Bullion Gulch Road
| Status: |
Partial |
| Difficulty: |
Intermediate |
| Uses: |
Mt Biking & Hiking & Equestrian & Motorcycle & eBikes |
| Length: |
4.3 miles |
| Start: |
5,537' |
| End: |
7,138' |
| Min: |
5,537' |
| Max: |
7,138' |
| Gain: |
1,822' |
| Loss: |
-203' |
// track pieces: 1290, // elevation pieces: 1290
Bullion Gulch Road: Provides access to Hidden Valley Trail, west end of the Bullion Connector Trail, and Bullion Gulch side of Two Dog Trail. Road also useful for recreation.
Most of this canyon is surrounded by private property. The town of Bullion filled the narrow valley at the main junction 2.8 miles up the road and hosted some of the more productive mines in the region. Claims were located on both sides of the canyon with names like the Jay Gould, Mayflower, Bullion, King of the Hills, and Garfield. Higher up on the road, a few structures remain.
Directions: Go west from Hailey on Bullion Street/Croy Canyon Road for about 4.5 miles to Bullion Gulch Road on the right/north. Head up Bullion Gulch for 1/2 miles. This brings you to a small parking area. Another 0.7 miles up the gulch the Hidden Valley Trail, and the Bullion Connector Trail, meet the road. If you go up the drainage for another 0.3 miles you will reach the west end of the Two Dog Trail, on the right/east. There is room to park a few vehicles here.
South Valley Dirt Roads: Prior to the construction of the BLM trails in Croy Canyon, built in 2007, and rebuilt in 2016 following the Beaver Creek Fire, mountain bikers pedaled up and down the local mining roads. The roads follow a pattern; starting on gentle 5-6% grades, then steepening rapidly into very challenging ascents. They provide longer and steeper climbs than offered by the more recently built trails, and some pass through interesting mine sites and all-but-vanished ghost towns. The area includes access to some great off-trail ridge line hikes.
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.