The best traffic-free bike rides in Blaine County

Blaine County offers a fantastic network of over 300 miles of premier gravel riding, particularly around Hailey. Our guide features several challenging routes designed for minimal traffic, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region's stunning natural beauty.

You'll encounter a diverse range of terrain, from high alpine areas with breathtaking mountain views to high-desert landscapes and even unique lava formations in the Great Rift area. Many routes traverse the Sawtooth National Forest, offering a mix of gravel roads and doubletrack trails with significant elevation changes.

While many of the routes in this guide are rated as difficult due to significant elevation gains, Blaine County does offer options like the Quigley Loop Trail/Road, which is known as an easy, beginner-friendly gravel ride perfect for families. For more challenging adventures, routes like the Gravel loop from Hailey provide a rewarding experience.

Blaine County's gravel routes offer incredible scenery. You can expect views of the Sawtooth, Boulder, Smoky, and Pioneer Mountain ranges. Along some routes, you might pass by the Hemingway Memorial or the historic Pioneer Cabin. The region is also dotted with beautiful alpine lakes like Pettit Lake and Lower Norton Lake, which are great spots to explore.

Yes, several routes offer a loop experience. For instance, the Hemingway Memorial – Pioneer Cabin loop from Sun Valley and the Pioneer Saloon – Wood River Trail loop from Sun Valley are excellent circular options. There's also a dedicated Gravel loop from Hailey that provides a great no-traffic experience.

The best time for gravel biking in Blaine County is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and most trails are free of snow. Always check local conditions, especially for higher elevation routes, as snow can linger into early summer.

Many trails in Blaine County, especially those on public lands like the Sawtooth National Forest and BLM areas, are dog-friendly. However, regulations can vary, so it's always best to check specific trail rules and ensure your dog is on a leash where required. Be mindful of wildlife and pack out all waste.

While specific public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited, towns like Ketchum, Sun Valley, and Hailey serve as excellent starting points with available parking. Many routes, such as those starting from Sun Valley or Hailey, are accessible by car, with parking often available near the trailheads or in town centers. For detailed local information, you might find resources like the Hailey Gravel Map helpful for planning.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Blaine County, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning, expansive mountain views, the solitude of the no-traffic routes, and the diverse terrain that keeps rides interesting and challenging. The opportunity to explore remote areas and connect with nature is a recurring highlight.

Yes, Blaine County is known for its natural hot springs. The Harriman Trail, a scenic gravel route, can include a stop at Easley Hot Springs. Additionally, the Dollarhide Summit Overnighter, an 85-mile gravel loop, traverses areas with natural hot springs, offering a perfect way to relax after a challenging ride.

Beyond the majestic mountains, keep an eye out for the unique geological formations in the Great Rift area in the southeastern part of Blaine County. This region presents a lunar-like landscape with fascinating lava formations, offering a distinct visual contrast to the alpine scenery found elsewhere.