Sun Valley 5-Day Singletrack Tour

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | July - August
PRICE | $1,845 pp

Experience the ultimate Sun Valley singletrack mountain bike tour, where you’ll navigate technical high-alpine trails and exhilarating backcountry descents through the heart of the Idaho Rockies. This fully supported Sun Valley cycling adventure handles every logistical detail from gourmet meals to gear transport, allowing you to focus entirely on conquering the legendary ridgelines and breathtaking panoramas of the Sawtooth National Forest.

This tour contains some very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. A high level of skill and fitness is required to enjoyably navigate much of
the route. There will be riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls on the downhill side. We will be without vehicle support during all of the
singletrack sections of the ride and medical help is far away. If you do not consider yourself to be an expert rider and doubt your ability to complete this
tour, please call us and we can help you determine whether this trip is appropriate for you.

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: Singletrack on coarse granitic soil, pine duff and some clay.
Overall Rating: Advanced
Technical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, many obstacles and tricky sections
Physical Difficulty: Difficult, high elevations, steep climbs, long unsupported sections.
Altitude: 6,000 - 9,000 feet
Total Mileage: 18-27 miles per day
Packing for your trip

Day 1: Warm Springs Singletrack & Hot Springs Soak

  • We'll ride directly from our meeting spot, beginning our Idaho mountain biking tour with a ride out Warm Springs Road to our camp.
  • We'll explore the Castle Creek drainage; the area's scenic singletrack offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
  • This ride will get us primed for the week ahead, and a relaxing soak at Frenchman’s Hot Springs is just down the road for the perfect post-ride recovery.
  • Total Mileage: 27 miles

Day 2: The Red Warrior Loop & Mountain Vistas

  • Today, we’ll embark on the Red Warrior Trail, a spectacular lollipop loop from camp.
  • We’ll climb through the beautiful Red Warrior drainage, crossing the creek many times before reaching a saddle with incredible views of the Pioneer, Smoky, and Boulder Mountains.
  • After a trailside lunch, we'll enjoy a fun descent down Lodgepole Gulch and back along a new section of the Red Warrior Trail, featuring fun switchbacks and rollers.
  • Total Mileage: 19 miles

Day 3: Poison Flats Climb & Deer Creek Descent

  • From camp, we’ll begin with a beautiful climb up to Poison Flats, a stunning meadow offering incredible mountain views.
  • While the final stretch of the climb is challenging, the reward is a thrilling descent into our secluded creekside camp at Deer Creek.
  • The trail becomes more technical as it follows the banks of the creek, gradually giving way to a long, smooth section that will lead us to our support vehicle.
  • Total Mileage: 21 miles

Day 4: Wolftone Ridge & The World-Class Descent

  • Today, we’ll ride from camp on a loop that takes us up Wolftone Creek and onto a ridge with breathtaking views.
  • To the north lie the rugged Sawtooth and Boulder Mountains, while the Pioneers and Smoky Peaks surround us.
  • After a trailside lunch, we’ll ride a world-class descent along Curran Creek, a twisting, fast singletrack that will have you grinning from ear to ear before ending at our camp for a second night.
  • Total Mileage: 18 miles

Day 5: Howard's Trail & A Final Ride to Ketchum

  • For our grand finale, we begin with a climb up Howard’s Trail to a ridge overlooking Greenhorn Gulch.
  • The descent from the top is arguably the most memorable of the trip, with fun, smooth singletrack and perfectly banked turns.
  • From the trailhead, it’s a scenic 12-mile cruise on dirt roads and a paved path back into Ketchum, concluding our unforgettable Sun Valley singletrack bike trip.
  • Total Mileage: 24 miles

Ketchum, ID
This trip will meet at 8:30 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. You will be able to leave your vehicle here for the duration of the tour.

ENDING TIME

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

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

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

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

Need more information about our trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring 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 

RIDING TYPE | ◆︎ Advanced

TRIP DURATION | 5-Days

SEASON | July - August

-Experience Sun Valley Singletrack: A True Gem of the West

Sun Valley 5-Day Singletrack Tour

Sun Valley, Idaho, is a mountain biking paradise, and our Sun Valley singletrack bike trip is your all-inclusive ticket to experiencing its legendary trails. Imagine yourself riding through vast alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, with the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains as your backdrop. This is a fully supported, hassle-free Idaho mountain biking tour where we handle all the logistics. You simply get to enjoy the incredible riding, the delicious food, and the stunning scenery.

