MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski
Limited Time70% OffonX Backcountry

Greenhorn to Imperial Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.4 (39)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Southwestern Idaho
  4. Hailey
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“Well designed trails with great scenery through a variety of vegetation. ”

Nick Wilder
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

10.6

Miles

17.1

KM

100%

Singletrack

7,474' 2,278 m

High

5,883' 1,793 m

Low

1,729' 527 m

Up

1,729' 527 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

A fun intermediate loop with views, flowers, and dusty singletrack.

Need to Know

Total elevation gain is closer to 2,000'.

Description

From the trailhead, keep left on Greenhorn Trail, cross a few bridges, and enjoy smooth easy riding as a few trails branch off to the left. Continue ascending, never very steeply, as the trail crosses through a huge variety of riparian vegetation from sagebrush to aspen trees before climbing through dense pine and fir forest to a high ridge.

At the intersection with Imperial Gulch Trail, proceed uphill for another 1/2 mile to the high point, then ride on downhill for a fun and fast descent. It's a bit dusty and exposed, but rewards riders with outstanding views of the Pioneer Mountains and occasional wildflowers. Contour down across grassy hillsides, popping in and out of small groves of aspen and pine. Attain the saddle, then cruise through a large flowery meadow with sweeping views of Mahoney Butte. After a wooded section that burned in the 2013 fire, the trail ends at a signed T intersection then crosses the Greenhorn Creek and arrives at the parking lot.

Contacts

Local Club: Wood River Trails Coalition

Land Manager: USFS - Sawtooth National Forest - Ketchum Ranger District

Shared By:

Nick Wilder with improvements by Alisa Bondurant
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 39 votes

#1

in Hailey

#481

Overall
  4.4 from 39 votes
5 Star
51%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Hailey

#5

in Idaho

#481

Overall
7 Views Last Month
13,061 Since Jul 30, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
50%
19%
31%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

One of the best downhills in the area ... so fast, so beautiful.
Jul 9, 2019 near Hailey, ID
Imperial is a seemingly never-ending, super fast downhill with views the whole way
Oct 10, 2019 near Hailey, ID
Greenhorn Gulch - Imperial Loop - Sun Valley, Idaho: this video shows it in all it's glory
Jun 9, 2020 near Ketchum, ID
Wildflowers on Imperial Trail
Apr 10, 2015 near Hailey, ID
Halfway down the loooooong descent of Imperial!
Aug 16, 2018 near Hailey, ID
The climb up Imperial is rewarded with awesome views of the Pioneer Mountains
Jun 6, 2018 near Hailey, ID

2 Comments

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 27 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 24, 2024
Andrea Sinclair
Excellent! Amazing wildflowers. Did solo 06/21
Jun 27, 2023
Private User
Sep 21, 2022
Brenna Peloquin
Jul 29, 2022
William Fremgen
My strava called it 2,309 of elevation. I went from 5,500 to 7,500 with some up and down in between 12.8mi — 1h 50m
Jun 18, 2022
Kalie Wessman
Sep 26, 2021
Gary T.
Jun 22, 2021
Natty Zola
Great ride. Flowy. HOT 10.8mi — 1h 50m
Aug 28, 2020
Emily Smith

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started