FATMAP by Strava

Trail Creek Road to Summit

Sun Valley

All the way up and back down the jaw-dropping Trail Creek Road, from Sun Valley into the mountains.

Gravel Biking Difficult

Distance
28 km
Ascent
599 m
Descent
599 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
2.4 km
Gradient
Trail Creek Road to Summit Map

Trail Creek Road is the main route from Sun Valley into the mountains to the east. It begins as pavement but turns to gravel as it twists high into the ranges, through an expansive valley crowned by huge peaks. It’s a breathtaking ride--thanks to the scenery as well as the elevation gain!

Description

The route mapped here begins from a trailhead in Sun Valley, just past the end of the Trail Creek bike path. You could easily use the bike path to ride here from Ketchum. As Trail Creek Road proceeds as pavement for a while, ascending gently through broad meadows with mountain slopes on either side. Traffic is generally light, but it gets busy on weekends in summer and fall.

Where the road turns to gravel it steepens and becomes one-lane, but remains rather wide and pullouts are ample, so vehicle traffic rarely gets too hairy. As you pedal the relentless uphill, you can enjoy the endless distraction of the views, which grow more dramatic with every turn. It’s a precipitous alpine valley, with Trail Creek tumbling far below, peaks soaring above, and water streaming from suspended snowfields.

The turnaround point mapped here is Trail Creek Summit, where there’s a hiking trailhead and pit toilet. But the road continues on into the mountains, for those who wish to ride farther. It follows the rift separating the Pioneer and Boulder ranges, and eventually crosses over to the Big Lost River Valley.

Difficulty

Difficult

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between April and November

Guidebooks in this area