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257.3 miles
Distance
38,781 ft
Climb
-38,757 ft
Descent
2 miles
High Point
25 ft
Altitude change
5,495 ft
Altitude min
5,805 ft
Altitude start
5,830 ft
Altitude end
-77.8%
Grade max
61.4%
Grade min
111 miles
Distance climb
111 miles
Distance down
35 miles
Distance flat
this route travels into extremely remote terrain with exposed riding at times
The Idaho Gem is a beauty of a bikepacking route traveling through four different mountain ranges in Central Idaho. Envisioned during the 2023 season, this route showcases all that the mountain biking of Central Idaho has to offer. Development of the route focused on highlighting the backcountry riding, remote nature, and stellar descents of Central Idaho. Rides can expect stunning terrain, plenty of camping options, challenging singletrack, and little pavement. Due to the technically demanding, and sometimes exposed nature of the riding, plus substantial hike-a-bikes, this route should only be attempted by competent and prepared riders.
While there are significant hike a bike sections, most of these are rewarded with an amazing backcountry descent on the other side
The window for this route is relatively short: wait for the high elevation terrain to be snow-free in July, and ride the route before the first winter storms shut it down, typically sometime in October.
Much of this route happens on multi-use motorized trails. The local Moto riding community works hard to cut out the backcountry trails each year; without their effort, these trails would be reclaimed by the nature and would be impassable for MTBs. There is a healthy relationship between the Moto community and MTB community in this area; please respect it.
The multitude of backcountry trails in the greater Sun Valley area allow for many variations and add ons; be creative and imaginative and go have a blast!
Highlights include:
- Traversing the Greenhorn trail network across Mars Ridge and the descent down the South Fork Warm Springs
- A stop at the Smoky Bar store
- South Fork Ross Fork descent
- Trip around Redfish Lake
- Stanley
- The iconic Williams Creek descent
- A stop at Galena Lodge
- An optional overnight at Coyote Yurt!
- Finishing on the all-time classic Osberg Ridge to Adams Rib back into town
- The numerous mountain lake camping options
RideWithGPS link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44682645
Detailed Description
Idaho Gem is a 257 mile popular expert route located near Ketchum Idaho. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 44 trails. This route climbs 38,781 ft with a max elevation of 9,752 ft then descends -38,757 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Significant Issue / Amber: 13 trails (newest: May 26, 2026)
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 8 trails (newest: Jun 7, 2026)
Links
Local Trail Association
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
Donate to earn trail karma!
Stats
-
Distance257 miles
-
Altitude change25 ft
-
Altitude min5,495 ft
-
Altitude start5,805 ft
-
Altitude end5,830 ft
-
Climb7 miles
-
Descent-38,757 ft
-
Grade max-77.8%
-
Grade min61.4%
-
Distance climb111 miles
-
Distance down111 miles
-
Distance flat35 miles
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![Mountain Biking Around Redfish Lake / Stanley, ID]()
Mountain Biking Around Redfish Lake / Stanley, ID
trail: Grand Mogul
12:57 | 147 | comments: 0 | favs:
Nov 26, 2024
Osberg Ridgeline to Alden Gulch
trail: Osberg Ridgeline Trail
23:12 | 97 | comments: 0 | favs:
Sep 8, 2025
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& contributors - #55923 - 977 views
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