MTB Project Logo

An epic Loop into and out of the alpine zone.


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

36.4

Miles

58.6

KM

85%

Singletrack

9,057' 2,761 m

High

6,359' 1,938 m

Low

4,382' 1,336 m

Up

4,381' 1,335 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

45%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

This is a large backcountry loop that takes you from high desert into high alpine. The singletrack is very primitive in spots and makes for a great experience.

Need to Know

This ride is not passable until early July due to snow and downfall. Bring a water filter since you'll surely run out of water and there are ample places to filter water.

Description

This ride begins off the East Fork of the Salmon River Rd, but can also be accessed from the Pole Creek Rd. outside of the Stanley area. If you need to shorten this ride you can bypass some of Germania Creek Trail by using the bypass trail call the Bowery Trail it is near the Guard Station. The Bowery Trail bypass involves extensive hiking, so this route is preferable for those who prefer riding over hiking. There is also the option of using the Galena Gulch Trail to bypass the Pole Creek road section.


The preferred route starts by climbing up Germania Creek which takes you through the heart of the White Clouds and takes you from a high desert into the alpine zone. Crossing the creek can always be an issue during high water so always exercise care.

There are a number of creek crossings without a bridge, so you might as well get your feet wet. There are some technical sections right along the river so remember to ride within your ability and walk when in doubt. Stop and admire the numerable meadows along the way and keep an eye out for wildlife.

At the end of Germania Creek Trail, you'll come to the Pole Creek Rd. and will have some road climbing. Once you top out on the road, you'll descend Pole Creek Rd. When the road changes from a narrow 4WD road to a crushed gravel road, you'll make a left on a short spur road to the Grand Prize trailhead. Once on the Grand Prize trail youll begin by crossing Pole Creek and start following an old mining road, take a left at the first fork. Theres no sign, so pay close attention. Two miles later, there will be a trail sign on a tree; take a right when you reach it.

At 3 miles, you'll reach the pass and an expansive meadow at an elevation of 9,300 ft. From here, the descent is open and flowy with some technical sections thrown in along the way to keep you on your toes. The tread is very narrow in spots so keep you bike on track to preserve this amazing trail. Lots of big old trees near the pass open up into a wide sagebrush valley. Near the end of the ride, you'll come to a major river crossing. During high water you can detour to the left here on a trail that will lead you to the Bowery Guard Station and a nice bridge. When the water is low, simply continue on the main trail to the Guard Station.

Near the guard station, there is a hot spring that involves a nice tub that you fill with a hose. This is worth a stop to at least check out if you are into soaking.

Continue on the East Fork Rd. to finish up the ride.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Cook with improvements by Tom Clark

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#3150

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
25%
Recommended Route Rankings

#115

in Idaho

#3,150

Overall
1 Views Last Month
4,495 Since Aug 12, 2015
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
0%

Photos

Riding up the creek
Oct 10, 2017 near Sun Valley, ID
Riders enjoying the downhill on the Eastfork of the Salmon River.
Aug 1, 2014 near Sun Valley, ID
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.