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Tags:
Level: Advanced
Length: 17 mi (27.4 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +1,071/ -1,170 ft
Total: 2 riders
 

Mountain Biking Alder Van Horn Loop

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#105 of 319 mountain bike trails in Idaho
#6,457 in the world

This is a classic central Idaho backcountry trail. The trail starts by riding up the Alder Creek Jeep Road approximately 2.5 miles to the start of the singletrack. The Alder Creek Road is a very rough jeep road so you will be better off by biking it than driving it. Once on the Singletrack trail which climbs steadily about two miles you come to the top of the divide between Morgan Creek and Camas Creek. There is a small lake on the west side of the divide along the trail. Proceed a short distance past the lake to trail junction which is about 4.25 miles from the Morgan Creek road. Turn left and head south along the divide approximately 2.8 miles to the Van Horn Creek Trail. Turn left onto the Van Horn Creek Trail which will take you back toward Morgan Creek Road. It is approximately 2.7 miles from this junction down the Van Horn Creek Trail down to the upper end of the Van Horn Creek Road. Proceed down the Van Horn Creek Road 3.6 miles to the Morgan Creek Road. Turn left up the Morgan Creek road and go approximately 3.5 miles back to your car at the Alder Creek Road Junction. This loop ride will consist of about 2.5 miles of jeep road, 7.3 miles of narrow singletrack, 3.6 miles of dirt road, and 3.5 miles of the graveled Morgan Creek Road. There are quite a few dead trees along the trail so expect blowdown trees across the trail at any time. Due to the high elevation at the upper end of this ride it is probably only suitable for riding in July-Sept of most years. It is suitable for intermediate or better riders. Some hike a bike will be required on steeper sections of trail. This trail is pretty remote and doesn't get much traffic so be prepared. The high point of the ride is at 9,120 feet and the low point is at 6,140 feet elevation. There are options to extend the ride on adjacent trails in the vicinity. The scenery is superb!

First added by sidehiller1 on Dec 8, 2013. Last updated Apr 28, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
The trail head is approximately 20 air miles north of Challis and 33 air miles southwest of Salmon, Idaho. Best way to approach it is to drive north of Challis on Highway 93 to the Morgan Creek Road. Go northwest on the Morgan Creek Road to the Junction of Alder Creek Road. Park at the junction of the Morgan Creek and Alder Creek Roads.


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Trail conditions

Overgrown (Jun 16, 2014)
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