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Baker Creek-Norton Creek Trail #138
Details (12/22/2024)
Status: Partial
Difficulty: Advanced
Uses: Mt Biking & Hiking & Equestrian
Length: 4.3 miles
Start: 7,947'
End: 8,922'
Min: 7,947'
Max: 9,324'
Gain: 2,020'
Loss: -1,046'
Elevation Profile
// track pieces: 277, // elevation pieces: 277
Trailhead Forecast (12/22/2024)
Description / Access Information
Baker Creek-Norton Creek Trail #138:  The bottom 1.3 miles of this trail is used heavily as the access to the approx. 1/4 mile long Baker Lake Trail #818. The #818 Trail leads to the beautiful lake, situated below impressive red-rock spires.

**Caution - The higher portions of the trail, above the trail's intersection with the Baker Lake Tr. #818, includes sections where route finding may be difficult. Large sections of the trail fade away into alpine meadows, and in many places the route is marked only by rock cairns. If you don’t know what a cairn is, or if your route finding skills are less practiced, this route is not for you.**

As mentioned above, good route finding skills are necessary for traveling along this trail above its intersection with the #818 Trail. Some mountain bikers ride, and push, their bikes up this section of the trail, but many people enjoy the trail as a hike. The payoff for mountain bikers willing to endure the climb up is found at the trail's connection with the Norton Creek-Prairie Creek Trail #134. Here, riders can turn onto the #134 to enjoy a nice descent down to gravel roads and a return to the Baker Lake Trailhead.

The very top of this trail is open to motorcycle and ebike use. This high, 0.4-mile long stretch of the Baker Creek-Norton Creek Trail #138 is open to motorcyclists and ebike riders making a connection between the #134 Trail, which is on the Ketchum Ranger District, and the #835 Trail, which is on the Fairfield Ranger District. 

Directions: Head north on Highway 75 to Baker Creek Road/Forest Rd. #162 (15.4 mi). Turn left/west and stay on the main dirt road for approximately 10 miles to its end at the Barker Lake Trailhead. The Baker Creek-Norton Creek Trail #138 departs the trailhead at the west end of the parking area and is marked with a sign marking the way toward Baker Lake Trail #818. 

*For more detailed descriptions, topo maps, and information on the history, geology, and wildflowers of the Wood River Valley pick up a copy of Exploring Sun Valley online or find it at one of several local shops.