bag
o sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

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

CAMP CLOTHING

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

PERSONAL

o toiletries
o medication (daily and emergency)
o towel
o biodegradable soap
o wet-wipes
o flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
o sunglasses
o optional day bag
o stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
o 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

o camera, extra batteries
o binoculars
o alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
o books or maps
o 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.

Q: Is there cell phone service on the trails or at the campsites? 

A: Days 1 & 3 provide spotty service.

Q: What happens if I get too tired or if the climbing proves to be too strenuous on a given day?

A: The support vehicle follows behind the group for the entirety of the ride.

Q: How warm are the hot springs?

A: 90+ degrees

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Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping and FAQ page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Backcountry Hot Springs

PRICE | $1,745 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

See what some of our guest are saying:

Luke and Will did an excellent job guiding and providing for the group. They made sure everyone felt part of the group and had a great time. The food was delicious and I was amazed at what they could do with the tools they had. - Josh 

Fantastic trip. Really well planned route. It was really hard but achievable. The hot springs were awesome. Both guides were stellar and worked really well together. Nice complimentary skills. Food was amazing! Hard to believe we were in the Backcountry. - Andrew 

The whole experience was amazing! We enjoyed the route, the views, the hot springs, the cold rivers and good company. Our guides, Frankie and Katie, were excellent hosts! They made sure we were all safe, supported and well-nourished. We had a wonderful time! - Sandi 

A Day With Western Spirit

Rise & Shine
How do you like to start your day? If you like waking up to hot coffee and unforgettable sunrises you’re in luck. Delicious cowboy coffee, fresh fruit salad, pancakes, bacon, granola, yogurt and more.

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Hit The Trail
Whether your trip includes: riding
the Rainbow Rim Trail; enjoying breathtaking views of the
Grand Canyon; leading your
friends on the White Rim Road in Canyonlands; or ripping down.

>>> Read More

Apres
We base our itineraries around the trails that we love to ride, but also around great camp locations. We love to find the perfect place next to rivers or lakes , or by vistas
and sunset spots.

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BIKE TRIP TESTIMONIALS

“Normally I do self supported but having someone else make excellent food makes me want to do it again”

~ Christl

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

~ Michael

“The trip was one of the most incredible experiences of my life… the scenery, the views, the guides, and the food! I loved how great the meals were!!! The guides were unbelievable cooks! After biking all day, to be able to sit down and eat a great meal & drink a beer …man, it was great!”

~ Gary

The guides made the trip totally beyond awesome. They were fun, the food was WAY better than I expected, the rides could be were tailored, guiding was superb, trails were a blast, our campsite was sweet. I have zero complaints.

~ Wendy

“I was tired at the end of each day and to have everything taken care of as far as dinner and cleanup, it was so nice to have that not be my issue. The guides were amazing, simply amazing….the food was always excellent, their personalities are different but blended with everyone perfectly!”

~ Pam

“Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!”

~ Teri
“I was worried riding and camping with a group… could I keep up?… would I “fit in”? I was able to keep up and push myself and was challenged by the terrain, I loved it! The group was great I had nothing to worry about, everyone was friendly and supportive.”
~ Robin

Great salads at lunch, a lot of variety, they guides had food specially prepared for those of us with food issues. Plus, they set up our chairs in the best spots!

~ Teri

“Warmth, humor, seriously good people skills,professionalism, competence. They execute their very serious responsibilities with confidence-inspiring grace.”

~ David

Your guides are your ambassadors, they are fun, energetic and very knowledgeable. I would not do anything different.

~ Paul

“Very accommodating of me being vegan, very cheerful and nice.”

~ Jason

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been on any organized event and this one was simply amazing. My skill and fitness level were not up to those as others in the group but never once did I feel intimidated…”

~ Nick

The food was fantastic! I didn’t expect such meals. The guides were so friendly, helpful, and entertaining. They really worked well together. Also, they made sure that everyone in their various skill levels enjoyed the rides and that there was enough for everyone.

~ Nichole

“This was our 3rd trip with Western Spirit, so we knew what to expect from the guides and the support they’d provide. The trip itself was spectacular – the scenery was unbeatable and the weather was perfect.”

~ Jennifer

“To begin with the landscape and scenery was majestic and awesome. The guides were all instrumental in enhancing the experience with their knowledge, skills, and out of the goodness of their character.”

~ Edward

“Food was WAY better than I expected. I like to eat healthy and was worried about “camping food.” The guides prepared amazing food. The trip was a blast in general with gorgeous scenery and good campsites. Guides were very friendly, patient and helpful”

~ Erika

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