The best cycling routes in Blaine County

Blaine County offers a diverse selection of over 30 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 9 easy, 13 moderate, and 10 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for every cyclist.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Blaine County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists frequently praise the varied terrain, which ranges from high alpine country to high-desert mountains, and the scenic Wood River Valley. The extensive trail systems, including paved multi-use paths, are also a major draw.

Blaine County is an excellent destination for outdoor activities, and touring cycling is best enjoyed during the warmer months when trails are clear of snow. The region's diverse landscapes, from alpine to high-desert, offer stunning views, particularly in spring, summer, and fall. Always check local trail conditions before heading out.

Yes, Blaine County has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. An excellent option is the Wood River Trail – Wood River Trail loop from Gimlet, which is 19.3 km long and features minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Blaine County offers routes with significant distances and elevation changes. A notable difficult route is the Penny Mountain – Dollarhide Summit loop from Hailey, which spans over 122 km and includes nearly 1200 meters of ascent, requiring very good fitness.

Many of Blaine County's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Wood River Trail – Big Wood River loop from Hailey (46.2 km) and the Big Wood River – Pioneer Saloon loop from Bellevue (55.7 km), both offering scenic circular journeys.

Blaine County's routes often pass through stunning natural landscapes and near notable landmarks. You might encounter the scenic Wood River Valley, the majestic Sawtooth, Boulder, Smokey, and Pioneer Mountain ranges. Specific points of interest include the Hemingway Memorial and various alpine lakes like Pettit Lake and Titus Lake.

Yes, the Wood River Trail system is particularly well-suited for families. This paved multi-use pathway connects towns like Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages. Routes like the Wood River Trail – Wood River Trail loop from Gimlet are excellent family-friendly options.

The Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) actively manages the local trail systems and provides real-time information on trail conditions. You can typically find this information through their resources like Summer TrailLink, which is a valuable tool for planning your ride.

Blaine County offers remarkably varied terrain. You can expect everything from smooth, paved multi-use pathways like the Wood River Trail to routes that include unpaved segments through high-desert mountains and even areas with unique lava formations. The region is framed by several mountain ranges, providing both challenging climbs and scenic valley rides.

The towns connected by the Wood River Trail, such as Ketchum, Hailey, and Sun Valley, offer various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Many routes, like the Pioneer Saloon – Sun Valley Lake loop from Ketchum, start or pass through these towns, providing convenient stops for refreshments and meals.