Wander the West

Mountain Biking Sun Valley, Idaho

	Adams Gulch Trail map

September 2006

My wife and I recently took a trip around the west and started our trip with a stop in Sun Valley Idaho. Due to limited time budgeted for this stop, I began looking for a relatively short mountain bike ride to stretch the legs. Locals were more than happy to give advice and recommendations as to what ride I should challenge. Ultimately I settled on a trail system close to town called “Adams Gulch”.

As I discovered, the trails are very popular with the locals. Joggers, bikers, and dog walkers all were out there on this particular Saturday Morning. Fortunately, those on foot mostly confined themselves to the lower trails in the gulch bottom and I did not encounter any hikers on the route I selected. I rode the largest loop available on the Gulch trail system which encompassed trails 142B, 142, and 177 (see map photo). The ride was rated technically most difficult and aerobically strenuous. It really was. Almost right away the climbing begins and I think ultimately went up about 1500-1800 ft. to the ridge on the right. From there it is rolling with a few steeper climbs and descents as it traverses the ridgeline up and around the gulch. Eventually, it works its way back down toward the valley floor and returns to the parking area. The loop was 14.4 miles with a riding time of 3-4 hours. Shorter loops requiring less lung expansion were also available. I highly recommend it.

GETTING THERE: Go North out of Ketchum about ½ mile. Take a left at the first “Sportsman’s Access to National Forest” sign that you see. Avoid the private property driveways and follow the road about ¾ mile to where it dead ends into the parking area.

- Eric Davis