Dollarhide Summit
When We Like to Ride This
This route is best ridden late Spring through Fall, not when wet! Check your elevation for snow levels because going up to 8,500 feet means snow can hang around into late spring.
Terrain & Riding
The best place to start the ride is at the boundary between Ketchum and the Sawtooth National Forest. It’s ~ 3 miles down Warm Springs Road outside of Ketchum. You can shorten the ride by starting at the hot springs.
The first part of the ride has the most traffic as you weave among lovely cabins that are really second homes for the rich and famous who live part time in Ketchum. You hug the river and enjoy a 1 – 3 % grade for a long time.
As the houses fade out you will run across the hot springs, random single space camp areas, and more views of the river. You are deep in a canyon that winds through low foothills. There are several burn areas with blackened trees and new growth.
As you wind up toward Dollarhide Summit the views of the surrounding mountains unfold. Aspen mixed with pine … along with open fields. Eventually you cross over the river and then your climb kicks up to 5-7 %.
The top of the pass is obvious, with a sign that encourages you to ride the extra 19 miles to Smoky Bar and Store. We were smart enough to turn around … but don’t let us stop your adventure. No promises that the place will be open or that they serve anything beyond PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon). You will be out of range from all the hoopla of Ketchum to demand your triple macchiato, apple martini or grapefruit kumbucha.
Enjoy the pass … along with the view, there’s a small graveyard up to the left and steep road to the top of Dollarhide mountain.
The return takes no time at all, you have 34 feet of climbing left… if it’s chilly out, you will love the hot springs.
The Start
Dirt parking lot, ~ 3 miles outside of Ketchum, on the right hand side of road. Marked by the Sawtooth National Forest sign.
Food & Water
- None
Route Notes
We recommend a red blinky light with rear looking radar detector (i.e. Garmin Varia)
Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!