Stinking Springs

Total Miles
6.2

Elevation

2,075.38 ft

Duration

--

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Spring, Summer

Trail Overview

This foothill climb is fun for beginners and anyone looking to bypass riding the river road to get to more flowy double and single track. The trail is more or less a two-stage climb; the first stage is switchbacks, and the second stage is rocks and ledges. Leading up to the first switchbacks is a nice ascending track with some jumps/bumps, curves, and some rocky sections. There are a few blind hairpin corners to be mindful of. The views of the Snake River Plain and the South Fork of the Snake River are very pretty, especially in the early spring/early summer. There are a lot of blooming wildflowers in the late spring/early summer that make this a very fun trip. There are no springs, so it is a mystery as to why the trail is named stinking springs.

Photos of Stinking Springs

Stinking Springs
Stinking Springs

Difficulty

The west side of this trail is fairly easy with some switchbacks and some steps that will force you to choose a good line. The back side (east side) of Kelly Mountain is very rocky with lots of shale and steep descents. If you are looking to avoid looser rock or are riding with a novice, turn around at this point when you summit and start riding along the fence line.

History

This is usually the 1st single track accessible in Eastern Idaho.

Technical Rating

5

Access Description

Drive past Heise and turn right rather than driving towards Kelly Canyon. There is a good parking lot at the base of the trail.

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