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A grand tour of the central Idaho mountains.


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Map Key

413.2

Miles

665.0

KM

5%

Singletrack

8,714' 2,656 m

High

2,684' 818 m

Low

29,903' 9,115 m

Up

29,898' 9,113 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Certain passes can be snowbound until July.

Overview

The Idaho Smoke n Fire Route is a 414-mile self-supported mountain bike race route traversing some of Idahos diverse geography on two-track, big gravel and dirt Forest Service roads, singletrack and some paved roads.

Need to Know

The Smoke n Fire route travels through remote areas, however, there are sufficient resupply opportunities available. Besides the physical challenge, there are mental challenges to this route and it is also a great test of your bike-packing kit and gear.

When in Prairie, Idaho, be sure to stop at the Y-Stop Country Store for some free water! They're located at 1260 W Long Gulch Road.

Description

The Idaho Smoke n Fire route takes you on a grand tour of central Idaho. You'll begin in Boise on the greenbelt and head out to Lucky Peak. From Lucky Peak, you'll go up to Bonneville point before connecting with Blacks Creek Rd. Blacks Creek Rd will take you through the Danskins and by the South Fork of the Boise River. Leaving the South Fork of the Boise you'll head towards Prairie, your first town after leaving Boise. Stop for snacks or water in Prairie and then continue on.

You'll then climb into the Trinity Mountains followed by a descent to Anderson Ranch Reservoir. Riding along the reservoir will bring you to the towns of Pine and Featherville. Both of these towns will have plenty of services and some restaurants to get a bite before continuing your journey. Leaving Featherville and Pine behind, the road becomes dirt, and you'll climb along the South Fork of the Boise River. Follow the river through the Smokey Mountains and climb to Dollarhide summit.

Once at the top of Dollarhide summit you'll descend Warm Springs Creek to Ketchum. Ketchum is a resort town and will have the most options for food and lodging along the route. Once in Ketchum you'll ride through town before hooking onto bike paths and then the Harriman Trail. The Harriman Trail takes you out of town and to Galena Summit. Galena Summit is the highest pass you'll cross over, so be sure to take in the views of the Sawtooths, White Clouds, and Boulder Mountains.

Descending off the summit you'll then work your way along the Stanley Valley using a network of dirt roads and some pavement. Stanley will again have some services and good restaurants. The next town with services is a long distance, so make sure you are well equipped!

As you leave Stanley you'll work along paved and dirt roads and head towards Cape Horn Summit. After Cape Horn Summit, you'll descend towards Deadwood Reservoir and then climb over Scott Mountain. Descending off the mountain you'll have some paved and dirt miles before the last town of Garden Valley. This is the last place with reliable services before Boise, so stock up if needed. Now you'll climb into the Boise Mountains and pass by Bogus Basin ski resort before your final descent into Boise.

This route can be completed in two to four days depending on how much you want to push yourself. Take your time and stay in hotels, or blaze through. Either way it is a great way to experience central Idaho.

There are a number of hot springs along the way if you need to relax. Just look for the steam along the sides of the route.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Cook

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#1726

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
40%
3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#58

in Idaho

#1,726

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23 Views Last Month
9,306 Since Mar 10, 2015
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Photos

The iconic Smoke N' Fire Route in Idaho
Sep 30, 2020 near Idaho City, ID
Sunrise on the trail.
Jul 8, 2023 near Boise, ID
The big finale of Williams Creek.
Aug 2, 2014 near Sun Valley, ID
Climbing out from the Deer Point intersection to the first of many nice vistas.
Nov 29, 2014 near Boise, ID
The burn areas are truly unique to ride through.
Jul 5, 2017 near Sun Valley, ID
Wow!
Aug 2, 2014 near Sun Valley, ID

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