Bogus Basin Road Climb
The iconic hillclimb from Boise all the way to Bogus Basin Ski Area.
Road Biking Difficult
- Distance
- 25 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 113 m
- Duration
- 2-3 hrs
- Low Point
- 843 m
- High Point
- 1.9 km
- Gradient
- 4˚
Bogus Basin is THE hillclimb for cyclists in the Boise area. It takes the 16-mile paved road, at about 5% grade, gaining a total of 3,700 feet to Bogus Basin Recreation Area. "Bogus" is the local ski hill and summer bike park, and its popularity means the road is sometimes high traffic. Shoulders are narrow in places and some of the curves are blind, so it's best to find a time early or late in the day when fewer cars are on the road.
Description
As for season, the road can be dangerous with ice and gravel throughout the winter and into the spring. The time for cycling is generally mid June through early November, though summer can get quite hot.
The ride starts in the foothills, among sagebrush prairie with no shade, but finishes in the cool pine forest. The first 14 miles are almost all uphill and fairly sustained, except for a teaser downhill after about 2.5 miles. Make it to the final 2 miles of the climb, and you'll enjoy a low-grade cruise through the forest to reach the ski resort.
The paved road ends at the ski resort base lodge. From there you can turn around and enjoy the marvelous descent––as fast as you dare to make it––all the way back down.
Difficulty
Difficult
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.