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 – beside Mores Creek, then Lamar Creek and finally Beaver Creek. Bicycle into Lowman, on the Payette River, to stay at the Sourdough Lodge.

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 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. Stay at the Stanley High Country Inn.

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 with magnificent views. Spend another night at the High Country Inn. Dinner is on your own tonight. This is also the best day to go rafting (not included).

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 Tyrolean Lodge, just outside Sun Valley proper.

Explore Sun Valley today! Options abound. Hang out in town and golf, play tennis, take a wine tour, or go shopping. Head to the hills for some horseback riding, mountain biking or more hiking. Find a river raft trip that suits your tastes. Or head out for another road ride. Lunch is on your own.

Ride 30 miles south to Hailey, mostly on bike paths. Have lunch and 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 (~2hrs).