Bear Gulch Trail #121: Bear Gulch follows the sparsely-forested creek bottom up to a steep singletrack trail that climbs to the saddle separating the Bear and Parker sides of the #121 Trail.

The trail is open to motorcycle and ebike use from May 1 through Nov 30 of each year.

The Bear to Parker bicycle ride is a low gear grinder; one of the steepest and most consistent climbs in the valley.

It is possible to form a massive mountain bike loop linking Corral Creek to Pio Cabin to Johnstone Creek to Bear to Parker Gulch. This is a leg-burning 30-mile ride that climbs 5,660 feet (add 2.2 miles and 629 feet if you take the optional out-and-back side trip to Pio Cabin).

Hiking the Bear Gulch Trail as an out-and-back will allow for a nice walk through a shady creek bottom while providing a good workout. If you get ambitious and make it to the top, it is a Class 2 scramble up the SW ridge of Johnstone Peak (1,325 feet) for the most amazing panoramic view of the Pioneer Mountains.

Directions: Take Hwy 75 south from Ketchum (5.5 mi) or north from Hailey (6.3 mi) to the stoplight at the East Fork Road. Turn east onto East Fork Road and continue 6 miles on pavement and 1.3 miles on dirt to the Hyndman Creek junction (7.3 mi). Turn left and climb up the big rocky curve and proceed northeast on Hyndman Creek Road for 2.8 miles. The road crosses private land so please respect the property. Follow Hyndman Cr. Rd #203 past two private homes, down to the creek bottom and bear left to the Bear Gulch trailhead. 

*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.