Idaho Hot Springs, Day 1, Boise to Willow Creek Dispersed Camping, 50 miles, 2,355 feet elevation | Let’s Ride!

Riding Stats

Accommodations

We started cycling from our hotel which was adjacent to the Boise airport – very convenient. The 32 mile Boise Spur begins at the airport and connects riders to the beginning of the Idaho Hot Spring (IHS) route.

Our hotel will store our bike boxes until we get back when we will again check them as baggage when we fly back to Indy. This is the first time we’ve used bike boxes and a trial run for future tours.

We kicked off the ride with a “well hello legs” four mile climb. It was on pavement and gradual so no biggie. At the top of the Highland Valley Summit there’s a little store and the tag line is “it’s all downhill from here.” Made me laugh.😂

We followed along Lucky Peak Reservoir and were treated to stunning views.

At 23 miles the route becomes dirt and the Boise Spur ends at the junction of Middle Fork Road and Cottonwood Canyon where we began following the Middle Fork of the Boise River.

As we were wrapping up the Boise Spur we met Andrew, Scott and Daniel who were just finishing the IHS loop and shared some helpful route intel. They looked worn, weathered and happy.

Middle Fork Road turned out to be a very exposed (little shade), washboardy and sandy road which made for very slow going. Plus apparently Boise is experiencing its third hottest summer on record. It’s a dry heat but whew it’s hot!

Around the 50 mile mark we started looking for a campsite. We’re on public land so we can “stop and plop” just about anywhere and camp (with some restrictions).

On our first night we were looking for shade, water access for cooking, filtering, maybe a quick dip and lastly, a tree to hang food to keep away from the bears. Mission accomplished.

We were sound asleep before dark and it was a no tent fly night. There’s nothing like running river water, cool mountain air and a good day of cycling to get peaceful sleep.

Click on the image below to view more pics and vids:

15 thoughts on “Idaho Hot Springs, Day 1, Boise to Willow Creek Dispersed Camping, 50 miles, 2,355 feet elevation | Let’s Ride!”

    1. So far so good – we’re four days in. The first couple days have some pretty good climbs but it’s so scenic and peaceful! Thanks for the follow.

      Like

      Reply

  3. Looking forward to this blog. This route is on my list.

    23 miles south of Salmon on Highway 93 in the Elk Bend area there is my favorite hot spring. Gold Bug hot spring. It is a few mile hike up hill to get there but you are rewarded with an infinite pool hotspring and a hot spring waterfall. There is a very small rv camping spot (Elk Bend RV park) where you shower, laundry and camp right by the trail head. I highly recommend this hot spring.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Wow Luke! Thanks for info. We just got cell service here in Stanley and are checking our map and we might headed that way so we will def check into it. It’s a really good route, well documented and scenic. A little difficult for me but my husband is killin it!

      Like

      Reply

    1. Dang that’s a perfect song. Gonna stick that one in my back pocket to use. Tom and I are in Stanley now enjoying pizza and beer on a short riding day. Your name sounds familiar – maybe we know ya!

      Like

      Reply

      1. We haven’t met but I have been following your tours. You guys keep doing the tours that are on my bucket list. I think I commented on your Ohio trip. Have a great ride.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. We really need your forestry expertise out here. We could learn so much. And Sue and I would listen and drink wine. 😂 Thanks for the follow!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to LUKE SPONSLER Cancel reply