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Elk Meadows
9 reviews
3.44 of 5
12.5 mile clockwise loop ride. From the parking area grunt up the dirt road,it switches back and at about 1.5 miles there is a signed Elk Meadow singletrack heading off to the left. You climb briefly, but then descend on an always rocky, but rideable surface. After a couple miles you drop out to a massive, beautiful boggy meadow with views of the Sawtooths present. A signpost points you right along the right margin of the meadow. Skirting a few muddy areas, you enter evergreen trees into a selectively logged area after 1 mile. The singletrack alters rightward away from the meadow, obviously cut in recent years, it hugs a hillside until it climbs gently out to a fireroad. Your singletrack is finished, the last 5+/-miles is fireroad. Turn right and uphill for a quick 100+yard grunt to the road crest, then fly down the road over drainage berms and sweeping wide corners for another mile or so. You enter another huge and beautiful meadow, cross it, then descend quickly out to the Stanley Lake access road. Turn right and pedal 3/4 mile back up to the car. Drive back to Stanley for pizza.
From Sun Valley/Ketchum, head north on HWY 75 to Stanley, about 60 miles. In Stanley, turn left at the only real intersection, ?hwy #, as if your following the signs back to Boise. Within 7 miles is a left hand turn for Stanley Lakes. Drive 4 miles up the road until this road basically becomes a big turn out. Park.
Summary: Love this trail. My favorite short ride in Stanley area. The perfect after dinner loop if you're camping at Stanley Lake. Slow down & take in the views from the 1st big meadow on. Be careful not to get trampled by elk!
Recommended Route: Clockwise as written up.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Redfish Lake loop
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Summary: Its a rocky bugger at first. Then, the MUD. Highly recommend going in July-Sept when less chance of precip. I went in June 09, most wet June on record on Idaho. Despite the mud, it gets better half way through. Then, a glorious ride through nature! Chased several Elk of the trail, then a whole heard across the 2nd meadow. If you happen to be the first person on the trail that day (check the trail register at the trailhead), your gonna run into elk for sure!
Recommended Route: You dont need a map. Just stay RIGHT. The signs are clear.
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Summary: My only complaint is that is that the single track section is to short and the meadow can be kinda muddy/swampy. It's a great trail otherwise with beautiful terrain and scenery. Be sure to listen for elk when you get to the meadow.
Recommended Route: Do the recomended clockwise loop. There are a few forks in the road later that get confussing so find yourself a good map in Stanley.
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Summary: Great ride for those looking for something different than the Boise foothills. Excellent views and wildlife in the area. Not very technical but an enjoyable ride with some fast downhills.
Recommended Route: Follow the Elk Mountain loop signs at the end of Stanley Lake road. 3+ uphild climb to start of single track.
Other recommended trails in the same area: ?
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