In many ways, the Elk Mountain Loop is the jewel of Stanley area mountain biking. It offers a little something for everyone: technical singletrack, miles of isolation and stunning vistas.

The loop was created by connecting mostly already-existing trails and roads, so the quality of the sections varies wildly. There are some sections over still-open forest road, a short paved section and several miles of singletrack.

In spite of the name, a lot of this was ranch country.

The loop wanders for about 12 miles through the northern Sawtooth area just to the northwest of Stanley, Idaho and serves as a wonderful introductory ride to the area. For the most part it is non-technical, so is within the ability of many riders. There is a 1 ½ mile section of singletrack that does contain several sections of technical cobble riding, but the sections are short and easily bypassed, if you don’t feel like testing yourself.

Probably the most technical section.

Trail Description

This loop meanders 12 miles through mostly forested areas of the Sawtooth recreation area. There are some open meadows, a few marshy areas and a mountain lake along the way. It is a trail that encourages frequent stops.

Details:

There are two trailheads that you can use to access this loop. The first is the Stanley Lake Campground, reached by driving just over 4 miles up highway 21 from Stanley, and turning onto the well-signed and paved road leading to Stanley Lake. The other (and my preferred starting point) is the Elk Meadows Road, another 3 ½ miles up from Stanley Lake. This road is also well-signed but is not paved. The details below are starting from the Elk Meadows trailhead, riding clockwise.

From the trailhead, follow the trail across the bridge and up a short, loose incline to the loop proper.

The first two miles follow some double and then singletrack through a thickly forested area until you reach the first meadow section. Here the views of the mountains begin to open up.

For about 2 ½ miles, the loop will descend still-open forest road. You can open up and get some nice speed here, but be on the lookout for cars.

At mile 5, you reach the pavement of Stanley Lake Road. Follow this to its terminus at the lake’s campground. I find it impossible to avoid stopping here and enjoying the views. When you reach the fork, stay on the Elk Mountain Road (signed) at this point. If the trail turns into a foot-path, you’ve gone the wrong way.

Some rocks here and there.

The loop will climb Elk Mountain Road for 1 ¾ miles until it reaches a parking area and trailhead. Here is where the fun begins. The trail now covers some technical singletrack for a little over a mile and a half.

You will eventually arrive at Elk Meadows. Here, take care not to miss the turn. If you begin to cross the meadow, you’ve gone too far. The trail turns to the right immediately after exiting the forest. From this junction, follow the trail as it parallels the meadow back to the beginning of the loop.

Getting There & When to Bike

It's impossible not to stop.

As previously mentioned, there are two trailheads for this loop. The most obvious is Stanley Lake. To reach this trailhead, travel just over 4 miles up highway 21 from Stanley, until you reach the well-signed, paved road to Stanley Lake. Follow this to the end and park at the trailhead, just after the pavement ends.

The second trailhead is on the Elk Meadows road. This is also well-signed, although the road is not paved. To reach this, continue on Idaho 21 for 3 ½ miles past the Stanley Lake Road. Take the turnoff and follow the road to its end at the trailhead. Here you will find a register to sign-in.

When to Bike

This loop does traverse some meadows, so in the spring or early summer you might run into a few marshy areas. A few of these will remain into the late summer as well.

A trail map

View Elk Mountain Loop in a larger map

External links

Elk Meadows.

The Sawtooth webcam is a great resource for checking conditions.

Mountain Biking Idaho has some information about the area.

Mountain Biking Sun Valley does has some information about the Sawtooth trails.

Images