CDT - Big Hole Pass Loop

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This loop is roughly 18 miles split into three sections of about six miles each. Six miles climbing on a forest road, six miles climbing and cruising along the CDT, and six miles of relatively steep descent back to the start.

The trail is fairly well maintained and though the climb is long, the descent is worth the effort!

Head north past Salmon and you'll reach Gibbonsville. Take a right and at about three miles you'll see a grassy area with enough room for several cars to park.

From there, you begin the long slog up the Dahlonega Creek Road #079 to the pass (six miles). Pop in some music or a good podcast and you'll eventually make it to the top where there's signage indicating the Continental Divide Trail.

As of June 2020, this section of the trail had a few rough patches with trees down but it wasn't unbearable. Relatively easy to lift your bike up and over and/or around. There are a few hike-a-bike sections as well. At mile 10 (or mile 4 from the start of the CDT), the original trail used to go right along the ridge line, which required a steep climb to a rather unscenic peak. Fortunately, this section has been transformed into a cruiser of a ride with wide expansive views of Idaho! It's a blast and with no fallen trees to boot.

You connect back to the original trail after sailing down about 1.5 miles and you begin your final ascent for one mile until you roughly reach mile 12.5.

From there, it's an awesome brake-burner all the way down back to the car. The views especially towards the beginning of this section are also remarkable! Keep a look out on your GPS or MTB Project mobile app as there's some signage along the way that may throw you off since the trail splits a couple times.

A few fallen trees won't bother you much at all; they'll likely make you take a few breaks and appreciate the ride a little longer!