Monday, July 25, 2016

Trails of Ketchum, ID

Ketchum is right in the center of Idaho, not really on the way to anywhere. But the payoff for
driving off the beaten path is well worth it no matter what time of year. If you love the outdoors,
there won't be a problem finding something to do. It is more a problem of which one to do.
 



Upon arriving in Ketchum, we wanted to check out the area a little once it cooled down. We got on our bikes to find the trailhead for the Wood River Trail which runs in the valley between Bellevue and north of Ketchum and around to Sun Valley.

Nice use of the Rails to Trails

After checking in with the ranger's station, we headed out to ride the Harriman Trail the next day in Ketchum. 

Fishermen love this area even if it is catch and release.

This trail  runs from the ranger's station north of Ketchum 18 miles to Galena along the river and by some nice campgrounds We made it a little over 7 before the heat made us turn around. I find I can go much further on a road bike than mountain bike on dirt.


Treat the earth well;
It was not given to you by your parents,
It was loaned to you by your children,
We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors,
We borrow it from our children.
 
Only when the last tree has been chopped down,
The last fish has been taken,
 The last buffalo killed,
Will man realize money cannot be eaten.
 
Native American Origin

the Harriman Trail was interesting at times but mostly just followed the cross country ski path out in the open. We prefer singletrack with the ups and downs and back and forth but it was a good work out and chance to see more of the area.



 

Hiking Adam's Gulch we started out on the Sunny Lane which climbed 1300 feet over the 2 miles before starting the decent in the sunshine. We thought that would be better since the heat was supposed to be in the 90s. We took the Adams Gulch Trail for a while and returned on the Shady Lane along the creek in the shade as the sun grew warmer.
 
The trail is only a couple of miles out of town. As we climbed, we had views of Sun Valley.


We had been following the "Wheeling it" blog for a while now. Nina and Paul happen to be staying in the same RV park. She stopped by for a visit and as we spoke, I soon realized how smart and independent she is. Meeting people along the way just enhances our experiences including learning a thing or two.
 

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