Stinking Springs
Ririe, Idaho
| Address: | 5396 Burns Creek Rd, Ririe, ID 83443, USA |
| GPS: |
43°36'34.0"N 111°38'53.2"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trail Length: | 3.80 miles |
| MTB Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| MTB Trail Type: | Singletrack |
| Elevation Gain: | 1518 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 3.8 mi |
Hike and Mountain Bike
Stinking Springs is a great early to late season trail. Being at the edge of the Big Hole range, it gets spring earlier and winter later than other trails in the range. It's closed from December through April to accommodate wintering mule deer but is often very accessible up until it's closed and as soon as its open.The trail begins at the Stinking Springs Multiple Use Area parking lot on East Heise Road to the right (South) of the Sidewinder trailhead. You'll be looking for the gate with a cattle guard. The small spring gate will take you to Sidewinder, a MTB specific trail.
The trail starts out pretty straight and gradual but as you get higher up, there are more and more switchbacks that get more and more bermed as you get higher up. At the upper end, you'll find well bermed corners, rock rolls, and rock gardens great for more experienced mountain bikes. The once beautifully laid rock corners have broken down somewhat making them more of a chunky ride than they were originally though. If you continue up the trail, you can connect into the trails at Kelly Canyon and throughout the Bighole range.
Although this is primarily an ATV and dirt bike trail, Stinking Springs is the unsung hero of mountain biking with its brother Sidewinder. Most bikers take Sidewinder up and down or use Stinking Springs as a climbing trail to access Sidewinder. However, coming down Stinking Springs has a little bit of a Wolverine Canyon feel to it with wide track, beautiful berms and floating jumps. It's not as rollie as those Space Cruz trails and has far fewer switchbacks but is a fast roll with a lot of fun.
More Information
IDAHO TRAILS: Where’s that ‘stinking spring?’ - East Idaho News
Below the hills east of Ririe is an unforgettable sight: the South Fork of the Snake River winding among the cottonwood forest. “We basically have two trails, the Stinking Springs trail that is used by motorized recreational vehicles, and then the Sidewinder trail used by hikers, mountain bikers and people on horseback,” said Joe Hill, […]
https://www.eastidahonews.com/2015/08/idaho-trails-wheres-that-stinking-spring/Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Ririe, Idaho
- Head east on Smith St toward 1st E St (0.3 mi)
- Continue onto Archer Rd (1.6 mi)
- Turn right onto E 200 N/
Heise Rd/ Poplar Loop (0.9 mi) - Slight right onto Heise Rd/
Poplar Loop (0.2 mi) - Continue straight onto N 4800 E/
Heise Rd/ Poplar Loop Continue to follow Heise Rd/(2.9 mi)Poplar Loop - Slight left onto E 100 N/
Heise Rd/ Poplar Loop (187 ft) - Slight left onto N 5050 E (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto E Heise Rd (2.3 mi)
- Turn right to stay on E Heise RdDestination will be on the right(1.9 mi)
Two miles northeast of the junction of Kelly Canyon and Snake River Roads; From Idaho Falls, travel northeast on Highway 26, approximately 20 miles. Turn left onto 160th East following the signs to Kelly Canyon Ski Area or Heise Hot Springs. Once you cross the bridge over the Snake River, turn right and continue towards Kelly Canyon. After 2.3 miles, continue straight onto gravel road as paved road begins to veer left into Kelly Canyon, following along the north bank of the Snake River for approximately two miles. You will see the parking area on the right side of the road with signs for Stinking Springs Trailhead.
Length: 5 Miles (round trip)
SnakeRiverMountainBikeClub.com Trail Map
Other Mountain Bike Trails and Hiking Trails Nearby
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