FATMAP by Strava

Fisher Creek Loop

Sun Valley

A classic cross country ride with a fanatical following.

Mountain Biking Moderate

Distance
28 km
Ascent
630 m
Descent
630 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
2 km
High Point
2.5 km
Gradient
Fisher Creek Loop Map

Fisher Creek Loop "offers an absolutely incredible high-speed descent with old school berms etched into the hillside of the bench cut singletrack, providing a memorable rip back down the mountain for beginners and experts alike," writes Singletracks.com.

Description

As one of the original mountain bike rides in the region, Fisher Creek boasts a long-time fanatical following thanks to its high-speed swoop and flow. In that way, it's like many of the highest-acclaimed mountain bike trails of yesteryear. The smoothest, fastest trails in the 80s and early 90s were much easier to ride on rigid bikes with steep geometry, helping them become some of the most famous in the nation. Think of trails like the Flume Trail, Trail 401, the Monarch Crest, Tsali, the Downieville Downhill (for the most part), and many others. The flowy old school singletrack on the Fisher Creek loop fits squarely in this category.

Like most of the trails in Sun Valley, the Fisher Creek ride passes through a massive burn zone. "Charred trunks stand tall, devoid of limbs and leaves," writes Singletracks. "While this makes for a hot ride with no respite from the sun, the longer site lines allow riders to cruise at even higher speeds."

Overall, the soil is comprised of classic Rocky Mountain loose-over-hardpack, requiring competent cornering skills if railing at top speed. While the trail is mostly smooth and obstacle-free, keep an eye out for the occasional rock garden—this is still mountain biking, after all.

Be sure to pack your camera and snap photos of the Sawtooth range as you descend—the views are stunning!

Difficulty

Moderate

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability, with unavoidable obstacles 8in/20cm tall or less. Other obstacles such as rock gullies and steep sections may exist. Ideal for lower intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • Road sections
  • Rock Gardens

Guidebooks in this area