Sun valley

[Spencer123]

I couldn’t find an ongoing thread for the area but my searching might just be very poor. I know it wasn’t an awesome snow year up there, how are things shaping up? Might be coming into an unexpected weekend off next week and was wondering if Alden gulch, galena, fisher Williams were realistic possibilities or is that going to be a few more weeks. I assume it’s too early but was feeling hopeful.

If anyone is from the area appreciate any insight! Thanks!

[smmokan]

I don't have any first-hand info, but this website is really good at updating trail status and expectations:

https://summertrailink.bcrd.org/

[rippling over canyons]

Trailforks has a 5/31 Fisher/Williams ridelog posted.

[Spencer123]

Thanks! Thats great timing, when I looked the last update was from fall; and that website is perfect.

[Spencer123]

In case anyone is also interested in going, the conditions were excellent. The higher elevation routes for the most part are all dried out and the motos have cleared deadfall record early is my understanding. Got to check out Fisher-Williams, Little casino creek, Greenhorn/Imperial, and Oregon Gulch. Pretty cool place to ride with seemingly unlimited free camping.

[basinbeater]

I'll be headed that way around July 6 I think. Hopefully be in town a few weeks. Love the sv riding.

[rideit]

Looks like wifey and I will be there next week for our anniversary. She prefers milder trails (but doesn’t mind walking a little), Fisher Williams a good bet? Looking for max 2.5 hours, I guess?

[Spencer123]

Fisher Williams is perfect for that. Fun but pretty chill buffed out downhill mostly. It also is by far the mellowest climb in the area that I did. The road climb is actually pretty pleasant. It took me 2 hours and 30 min without shuttling, I stopped to enjoy the views, but overall moved at a consistent but modest pace.

Out and back on lower Oregon gulch (bottom 3.5 ish miles before it gets steep) and the saddle trail (same trailhead) are also beautiful and mellow.

[smmokan]

FWIW, I think Fisher Creek is pretty overrated in typical IMBA fashion, especially once you consider it's an hour (or more) from town. Not enough bang for the buck, and a lot of the trails is dried out kitty litter.

I'd opt for something in Greenhorn Gulch (like Greenhorn-Imperial loop) or even some combo of Oregon / Fox / Chocolate - both of these rides are much more scenic and fun, IMO.

[rideit]

Are there any vehicle assist longer mellow downhills? Just so happens she is in a ‘boot’ right now (some sort of issue with a bone on the top of her foot), but still wants to ride. Going downhill appears to stress it less than uphill.

[basinbeater]

I'm with smmokan. I've done Fisher once, it was fun, but there are better rides up Baker creek road. Osberg ridge is sweet, Upper Oregon is a hoot and climbing out and over to fox on the connecter the down there is a hoot. Take shadyside and Heisenberg all the way back into town.

An easy vehicle assisted downhill could be the old road from Galena pass down to the lodge. Mellow is the name of the game. Pretty though.

[Spencer123]

I agree fisher is not world class epic, but is still a nice cruise. I think my experience was enhanced by it being the first day of the season it was dry without any getting off the bike for snow, so even the traditionally loose parts were pretty hero. But, a lot of the climbing on the Ketchum side gets steep and hot quick , so if looking for a shuttle or a mellow pedal it can definitely be a good option!

Full Oregon gulch is a true shuttle and was really good, the top has a few steep section that could easily be walked if needed, and osberg to alden from east baker lake is another solid shuttle option.

[smmokan]

Side note- I just read the latest update on the conditions page, and their trail crew cut out 58 trees from the Alden Gulch trail alone. Holy shit.

[rideit]

lol, looks like both me and my wife can’t ride right now, and decent (but not absurd) suggestions for our anniversary dinner Thursday night? Are reservations generally required for 7:00-8:30 seating?

[smmokan]

I'm a fan of Enoteca and Rickshaw... no idea about reservations though.

[Hopeless Sinner]

lol, looks like both me and my wife can’t ride right now, and decent (but not absurd) suggestions for our anniversary dinner Thursday night? Are reservations generally required for 7:00-8:30 seating?

I don't find the restaurants very appealing in Ketchum, but in no particular order:

Enoteca - new American, crowded $$$

Christiana - old school french w sauce. $$$

Sawtooth Club - log cabin American w dusty 50 year old elk mounts (clams are good) $$$

Rickshaw - they don't give a fuck so look elsewhere for anniversary dinner $$

Knob Hill - eat in the bar or outdoors, the main seating area is a 1950's era daylight $$$
basement

Pioneer - haven't been in decades but the line starts around 4:30, no reservations. $$$

Cookbook - never been. $$$$

Lupo's formally known as Il Naso - was low key, decent food, and reasonably friendly haven't been since the name change $$$

La Cabinita - gringo pablum $

Despy's - authentic Baja style MX, best food and restaurant in town. $$

Saffron - nice people, some good dishes, but as an Indian restaurant it's a fail. $$$

Limelight - workers don't give AF. $$$

The Ram - It's SVCo you never know what kind of experience it will be. $$$$

There are a couple more. Keep in mind that the restaurants have a continuous supply of new customers so most don't really try very hard and they've been rotating chefs around town for the last 3 years anyway. The reviews from out of towners are over the top positive so keep that in mind. Reservations often require a non-refundable deposit of $25-$50 a head.

[shank]

Not a dinner spot but Raspberrys does really solid hippie fusion for brunch/lunch. Worth a visit, something different from most of the Ketchum fare.

[basinbeater]

Go eat dinner at the resort hotel. Have a nice drink at the fancy bar. Then coast into town to hit the bars afterwards.

[plugboots]

Go eat dinner at the resort hotel. Have a nice drink at the fancy bar. Then coast into town to hit the bars afterwards.

Then go bowling downstairs.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Hopeless Sinner]

Then go bowling downstairs.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I used to manage that bowling alley, however the existing one is in a different location and far superior to the old one.

[brutah]

Last time I was in Ketchum (a few years ago) we went to Vintage and I thought it was really good. Cool location/ambiance, good wine selection and good food. Definitely pricey but worth it to me.

It’s small so I would recommend reservations

[joetron]

I had a great dinner at The Covey 4.5 yrs ago during my brief stint in Ketchum.
Beyond that, Rickshaw was my favorite food in town.
There’s always glorious cheeseburgers at Grumpys.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[homemadesalsa]

Hey we are planning to ride that Osberg/ baker creek loop on Wednesday if anyone wants to shuttle the road. We don't mind riding it but it's better for the dog not to.

Sent from my SM-A536U using Tapatalk

[rideit]

Are you guys going to be there for the weekend?

[troth]

Hey we are planning to ride that Osberg/ baker creek loop on Wednesday if anyone wants to shuttle the road. We don't mind riding it but it's better for the dog not to.

Sent from my SM-A536U using Tapatalk

sturtevants will shuttle you for $20-30 per person. not sure if they allow dogs.