Idaho’s Sawtooth and Rivers Bike Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
- A 6-day bicycle tour following scenic byways through the rugged mountains and along the crystal-clear rivers of Idaho.
- Tackle steady climbs over three summits and enjoy the reward of long freewheeling descents on your way from Idaho City to Sun Valley.
- Pedal through ranchlands, historic mining towns, and ponderosa forests.
- Hike to an idyllic alpine lake among the snowy peaks.
- Spend a day exploring the beauty of Ketchum and Sun Valley.
- Rest up in a combination of modern hotel comfort and rustic western-style lodges.
Explore two acclaimed Scenic Byways in Southern Idaho, all the way from cowboy country outside of Boise to the outdoor mecca of Sun Valley. Gorgeous Sun Valley: birthplace of the ski lift, beloved by Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Warren Miller, not to mention Ernest Hemingway. The chiseled Sawtooth Mountains are home to more than 50 peaks over 10,000 feet and over 300 mountain lakes. Ride a wide arc through this remote wilderness of expansive views and snow-dusted peaks following wild rivers and mountain grades. Most of all, breathe the clear mountain air and savor the surroundings.
PEDAL HAPPY – While this is indeed a spectacular route, most of the cycling on this tour is along state highways (there are few, if any, other paved roads). Riders should be comfortable cycling on highways with varying amounts of shoulder, guard rails and some traffic.
Itinerary
Day 01
Pedal from Idaho City to Lowman on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.
Meals
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Sourdough Lodge
Distance
45 miles
Elevation
+4175 ft / -3785 ft
Meet us in Boise. Begin riding in Idaho City, a historic mining town where you can still pan for gold. Bicycle the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway – a gorgeous route with stunning views of the Sawtooth Range – to Lowman, on the Payette River, to stay at the South Fork Lodge or Sourdough Lodge.
Day 02
Ride through remote wilderness over Banner Summit to Stanley, Idaho.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Stanley High Country Inn (or similar) in Stanley, ID.
Distance
48 miles
Elevation
+3,672 ft / -1,736 ft
Tackle another mountain pass today. Bicycle up and over Banner Summit, a long but gradual climb. To one side: the Sawtooth Wilderness, with 217,000 pristine acres of rugged forests and pristine lakes. To the other: the Salmon-Challis National Forest, gateway to the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, with more contiguous acres of road-free wild lands than anywhere else in the lower 48. From the summit – one of Idaho’s highest at 7,056 feet – descend into the town of Stanley, nestled amid the Sawtooth Mountains. Spend two nights here at the Stanley High Country Inn (or similar).
Day 03
Enjoy a boat ride and a hike to an alpine lake.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Stanley High Country Inn (or similar) in Stanley, ID.
Distance
Hike: 7.2, or 10.3 miles
Elevation
Hike:
+1,215 ft / -1,213 ft, or
+1,895 ft / -1,899 ft
Give your trusty steed a rest today and lace up your hiking boots instead. Pack up your rucksack in the morning and set off on a boat ride across Redfish Lake near Stanley. From the other side of the lake, hike into the heart of the Sawtooth Range’s magnificent high country. Pick from two trails to alpine lakes – one easier, one a bit harder – both in stunning settings with magnificent views and seasonal wildflower displays. Spend another night in Stanley and have dinner on your own. This is the best day to go rafting (not included).
Day 04
Cross over Galena Summit on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway - one of the highest paved roads in Idaho.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Limelight Hotel
Distance
62 miles
Elevation
+2,840 ft / -3,264 ft
Warm up pedaling through bucolic agricultural lands this morning before the road ramps up toward the mountains. Cross over the Galena Summit on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, a regional showcase as well as one of the highest paved roads in Idaho. Watch for pronghorn antelope, deer, and elk! Top out at 8700’ and enjoy the views from the summit before the big downhill cruise into Ketchum and Sun Valley. Spend the next two nights at the Limelight Hotel in Ketchum.
Day 05
Explore Sun Valley today!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Dinner
Lodging
Limelight Hotel
Explore Sun Valley today! Options abound – golf, tennis, wine tours, horseback riding, mountain biking and more (not included). For those who prefer some more activities today, we will take you for a hike in the morning and have a nice bike route mapped out for you to enjoy as well. The afternoon is yours and lunch is on your own.
Day 06
Ride to Hailey on a network of bike paths and celebrate a great week of cycling!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Distance
Up to 53 miles
Elevation
Up to +969 ft / -1,896 ft
Ride about 30 miles south to Hailey, mostly on bike paths. Check out the famous Powerhouse Bike Shop where you can ogle the coolest new bikes and gear. If your legs haven’t had their fill, ride another 20 miles to meet the main highway before hopping into the van for the journey back to Boise (~2.5hrs). Alternatively, we can drop you off at the end of today’s regular cycling route in Hailey, Idaho to catch a flight home and avoid the drive back to Boise. Request our Guest Information Packet and see “End of Tour” for more details.
