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Payette Rim Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.1 (29)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Southwestern Idaho
  4. …McCall
  5. Bear Basin Trails
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“Alpine glades with super fun singletrack. The McCall classic. ”

Wayne R
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9.7

Miles

15.7

KM

90%

Singletrack

6,316' 1,925 m

High

5,394' 1,644 m

Low

1,001' 305 m

Up

1,001' 305 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly The grades aren't too steep, but if they are, just turn around and rip the singletrack back to the Corrals. Fun factor 10 on all parts.

Overview

This trail is what Bend used to be prior to being developed. There are open meadows, vistas of Payette Lake, mellow grades and deer and elk all around. The trail borders and enters into the USFS land periodically, but mainly stays on IDL lands on the rim above the lake.

There are a few rock gardens on the way down...all do-able for the more experienced riders, but also an easy walk-around for anyone else. There is also a luge-track descent to the creek crossing. Let it fly!

Need to Know

Stick to FS 451 and FS 459 for the climb. There are a few singletrack shortcuts with a high probability of getting lost. Signage is a problem on this trail due to the mixed land management.

Description

Drive north on Hwy 55 approximately a mile after Pueblo Lindo restaurant on the north side of the road. Turn right on Brundage Lookout Road - FS Road 451. Go approximately 1.5 miles to an obvious trailhead with log fencing. This is usually called "the corrals" and is also a trailhead for the Bear Basin trail area. Bear Basin is also a great way to spend a few hours on some of the best singletrack in the valley. Park here.
Or, from McCall, ride west on Hwy 55 northbound to Pueblo Lindo restaurant and hop on the Bear Basin Connector. At the upper end of the connector, turn right (north) on Brundage Lookout Road and continue until you arrive at the eastern trailhead for the Bear Basin trail network.

Ride north on FS Road 451 and climb for 3.5 miles. There are several turnouts and wide areas, but only one after an especially sustained climb with a red gate on the right- FS 459. Turn right on FS459 and continue mostly downhill for 1.0 mile.

At mile 9.8, look for the large granite cairn and boulder pile which marks the beginning of the descending singletrack. Turn south/right to begin the descending singletrack. At mile 11, you'll cross the creek from above and continue out the singletrack at mile _ look for an unmarked fork. Bear right and begin a few short climbs that will return you to the trailhead. Go have a beer, you just finished the Payette Rim ride from town and didn't get lost!

History & Background

This trail is the result of a lot of work from the local mountain bike crew. They've put tons of time into making this what it is. Please respect the trail, others and feel free to clear some sticks out of the trail every so often.

Contacts

Local Club: Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association

Land Manager: USFS - Payette National Forest Office

Shared By:

Wayne R with improvements by Trisha Thorman
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 29 votes

#1

in Bear Basin Trails

#748

Overall
  4.1 from 29 votes
5 Star
28%
4 Star
59%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Bear Basin Trails

#12

in Idaho

#748

Overall
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13,372 Since Oct 6, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

MTB Surfing the Payette Rim.
Aug 3, 2016 near McCall, ID
Dusty "S" turn on the Rim Trail Loop.
Jan 4, 2017 near McCall, ID
McCall Composite MTB team finding the flow.
Jan 4, 2017 near McCall, ID
Glimpses of Payette Lake and Ponderosa Park along the trail.
Aug 3, 2016 near McCall, ID
Top of Rim Trail view.
Jun 12, 2016 near McCall, ID
A good climb makes for big grins!
Mar 14, 2017 near McCall, ID

2 Comments

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Check-Ins

Aug 4, 2024
Kami Brant
Jun 9, 2024
Lisa Darling
Oct 20, 2023
Adam B0mb
Jul 23, 2023
Kara Saperston
Fun in the rock gardens — 1h 56m
Jul 9, 2023
Adam B0mb
Jul 7, 2023
Beck M
9.5mi
Sep 23, 2022
Jennifer Bean
Oct 12, 2021
Stephen Heath
Perfect trail conditions. Would be 5-star if the trail was clearly marked. Great ride with flow, uphill and rock gardens. — 1h 40m

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