Advanced Challenge, High-Alpine Vistas & Hot Springs Recovery

This Sun Valley Singletrack Tour is tailored for Advanced riders who possess a high level of skill and fitness, featuring:

  • Ultimate Singletrack Challenge: Conquer trails on coarse granitic soil, including the Red Warrior Loop and Wolftone Ridge, demanding a high level of skill and fitness.
  • Breathtaking Alpine Vistas: Ride through vast alpine meadows and ridges, with panoramic views of the Sawtooth, Smoky, Pioneer, and Boulder Mountains.
  • Hot Springs Recovery: Enjoy the unique benefit of a post-ride soak at Frenchman’s Hot Springs for the perfect recovery.
  • High-Altitude Riding: Cycle at challenging elevations ranging from 6,000 to 9,000 feet, ensuring cool temperatures and demanding climbs.

-DAY-BY-DAY

This tour contains some very difficult riding on narrow, steep mountain trails. A high level of skill and fitness is required to enjoyably navigate much of
the route. There will be riding along steep mountain ridges with exposure to falls on the downhill side. We will be without vehicle support during all of the
singletrack sections of the ride and medical help is far away. If you do not consider yourself to be an expert rider and doubt your ability to complete this
tour, please call us and we can help you determine whether this trip is appropriate for you.

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: Singletrack on coarse granitic soil, pine duff and some clay.
  • Overall Rating: Advanced
  • Technical Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, many obstacles and tricky sections
  • Physical Difficulty: Difficult, high elevations, steep climbs, long unsupported sections.
  • Altitude: 6,000 - 9,000 feet
  • Total Mileage: 18-27 miles per day

MEETING PLACE AND TIME

Ketchum, ID
This trip will meet at 8:30 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. You will be able to leave your vehicle here for the duration of the tour.

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

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

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: What is the highest elevation reached on the tour, and what specific guidance is provided for riders arriving from sea level to manage altitude?

  • A: High point of this trip is around 8500ft. If your able to arrive a day or 2 earlier, it will help with acclimatization, it is not required or guaranteed this course of action will work. Prepare by hydrating, water and electrolytes coming into this trip will help with acclimatization.

Q: How is the post-ride visit to Frenchman's Hot Springs (Day 1) organized? Is time allocated for the entire group, and what should we bring?

  • A: We can pedal from camp ~1mile to Frenchman's Hot Spring. either before or after dinner is fine, bringing a bathing suit, towel and water shoe, sandal etc.

Q: The itinerary mentions creek crossings (Red Warrior, Deer Creek). How deep are these typically, and what is the best way to manage them?

  • A: The creek crossings are no more than ankle deep, we will ride through them.
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Need more information about our trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring 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 

Sun Valley 5-Day Singletrack Tour

PRICE | $1,845 pp

Private Departures Available
Call  435-259-8732

Gallery

See what some of our guest are saying:

It was a fabulous 5 days of riding. The guides were excellent on the trail and off. Frank and Luke pampered us with great food and cared about our safety and comfort. - Jeff 

I had an absolutely amazing time with Western Spirit in Sun Valley and now want to go on a Western Spirit trip every year! Everything about this trip was beyond expectations. - Matthew 

The camping locations were great and views from the rides spectacular! Definitely need a good level of fitness to do this trip, especially with the altitude if you’re coming from sea level. - Jami 

-A DAY WITH

Western Spirit

Three chapters to every day on the trail. We sweat the details so you can simply ride, eat well, and look up.

A Day With

Rise & Shine

Wake to cowboy coffee on the rim, fresh fruit, pancakes and granola. Unforgettable sunrises over the canyon — every single morning.

Midday

Hit The Trail

From the Rainbow Rim Trail to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, our guides put you on the right line for breathtaking Grand Canyon views.

Evening

Apres

We pick camps for a reason. Rivers, lakes, sunset vistas — and a chef-prepared meal under one of the darkest skies in the lower 48.

TRIP TESTIMONIALS

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

~ Jason

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

~ Paul

“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 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

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

~ David

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

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

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 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

“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

“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

“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

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

~ Christl

“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

“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

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