Trail 142: Sun Valley Heaven

I drive over Galena Summit, a pass in south central Idaho that is almost 9,000 feet. Aspens are ablaze and below is a valley that is home to the world renowned resort destination of Ketchum, Idaho. Sun Valley Ski Area is also located in this valley but I have not come to ski, for it is still October. Instead, I have come to indulge in the warm weather counter part -- mountain biking.

After a brief visit to Java on 4th, a somewhat trendy but very tasty coffee bar, I locate what I've come for -- a sweet single track to ride. The counter person recommended that I drive a short distance back towards Galena Summit and find Adam's Gulch Road. He assures me that this is where I will find some of the best riding in the whole area. Trail 142 is what I'm supposed to be after and he has promised that if I find the trail I'll be as close to heaven as it gets on this planet.

I find the turn-off for Adam's Gulch easily, wind my way through a neighborhood of beautiful, mansion like homes and within minutes arrive at the trail head. "Not a bad backyard these people have," I decide to myself. Without wasting any time I unload my bike, change into more appropriate clothing and then begin pedaling.

A Perfect Pedal On my left is a densely forested slope of pine trees that has occasional patches of brilliant Aspen trees mixed in for color. To my right is a slope that is similar in pitch but it is actually its exact opposite -- mostly devoid of vegetation and very brown as the previous summer has been a dry one. Directly in front of me is the huge bowl that Trail 142 will wind its way through. I know this because of the exquisite trail map that is permanently displayed in the parking lot. A small creek flows down the middle of this narrow valley and all around me is a symphony of organically created music -- water, wind and rustling leaves being the primary instruments.

Colorful aspens provide backdrop on Trail 142 in Sun Valley, Idaho. (by Chris Gould)

I leave my car behind and within minutes I am basking in the warmth of the southern slope. A few minutes later the surface I'm riding on changes from smooth double track to a narrow, grass lined trail. It almost looks as if the yellow brick road has been put before my eyes. Winding its way upward #142 continues to skirt the right side of this beautiful, narrow valley. After climbing for about fifteen minutes in my middle chain ring I reach the first of what will be many trail junctions. I opt for the left turn and then begin what is the perfect bobsled run. Down, down and up and around I go for the next mile and a half until I reach the double track where I had started. Although at this point I'm a couple of miles into the canyon and everything around me is absolutely perfect.

From the junction I turn right and resume pedaling. After a few minutes I come to what looks like what will be the first of many stream crossings. I ride though the water as slow as I can making sure to keep my feet dry because even though the air has a warmth to it, the temperature is not even 60 degrees, especially now that I'm back in the shade.

I continue riding towards the back of the bowl on what amounts to a somewhat rough although perfectly enjoyable jeep road. Minutes later the road returns to the creek and this time I decide to take advantage of a carefully placed log instead of risking a bath for my feet. Bike in hand I gingerly walk above the creek. This pattern of riding and dismounting continues for the next twenty minutes until I arrive at the next junction of Trail 142. (Riding this entire section of road can be easily done without incident, I simply decided to keep my Sidi's new just a little bit longer.)

Summiting Heaven Back on single track! And this time #142 is entirely surrounded by trees instead of being on an exposed ridge. I shift into my small chain ring and move at a slower pace but this is not without reward. Because I'm riding at such a reduced speed I'm actually being much more quiet. Two deer bound across the trail only feet in front of me and I am actually more startled by them than they are by me. Within seconds they have disappeared.

Aspens provide a canopy as the trail heads down for the next 3.5 miles. (by Chris Gould)

Fifteen minutes later I reach the summit of trail 142 and a view unfolds. Below me, the town of Ketchum sits. Green fairways of a nearby golf course contrast sharply with the brown grass of the neighboring hills and scattered randomly about are pockets of brilliant foliage.

After regaining my wits I return to my bike and let gravity take over. The trail cascades downward for the next 3.5 miles alternating back and forth between wide open sections of grass and sharp corners that are framed by shimmering Aspens.

Exactly 70 minutes from the time I left my car I return completely thrilled. The ride that I have just completed has been without a doubt one of the most enjoyable sections of mountain biking that I have ever indulged.

Although Trail 142 and the related options that I rode were a little short by my two hour standards. The Adam's Gulch network of trails can provide enough additional mileage to satisfy even the most hard core, aerobically fit riders. Unfortunately, I was on a tight schedule with a limited amount of time. However, with this in mind, trail 142 was more than enough to change my attitude.

Trip Planner

Base elevation: 6,000 feet (approx) same as Ketchum

Elevation change: 600 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Time to complete: 60 to 90 minutes

Getting there: From Ketchum head North on Hwy 75 (1 mile) to Adam's Gulch Road. Turn right and follow this road (a couple of the curves will require paying close attention) through a beautiful sub-division to the trail head (1 mile).

Maps: A beautiful Trail Guide is located in the parking lot and other loop rides can be created in addition to Trail 142.

Sun Valley/ Ketchum Tourist Chamber: 208-726-3423