The best cycling routes around Hailey

Hailey offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes. You'll find smooth, paved multi-use paths like the Wood River Trail, which connects Hailey to neighboring towns. For those who prefer unpaved adventures, there are over 300 miles of premier gravel grinding routes traversing scenic high desert landscapes and public lands. The terrain varies from gradual valley paths to more challenging climbs into the sagebrush foothills.

Yes, Hailey has several easy touring routes. The Wood River Trail – Wood River Trail loop from Gimlet is an excellent option, covering about 19.3 km (12 miles) through scenic landscapes along the Wood River Trail. This paved, multi-use trail is known for its gradual elevation changes, making it enjoyable for various fitness levels and families.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Penny Mountain – Dollarhide Summit loop from Hailey is a difficult route spanning over 122 km (76 miles) with significant elevation gain. This route takes you into the higher terrain, offering a more strenuous ride through the region's mountainous landscapes.

Yes, Hailey is very e-bike friendly. Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are permitted on city sidewalks, pathways, and streets, including popular routes like the Wood River Trail, Colorado Gulch Trail, and Quigley Canyon Trails. This expands your touring possibilities and allows for easier exploration of the area.

Touring cycling around Hailey offers breathtaking scenery. You'll ride through the picturesque Wood River Valley, often alongside the Big Wood River, with views of lush forests and impressive mountain vistas, including the Sawtooth and Pioneer Mountains. Many routes climb through sagebrush-covered foothills, providing expansive views of the high desert landscape.

Yes, many of the touring routes around Hailey are designed as loops. For example, the Wood River Trail – Big Wood River loop from Hailey and the Wood River Trail – Wood River Trail loop from Gimlet are popular circular options that allow you to start and end in the same location.

The Wood River Valley generally offers a pleasant climate with sunny summers, making late spring through early fall ideal for touring cycling. While specific conditions can vary, this period typically provides the most favorable weather for exploring the diverse routes.

The touring cycling routes in Hailey are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from the well-maintained paved paths to the extensive gravel options, and the stunning natural beauty of the Wood River Valley and surrounding mountains.

Absolutely. The Hemingway Memorial – Sun Valley Lake loop from Gimlet takes you past the Hemingway Memorial. You can also explore the Draper Wood River Preserve, an 80-acre natural area with trails and boardwalks through wetlands, perfect for wildlife viewing. The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is also less than eight miles from town, showcasing five biomes of south-central Idaho.

Hailey offers various parking options, especially near trailheads and in town centers. For routes utilizing the Wood River Trail, you can typically find parking in Hailey itself or in the neighboring towns it connects to, such as Bellevue, Ketchum, and Sun Valley. Specific parking details for individual trailheads are often available locally.

Many routes in Hailey follow the scenic Big Wood River. The Wood River Trail – Big Wood River loop from Hailey is a prime example, offering continuous views of the river as it meanders through the valley, surrounded by lush landscapes and mountain backdrops.