Exploring Sun Valley, Idaho - Video

Jul 25, 2016 at 15:43
by Freehub Magazine  
Views: 8,285    Faves: 42    Comments: 1


Next Exit // Episode 1: Sun Valley, Idaho

Episode 1: Sun Valley, Idaho might be best known for the first chairlift, but the small town on the edge of the Sawtooth National Forest has slowly become a biking mecca. In 1988, the area hosted the NORBA National Finals, but the fame was short lived. A steady evolution of mountain bike enthusiasts and committed community members has since led to 400-plus miles of singletrack right out of town, lift accessed trails on Bald Mountain and the Ride Sun Valley Bike Festival, a weekend of epic racing and unparalleled good times.

Sun Valley: Bald Mountain biking trails
Series Description: Next Exit is a series dedicated to exploring communities around North America that have embraced the mountain bike lifestyle. Small towns are dreaming big when it comes to the issues that surround our sport, from tourism to advocacy to land management. Their efforts are redefining what a mountain town can be, keeping our culture—and trails—alive and well.

Continue the story in Freehub Magazine Issue 7.2. Pinkbike readers save 40% on subscriptions.

Images for Exploring Sun Valley Idaho - Video

Images for Exploring Sun Valley Idaho - Video

Next Exit is co-produced by Freehub Magazine and Teton Gravity Research in association with SCOTT Bikes, Visit Sun Valley, 10 Barrel Brewing and evo.

Photos: Paris Gore


MENTIONS: @FreehubMag / @parisgore



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Member since Apr 28, 2009
162 articles

24 Comments
  • 2 0
 Those of you who have ridden/explored/lived in Sun Valley, I'm planning a vacation for October with the wife and we want o hot some Mtb destinations. Can someone let me know about the weather in that month and some must hot spots for more DH or technical riding. This video inspired me to check it out further so any and all info of the area would be great as it goes for planning. If that's a bad month then just someone say NOOO and I'm off to other thoughts.
  • 4 0
 I live in Sun Valley. October weather is hit or miss. Usually a bit chilly. Rain will end your day though, Idaho soil cannot handle the water so trails are closed. Though there is some great technical riding here, most of the funny sketchy stuff is way back on trails (like 8-10 miles back) and there is really not very many shuttle options. It's definitely more of a cross country/trail scene out here with a couple of good All-mountain trails (Adams Gulch, Croy canyon). for DH riding, it's better to head to McCall or Silver Mountain Resort in Kellog (although the lifts will be closed in October).
  • 1 0
 @IMSummers: thanks for that. The all mountain stuff is what we're looking for and doing some great bike rides for full days then back to lodge or hotel and taken in town life. Certainly not looking for full lift rides (even though that be awesome). But thanks for the info. Maybe September would be a nicer time? We're looking towards Bellingham as well, I've been to loan several times and so has she but still that's on the radar as we only have October to vacation.
  • 1 0
 @ktmman143: Early october is beautiful generally. Usually the first 2 weeks of Oct are absolutely amazing! Sept if you want warmer, less fall like weather obviously. Should be good either way. Enjoy!
  • 1 0
 @ktmman143: Bellingham has some pretty awesome rides. Galbraith mountain has jumps, berms, and wood features. Some ia pretty gnar and some is pretty tame. I highly recommend it!

Take a stop at Hood River and ride Post Canyon if you go that way. Pretty epic rides there too!
  • 2 0
 @camcoz69: Iam with you! I've ridden both places and I'll
Take Galbraith or Post over SV any day.
  • 1 0
 If you do head up to the north'er part of the state like @IMSummers suggests, there's a couple other spots you shouldn't miss.

Here in Moscow, we have tons of great singletrack on Moscow Mountain. Some XC, some flow, a good bit of Enduro/All Mountain, and even a (small) bit of DH. October's generally great, with a bit of moisture to keep the dust down, and cooler temperatures. Bring a jacket, but I generally ride through at least mid-November without issue.

And you should absolutely go to McCall, and ride Jug Mountain. Brundage will probably have their lift access closed by then, but that's no great loss. It's a great ski hill, that hasn't really invested in MTB trail building.

Jug Mountain has some of the most fun trails I've ever ridden. Great flow on trails like Berm & Ernie, plus really well though-out DH. Each run is only a couple miles, but if you sign up for the shuttle, you can get about 10 laps in a morning and early afternoon. October is McCall's shoulder/off season, so you can probably stay someplace very nice for not too much $$.
  • 1 0
 There is a lot of great riding across Idaho...grand targee, sun valley, pomerelle, jug mountain, tamarack resort, brundage, bear basin, goose creek, Moscow mountain, Boise foot hills, bogus basin, eagle bike park, silver mountain, Schweitzer, Canfield, and caribou.......Oregon has a lot to offer as well and so does Washington good luck with your trip!
  • 1 0
 Earlier in October is a safer bet. Trails are usuall tacky then. There are a few local trails that have clay so they usually need a day to dry after a good rain but there's plenty to be had. We usually ride until mid November. The more technical riding is baker creek north into the Stanley Basin. Lots of epics to be had along with vistas and hot springs.
  • 2 0
 Sun Valley has miles and miles of trails, but they aren't technical; think classic long trail riding with some beautiful scenery. Sun Valley has lots of great history, but the sad thing about this town is the average age is like 62, it's become the active senior citizen resort area - not joking either. The McCall area is great too, you have Tamarack and Brundage for lift riding, and Jug Mountain has great shuttle runs and trail riding; plus two lakes nearby to cool off after riding.
  • 6 1
 Idaho is full but I hear North Dakota is great!
  • 1 0
 I live in Idaho and love Sun Valley for the epic leg burning XC rides, but for the PinkBike crowd, nearby McCall Idaho is really where it's at. Lomier dirt and excellent gravity trails.
  • 3 0
 Just rode Imperial Gulch the other day. Just Fricken Awesome.
  • 2 0
 I'm just excited he used his blinker.
  • 1 0
 They forgot to mention the plethora of awesome hot springs nearby!! Super fun riding.
  • 2 0
 "I want to go to there!"
  • 2 0
 The hairier the merrier!
  • 1 0
 looks awesome!
  • 1 0
 Ahhhh, local goodness Smile
  • 7 9
 Soon to be overpopulated and full of Yuppies. Every time they run a story like this, all the Liberal like-minded people move there and turn it into a miserable place.
  • 12 6
 At least liberal chicks can sometimes be hot unlike you inbred cousin f#$kers
  • 5 4
 @EndurHo: Shave your armpits!
  • 5 2
 Theres been a mass exodus of Californians to Oregon. Washington is getting screwed by Seattle...they take over, expand .gov(increase taxes) and bail out once the place is overpopulated.
Nothing new there
  • 1 0
 Sun Valley already is a bunch of yuppies







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