Backcountry Hot Springs Bike Tour

RIDING TYPE | ■︎ Intermediate
TRIP DURATION | 5-Days
SEASON | July – August
PRICE | $1,745.00 pp

Experience the ultimate Idaho mountain biking trip where rugged backcountry passes and wildflower fields lead you directly to a steaming natural hot spring at every campsite. Our guides handle the logistics and gourmet cooking, leaving you free to enjoy the perfect balance of challenging dirt road riding and Sawtooth Wilderness relaxation.

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface: Graded main dirt roads.
Overall Rating: Intermediate
Technical Difficulty: Moderate.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous with long climbs.
Altitude: 6,000 - 9,000 feet
Biking Mileage: 20-36 miles per day
Packing for your trip

DAY 1: Warm Springs Road & Worswick Hot Springs 

  • We begin our mountain bike tour in lovely Ketchum, Idaho. Our ride takes us past the ski resort up Warm Springs Road.
  • The road climbs gradually for 21 miles before a steeper five-mile ascent brings us to Dollarhide Summit.
  • From the summit, you can see the peaks of the Pioneer Mountains, the Boulder Mountains, and the Smoky Range.
  • A fun nine-mile downhill ride takes us to Worswick Hot Springs, our first night’s camp, offering several nice pools.
  • Total Mileage: 27 miles

DAY 2: Little Smoky Creek & Baumgartner Hot Springs 

  • Today we will pass three hot springs while riding along the banks of the Boise River.
  • We will follow the course of Little Smoky Creek to the confluence with the South Fork of the Boise River.
  • Our afternoon ride is a fun cruise down the South Fork of the Boise, culminating at Baumgartner Hot Springs.
  • The springs feature a beautifully maintained concrete pool (built by the CCC) and a deep swimming hole.
  • Total Mileage: 24 miles

DAY 3: James Creek Summit & Atlanta Hot Springs 

  • We continue our river-grade cruise for 11 miles to Featherville, then begin a series of climbs toward James Creek Summit.
  • This steep, 3,000-foot climb offers great views of the Sawtooth Range. We will pass Rocky Bar, an abandoned mining town.
  • Atop the summit, we immediately plunge down along James Creek to the Middle Fork of the Boise River, bringing us into the isolated town of Atlanta, Idaho.
  • Near our camp, choose from three hot springs, including the Atlanta Hot Springs and the cascading Chattanooga Hot Springs.
  • Total Mileage: 36 Miles

DAY 4: Middle Fork Exploration & Loftus Hot Springs 

  • Today we will wake up in beautiful Atlanta, ID, and continue our exploration of the Middle Fork of the Boise River.
  • We will ride on mellow river grade, passing multiple hot springs and areas of the rich mining history of the region.
  • We will camp near Loftus Hot Springs this evening, where we can soak after a great ride.
  • (Total Mileage: 35 miles)

DAY 5: Boise River Cruise & Farewell 

  • Our last day of the tour continues along the Boise River to Lucky Peaks reservoir.
  • We will pedal past some of Boise's best kept secret fishing holes.
  • We will finish our tour with a tasty lunch before shuttling back to our starting location in Ketchum, ID.
  • Total Mileage: 20 miles

Ketchum, ID
This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST. The address will be provided in the Confirmation Email, call the office to confirm. You will need to spend the night before in Ketchum. Make sure you eat a big power breakfast to get you ready for your morning climb.

ENDING TIME

We will return to Ketchum between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

LODGING BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Ketchum is a popular summer vacation spot. It is a good idea to book your rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations:

Hotel Ketchum
208-471-4716

Tamarack Lodge
800-521-5379, 208-726-3344

Best Western Tyrolean
800-333-7912, 208-726-5336

Lodging in Hailey 
Hailey is a cute little town with good restaurants. It is 10 miles south of Sun Valley. Allow 1/2 hour drive time in the morning.

Airport Inn Hailey, ID
208-788-2477

Innidaho.com – Central Reservations for all of Idaho
800-844-3246

Driving
Ketchum is located 77 miles north of Interstate 84 on Highway 75. We have a place to park all the vehicles while on the tour.

Flying into Sun Valley
Airport Code: SUN

Flying into Boise, ID
Airport Code: BOI
From here, there are two options:
1) Rent a car and drive to Ketchum, a 2 1/2 hour drive. You will have to park the car while on the tour.
2) Take the Sun Valley Express shuttle service.
Call 208-622-8267 or 877-622-8267 for times, rates and to book ahead.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT
Airport Code: SLC
Rent a car and drive to Ketchum, about a 5 hour drive.

TAXI SERVICE
A-1 Taxicab: 208-726-9351
Sun Valley Limo & Taxi: 208-481-2119 (airport shuttles)

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

RIDING TYPE

Intermediate

DURATION

5-Days

SEASON

May - June

-An Extraordinary Journey Back in Time

Ancient History & Alpine Vistas

Embark on an extraordinary Bears Ears North family bike trip with Western Spirit, your trusted guide to Utah family mountain bike vacations. This isn’t just a cycling tour; it’s a journey back in time, designed for families seeking a hassle-free, immersive Bears Ears family cycling tour through one of America’s most historically rich and visually stunning landscapes. Nestled in the remote Abajo Mountains, south of Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District, Bears Ears National Monument rises majestically from the desert floor. This region, once home to a thriving community of Ancestral Puebloans, offers a unique opportunity to explore preserved dwellings and immerse yourselves in prehistoric culture. Our Bears Ears National Monument family bike tour is E-Bike ready and features mellow roads and trails, making it accessible and enjoyable for families with younger kids and diverse cycling abilities.

