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Overview
This is a great ride that includes steep singletrack climbing, flowing descents, open meadows, and several large creek crossings on cross-country terrain. The majority of this ride is singletrack with some access road to start and finish the loop.
Note that this trail is best if ridden clockwise (as shown).
Need to Know
Note that this area has changed significantly in the aftermath of a forest fire—be aware of washouts and deadfall.
Description
Stanley, Idaho is the nearest town just a few miles to the east, which is where you can get supplies and such if needed. This area was hit very hard in a 2012 forest fire so you'll see remnants of that fire as you ride.
To get to the trailhead, you want to head north on Forest Road 653. It intersects with a few other forest service roads, so just make sure you stay on 653 by following signs to the point where it makes a "Y" with Kelly Creek Road. You can park along here.
Start out heading clockwise on the western branch of Kelly Creek Road, and the road will quickly turn into a singletrack that will very quickly turn into steep climbing. The good news is that you get most of the climbing done right at the beginning to earn the flowing downhill.
As you crest the steep climb, you'll descend through a tree stand that will quickly lead into an open mountain meadow and work along the tree line. Eventually, you ride into a large meadow and there will be an obvious trail intersection where you'll want to head right on the
East Fork Valley Trail.
From here you work along and through Little Basin Creek until it ties into Basin Creek and a multi-use trail. Here you'll go right, heading southeast by south. You'll follow this trail along the creekside and will come onto a trail/road/creek intersection.
At this point, you'll be on the east side of the creek and will need to head west and cross the creek onto a multi-use trail that will feed into Kelly Creek Road. From here you'll stay on this road back to your vehicle.
Contacts
Shared By:
Jeff Nelson
with improvements
by Mark Klinger
and 1 other
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