Elk Mountain Trail is a 11.1 mile loop trail located near Stanley, Idaho and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and mountain biking and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
hiking
mountain biking
Fun ride from our favorite camping spot. I have ridden the loop in its entirety and have also cheated and received a ride to the trail head, either way its a blast! From the trail head you get to travel down a pretty rock trail through moderately thick pine trees. The meadow is rolling hills and a lot of fun. A little climbing on the north and east side, then a barn burner decent down a 4wheeler trail to the main road. I have seen deer, elk, black bear tracks, and a possible wolf track while on this ride. The SNRA advises of no grizzly bears in this area.
Just went on this hike today to Elk meadow and back. Always been a favorite. Saw a young maybe one year old Grizzly on the trail, it ran away when it saw us. Then later saw a mother Grizzly and her cubs in the meadow. Luckily mom didn't see us. So keep a lookout!
James H.
Best short ride while in sun valley. Bit of a road climb to start but well worth it once you get on to the single track. Fantastic scenery and nothing too technical other than some rocks at the top.
This was my favorite ride in Stanley. After a long, steady climb up a dirt road to start (very tough for an unconditioned beginner, but doable with breaks), the trail gets really fun. Some rocky patches, some sandy spots, some dips and even low creeks (totally passable in late July). Plus beautiful scenery through forest, across a meadow and views of a lake. Perfect for advanced beginning mountain bikers to build confidence moving through varied terrain.