Why Families Love the Bears Ears North Adventure

  • E-Bike Ready Accessibility: Mellow roads and trails allow families of all abilities—and those utilizing E-MTBs—to enjoy the 10,000-foot vistas together.
  • Ancient Cultural Immersion: Visit the Edge of the Cedars Museum and hike to world-famous sites like House on Fire and Butler Wash.
  • Stunning Alpine-to-Desert Transitions: Experience the vastness of Elk Ridge and the lush forests of the Abajos as they give way to spectacular red rock canyons.
  • Stress-Free Backcountry Comfort: From gourmet camp meals to full mechanical support, we handle the logistics so you can focus on discovering Utah’s history together.

-DAY-BY-DAY

Itinerary

  • Your adventure begins in Moab, UT, before we transport to Blanding. We’ll immerse ourselves in history at the Edge of the Cedars Museum, the premier repository for Ancestral Puebloan artifacts.
  • Later, a pleasant ride leads to hikes at the remarkable Butler Wash Ruins and Mule Canyon, including the iconic House on Fire ruin—named for the “flaming” appearance of the rock ceiling in the morning light. We’ll set up a cozy camp under the expansive desert sky.
Approx. 8 Miles Riding, 3 Miles Hiking
  • Replace this text with your specific details for Day 2 itinerary items.
  • Add as many list items as you need for this day's schedule.
Approx. 12 Miles Riding, 2 Miles Hiking
  • Replace this text with your specific details for Day 3 itinerary items.
Approx. 15 Miles Riding
  • Replace this text with your specific details for Day 4 itinerary items.
Approx. 10 Miles Riding, 4 Miles Hiking
  • Replace this text with your final day details and departure notes.
Approx. 5 Miles Riding

-TRIP NOTES

The fine print

Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

Road Surface

Dirt roads. Hard packed sediment and clay. Some sandy sections.

Overall Rating

Intermediate

Technical Difficulty

Easy to moderate.

Physical Difficulty

Moderate, some strenuous climbing.

Altitude

4,000 - 10,000 feet

Biking Mileage

8-24 miles per day

Hiking Mileage

One 3 mile hike (day 1), One six mile hike (day 2)

-Travel Logistics

Getting there.

Meeting Place — Moab, UT

This trip will meet at 7:30 AM MST at the Aarchway Inn, 1551 North Riverview Drive, Moab, Utah. You will need to spend the night before in Moab. We will be happy to pick you up at your hotel; please call us Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 to schedule your pickup.

Ending time: We will return to Moab between 3:00-4:00 PM on the last day.

Driving

Moab is located 30 miles south of Interstate 70 on Highway 191. We have a roomy parking area.

Flying into Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 4 hours.
2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Flying into Grand Junction, CO (GJT)

1) Rent a car and drive to Moab, it will take approximately 2 hours.
2) Contact Moab Express at 435-260-9289 for shuttles.

Lodging Before Your Trip

Aarchway Inn (where the trip meets)

435-259-2599

10% off for WS guests — mention Western Spirit

Red Stone Inn

800-772-1972 / 435-259-3500

moabredstone.com

Gravity Haus Moab

435-355-1088

gravityhaus.com

Packing

What we provide.

  • Meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks
  • Camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware
  • 1 cycling water bottle
  • Camp chairs
  • Solar showers
  • Sunscreen & bug spray
  • Bike stand and lube
  • Guides bring their own tools
  • First aid kit with basic medications
Bring or Rent

What you’ll need.

  • Bike (rentals come with flat pedals)
  • Helmet (gratis w/ rental bike)
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad

Need more information about our bike trips?

Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page, what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by subscribing to our newsletter.

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732.

Need more information about our bike trips? Check out what a bike trip is all about by visiting our camping page, FAQ page,  what to bring page or be the first to know about new trips, last minute trip openings and future discounts by .

Need even more details? Send us a message or call and talk to one of our trip specialists at (435) 259-8732 

Backcountry Hot Springs Bike Tour

STARTING AT

$1,645 pp

Private Departures Available

CALL 435-259-8732

Gallery

-A DAY WITH-

Western Spirit

Three chapters to every day on the trail. We sweat the details so you can simply ride, eat well, and look up.

Rise & Shine
A Day With

Rise & Shine

Wake to cowboy coffee on the rim, fresh fruit, pancakes and granola. Unforgettable sunrises over the canyon — every single morning.

Learn More ↗
Hit The Trail
Midday

Hit The Trail

From the Rainbow Rim Trail to the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, our guides put you on the right line for breathtaking Grand Canyon views.

Learn More ↗
Apres
Evening

Apres

We pick camps for a reason. Rivers, lakes, sunset vistas — and a chef-prepared meal under one of the darkest skies in the lower 48.

Learn More ↗

Bike Trip Testimonials

“I had been to Canyonlands two years prior so knew scenery was outstanding but it takes on even more magnificence when seen from seat of bike. The guides were awesome and supportive. Food was better than in most restaurants and more than you could eat.”

Michael

“An unforgettable experience from start to finish. Sleeping under the stars after a punishing but rewarding day on the trails was exactly what I needed. The team handles everything flawlessly.”

Sarah K.

“The technical support, the food quality, and the route mapping were top-tier. I've been on three different outfitters' trips, and Western Spirit is in a league of their own.”

David L.

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