Situated near the picturesque city of Ketchum, Idaho, Bald Mountain offers an eclectic blend of mountain biking trails for adventurers keen on an elevated experience. With a lift-assisted ascent providing 3,000 feet of vertical elevation, cyclists get the best of both worlds: stunning views and a thrilling downhill ride.
To embark on this adventure, head over to River Run resort, located at 520 River Run Dr, Ketchum, ID. You can find more information about the lift and trails at Sun Valley’s official website.
These trails provide a consistent but not too steep gradient. Although they lack technical features, they offer long, satisfying rides often combined into a loop for those averse to using the lifts.
Starting near the end of Broadway, Lupine promises a fast and flowing descent. With perfectly formed switchbacks and nice airtime opportunities, the last half-mile is particularly delightful.
Featuring bermed corners, rollers, and low take-off angle jumps, Saddle-Up provides a fairly floaty ride due to its "soft on hard" surface — a blend of stones and grit on a hard subsurface.
While the trails receive mixed reviews for their lack of technical features, almost everyone agrees that the vistas are jaw-dropping. Cyclists particularly enjoy the bottom section of Warm Springs through the pines and the descent in Lupine. The overall consensus indicates:
Whether you're into ripping fast descents or long cross-country loops, Bald Mountain has something to offer for intermediate riders. While it might not dazzle the technically-inclined, the scenery more than makes up for it. Get your lift ticket, ascend effortlessly, and experience a riding adventure set against Idaho's spectacular backdrop.