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Scenic uphill climb to access Bald Mountain's downhill goods


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Map Key

5.2

Miles

8.4

KM

Singletrack

8,989' 2,740 m

High

5,782' 1,762 m

Low

3,208' 978 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

34%

Max Grade (19°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Views

Open to hikers and uphill bikers (no downhill biking) One Way Only: This is designated as a directional trail.

Description

Uphill biking only but please be aware of hikers. Starting at the River Run Plaza (Sun Valley ski area base area) head past the bike rental shop then to the right of the River Run Express chair lift. The trail parallels the Big Wood River briefly before switch backing up the sides of a heavily wooded, shady valley. Emerge onto grassy hillsides for a hot, dry climb to the wooden overlook platform. Continue to ascend across numerous ski runs, where the views become increasingly expansive the higher you go. There are multiple bike loop options via French Connection or the Traverse Trail.

Small aspen groves alternate with stands of mature evergreens as the climb continues past abundant wildflowers. Use caution when crossing the two downhill bike runs (Traverse Trail and Saddle-Up Trail). Just after the junction with the hiking-only Roundhouse Connector trail you'll find the stone Louis Stur memorial and water fountain.

The trail surface is generally packed dirt and small gravel, with only occasional short sections of looser rock. Mercifully, the climb ends just west of the top of the Challenger ski lift where the reward is magnificent views in all directions.

Contacts

Shared By:

Megan W with improvements by Sun Valley Trails Sun Valley Resort

Trail Ratings

  2.4 from 7 votes

#10

in Bald Mountain

#35635

Overall
  2.4 from 7 votes
5 Star
14%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
43%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
43%
Trail Rankings

#10

in Bald Mountain

#1,210

in Idaho

#35,635

Overall
1 Views Last Month
3,185 Since Aug 1, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Dreaming of Sun Valley - A look at our newest and some of our existing biking trails on Baldy!
Jun 12, 2018 near Ketchum, ID
You can really go fast around the well-built berms on the Saddle-Up Flow Trail!
Jul 5, 2017 near Ketchum, ID
Don't get distracted by the views!
Aug 1, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
Enjoyable riding through abundant wildflowers
Aug 1, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
Spectacular wildflowers near the top of Bald Mountain Trail
Aug 1, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
Enjoyable section through widely spaced evergreens- must be good tree skiing too!
Aug 1, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 80 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 18, 2021
Tim Heighway
long climb with some big roots, and a reroute at the top right now so could not connect to DH trails very well, probably some off season work 5mi — 1h 45m
Jun 24, 2020
Roscoe Dash
Oct 7, 2016
Travis Gaddy
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