BikePacking and Riding in the Sawtooth Mountains

Bikepacking in Idaho combines mountain biking and camping to explore Idaho's wilderness and scenic routes. It involves packing your camping gear, food, and other essentials on your bike and embarking on a multi-day or multi-week adventure on the state's backcountry trails.

Idaho has a diverse terrain that offers a range of bikepacking experiences for both beginners and experienced riders. You can ride through the state's rugged mountains, scenic forests, and vast desert landscapes, encountering wildlife and taking in the breathtaking views along the way.

Some popular bikepacking routes in Idaho include the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route, which covers over 900 miles of rugged terrain and hot springs, and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, which passes through Idaho's mountainous regions as part of a 2,700-mile ride from Canada to Mexico.

The Sawtooth mountain area offers stunning scenery, challenging terrain, and a variety of outdoor activities. Here are some highlights of bikepacking in the Sawtooth mountain area:

1. Scenic mountain passes - The Sawtooth mountain area is known for its scenic mountain passes, such as Galena Pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
2. Backcountry hot springs - Several backcountry hot springs in the Sawtooth mountain area, including the Kirkham Hot Springs and the Sunbeam Hot Springs, provide a relaxing soak after a long day of biking.
3. Wilderness trails - The Sawtooth Wilderness area offers a variety of trails for bikepacking, from easy gravel roads to technical singletrack. The Fisher Creek Trail and the Pioneer Cabin Trail are popular options.
4. Fishing and other outdoor activities - The Sawtooth mountain area is known for its excellent fishing, with abundant trout streams and lakes. Additionally, there are many opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
5. Historic mining towns - The Sawtooth mountain area has a rich mining history, and there are several historic towns and ghost towns in the area, such as Atlanta and Custer, which offer a glimpse into the region's past.

Overall, bikepacking in the Sawtooth mountain area offers a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience, with stunning scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and a rich cultural history.

Bikepacking in Idaho requires careful planning, proper gear, and knowledge of the trail conditions and local regulations. It's essential to respect the natural environment and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the wilderness.