Sawtooth Mountains / Boulder-White Clouds
Out and Back Route
Hailey/Ketchum, Idaho
Length: 2 Days
Distance: 107 Miles
Elevation Gain: 6,341’
Terrain: Bikepath, Double Track, Single Track, Gravel, Pavement
Joyous Exploration Rating: 9/10
Whatever your bike choice you will be riding the Harriman Trail adjacent to the Boulder-White Clouds Mountains, up Old Toll Road and Galena summit into the Sawtooth Range to Smiley Creek Lodge or Alturas Lake and back.
Traveling NoBo you can either begin in Hailey or Ketchum by riding the Wood River Trail or SNRA headquarters (about eight miles north of Ketchum on paved HWY 75). If you are riding the Wood River Trail from Hailey or Ketchum, the trail terminates 3 miles north of Ketchum at which time you travel on Highway 75 for 5 miles to Harriman Trailhead at SNRA. Or you begin at SNRA. The Harriman Trail gains a gentle 1200 ft. in elevation over 19 miles as it winds its way north and west to Galena Lodge. It follows the course of the Big Wood River, alternating through spacious meadows, aspen stands and lodgepole forests. At Galena Lodge you will pick up the Northwood Trail to Old Toll Road trail 6 miles up and over Galena Summit (8,701’ Views!!), cruise down, crossing HWY 75 to pick up Forest Service Road 215 part of the Idaho Centennial Trail, taking a left on FSR 194, Pole Rd (Dead Cow Ranch) to Smiley Creek and a Huckleberry Shake. Camp here or continue on to the tent campsite at Alturas Lake by riding HWY 75 to the Alturas Lake turnoff.
Route Design Cues
I typically ride NoBo, but you can go SoBo from Smiley Creek. You can add on miles and yes, you can go off trail. Galena Lodge has killer trails for a little extra fun, flow, and food. Ridewithgps has the route following pavement from Galena Lodge to the summit on HWY 75, but taking the Northwood/Old Toll Wagon Road single track is the extraordinary alternative. It includes a few very short hike-a-bike sections.
Highlights
Views, Stars, Big Wood River, Galena Lodge (Fries), Smiley Creek Lodge (Huckleberry Shakes), Old Wagon Road, Alturas Lake, River of No Return.
Smiley Creek Lodge
A must stop! https://www.smileycreeklodge.com/lodging
Alturas Tent Campsite
The tent campsite is on your left Immediately after crossing the Alturas lake outlet bridge. The campsite overlooks the lake and is undergoing some improvements fall of 2022. Go for a swim or just soak your tired toes.
Old Toll Road trail map from Galena Lodge
https://summertrailink.bcrd.org/galenasummittollroadtrail.php