Messages

1

Routes / Re: Idaho Hot Springs, North or South loop?

« on: June 01, 2018, 04:50:37 pm »

Both loops have great options. I would prefer to travel past the Sawtooths if you have never seen them before, but you'll have to check what's going on with FR227 from Featherville to Ketchum and decide if you want to take on the challenge. Not sure how it looks this year but it was quite the feat last year . Check out temporary road closures thread from last year to get a better idea of what you're in for if you take the southern loop. If the issues mentioned on the thread are still prevalent and you want something not so adventurous, than I would stick with the northern loop which is also beautiful. Enjoy!

2

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / Re: IDHSMBR -Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route - June 2017

« on: July 02, 2017, 08:44:10 pm »

Stopped to speak with Pat at the Featherville Cafe. He has pictures of what the route currently looks like. Passable but very strenuous as told from the rider who went through. Taking the reroute to Soldier Rd from Farfield up and back over to 227 towards Dollarhide Pass is a passable option and much cooler than the reroute as that drops to high prairie. Could be a beautiful day on the high prairie or HOT and Windy. Start early!  None the less the reroute is very scenic through farmland looking at the mountains.
Over Soldier Mtn to 227 is clear as the Warwick washout has been cleared. No more snow on Dollarhide but a few small washouts to walk your bike through and a downed tree. Other than that there is plenty of rideable road from Soldie Mtn to Ketchum. You just cannot go east to Featherville from Soldier Mtn. Well you can but there is a half mile stretch to bushwhack through willow and shrubs where the river has taken over the road. Again this is all info and pictures from someone else. I did not go all the way through.
 Notes for the reroute: Coming from Anderson Reservoir the left on Cow Creek is Wildhorse Rd and Baseline Rd is 200 N. locals say the signs change names frequently. Camping with water is very limited if none after you cross the Lime Creek bridge (only main bridge at southern tip of Anderson reservoir- maybe 10 miles from Featherville) and begin your 1000 ft climb out. Water is very limited but there are a few clear creeks running on the way  to and past Fairfield. Be sure to filter all water! After Fairfield (hotel) camping is limited to going up towards Soldier Mtn or when you begin on the Camp CRK/ Croy Crk road- going up the short pass to Hailey on the reroute. Camp Crk/Croy Crk Rd camping is something you will have to look for. Try some of the few roads shooting off towards the trees or the FEW next to the road.
If need be-stop in, get some ice cream (home made) and speak with Pat at the Featherville Cafe-He's got some pictures to give you an idea of what you're getting into if you choose to stick to the original route.

3

Temporary ACA Route Road Closures / IDHSMBR -Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route - June 2017

« on: May 31, 2017, 03:17:15 pm »

I’m planning to ride the IHSMBR going counter-clockwise from Ketchum around the last week of June 2017. I’m wondering if anyone else planning to do, not do, or has done the ride before, has been following any of the Sawtooth Nat’l Forest Flood/Flood Zones/Emergency Notifications?
I know the Featherville-Ketchum RD (FR227) has been closed for years but open to hikers and cyclists, but this year as seen in videos taken of the road, there have been even more substantial washouts. Whether you’ve done the route before or are planning on doing it, watch this VIMEO put on by Heath Watte tiled “Camas County, Sawtooth National forest” .
Those of you familiar with this section of the route, does it look similar to last year-maybe just a BIT more water? My thoughts are that in a month (more like 6 weeks when I get to that section of my trip) the water levels should recede enough to create a passage whether on the banks or in low flowing water, but I know this all depends on how fast the snowpack melts from this record year. The Bounds campground washout is what I’m most concerned with but even now, it looks that a path could be created to the left of the flowing river in the road. Thoughts? Also, if you watched the whole video, I know there is the Worswick washout also, but I don’t have the route map in front of me now and I’m not sure if the route goes through this, though I think it does, which may present more challenges.
I’ve spoken with rangers and both have advised taking the reroute, but they didn’t quite sound like adventurous people to me. I know that there is a posted ACA reroute from last year, but I would like to avoid this if possible. Dropping out of the mountains to get to Fairfield, just doesn’t look that appealing to me. I would prefer to stay in the mountains with the trees! Another thought about the reroute was dropping south out of Featherville and turning east as the reroute suggests, but then heading north past Soldier Mountain back to Ketchum-Featherville RD over a pass that should be open soon. Anyone do this section before past Soldier Mtn. Ski Resort?
Any beta would be great!!!!See you on the trail!!!!!!!
CD