Little Casino to Big Casino

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

This route is not for the faint of heart. It's steep with a lot of technical sections both uphill and downhill. For those who give it a go...you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of both the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains.

Start at the Casino Creek Campground and roll up the Little Casino Creek (trail to your right) drainage on a mellow, contouring trail.

About 1.5 miles in, the climbing begins on very steep grades. At one point, the route breaks out of the trees to cross an open, steep hillside on narrow trail.

The climb eventually settles into a more moderate grade. As you reach the top of this long ascent, you'll break out of the trees into a meadow with a spectacular view. Continue across the meadow through big trees to the intersection with Sunny Gulch.

Stay left and start a very long and continuous climb along the ridgeline. You'll be distracted by more incredible scenery, especially the views of the Sawtooth Mountains to the west.

Push, pull and crank your way up to an intersection with Boundary Creek trail. Enjoy a brief interlude from the steep grades before heading straight towards Martin-Big Casino. The last bit of the climb skirts the edge of the Big Casino Creek drainage.

Turn left at the four-way intersection and start the descent down Martin-Big Casino.

The first downhill from Sunny Gulch heads north, taking you by Casino Lakes and then into Big Casino Creek. The descent is steep, continuous and very rugged. Expect numerous root drops and maneuvers over big rocks. Take your time, the technical challenge is very constant.

The grade mellows out towards the bottom, finishing at the Casino Creek Campground.