Next up is the Driggs, ID area and we found a great boondocking spot from which to launch all our activities. Between the whispering jazz hands of the aspens and the rushing sound of the creek I find myself dozing off in my chair after rides. Our first ride was right from camp up Mill Creek Trail to Grand Targhee Ski Resort where we did a loop and then came back down. 17.5 miles with 2674’ of climbing.
Mill Creek Trail is mostly a climb all the way up to the resort trails. It’s shady as you pass through all the aspen and pine forests. There were quite a bit of wildflowers on display and the butterflies were off the hook. The trail climbs 1360’ in just 3.6 miles but it’s a wonderful climb. Even better is knowing we would be descending this later!
At the first resort junction we turned left on Rocky Mountain Way and continued climbing. The views of the Tetons start to peak into the background. We climbed higher and higher to Lightening Ridge. After a short traverse on Andy’s Trail we climbed up Peaked for a long time. This trail climbs relentlessly but the views make it worth it. Lots of switchbacks and berms keep it fun and challenging too.
All this climbing so far was about to payoff. After walking out to the Teton Valley Overlook which was AMAZING, we started the descent. 38 Special is a brilliant zigzag down off the mountain through a bazillion switchback. Seriously, look at the picture of the map below. It’s highspeed and for the most part smooth with nothing too technical. The downhill continued on Mill Creek Trail all the way back to camp. We couldn’t possibly have oohed and aaaahed more on this ride and I’d gladly do it again. FYI – for $50 one could take the bike park lift up and cut out most of the climbing.
What a great first day of riding!
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