Sink Hollow
Today’s adventure was two part with part one being a loop to incorporate Sink Hollow Trail, and part two a ride at Beaver Mtn ski area. Combined, we rode 21 miles with 2288′ of climbing. To get to the Sink Hollow singletrack we climbed up a dirt road following alongside Beaver Creek. Pretty early on we crossed into Idaho and were there for most of the ride. It’s lush green and very pretty. One truck passed us along this climb but other than that we had it to ourselves.
We took a left at at the first main intersection where right would take us to St. Charles, Idaho. A couple miles later we turned left at a sign for Gibson Basin and crossed the creek. This was a rough trail with some steep climbs and a bit of mud. We had an option at the top and we took the trail to the right around the meadow. It’s simply gorgeous up here in the backcountry!
Past a small lake we started the official downhill. This is 5 miles of downhill through pine and aspen forest. I’d rate this advanced as there are numerous dicey, boulder rock sections that require technical skills. I was able to ride all of them without any dabs but there was a bit of luck. There are incredibly high speed swooping sections and I’m pretty sure I outrode the distance of my bear bell. What a blast! Heads up, Sink Hollow Trail is open to motorcycles and a couple passed us on this trail.
Beaver Mountain
After finishing the Sink Hollow trail we pedaled up the road to Beaver Mountain to check out the small trail system there. Beaver Mtn isn’t a built out mountain bike destination like a lot of mountains. There are no lifts running in the summer and with only 2 trails, it was the perfect add-on to our ride.
One of the loops is beginner and one is ranked intermediate but even that one wasn’t very difficult. The draw of these trails is the beauty. Both twist through the forest of aspen, fir, big pines and mountain mahogany with wildflowers everywhere. The intermediate loop climbs around the ski mountain and past Beaver Face Lift and feels secluded even through you aren’t far from the base area.
It’s too bad there aren’t more trails here at the mountain to make it an all day riding opportunity. Maybe some day.
Ah these are my mountains! Enjoy!