Scenic Idaho Famous Potatoes

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Soda Springs, ID, US

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Alex Weatherly

Adventure and Gravel Rides

162 km

2.520 m

100 mile bikepacking loop in scenic Southeastern Idaho featuring natural soda springs and a hot spring, some tough climbs, ripping downhills and quiet country roads.

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This route has it all! This two night bikepacking trip offers a mix of pavement and gravel, rolling hills and steep climbs, gorgeous mountain views and tree canopy climbs. Plenty of open space and quiet roads but with frequent enough resupply and lodging options to keep this route accessible to riders of moderate fitness. Our trip [report](https://youtu.be/sXn9_FbowTM) can be viewed for an idea of what it may be like to ride this route.

This route is a modified version of the longer [Fitzgerald's Joyride](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43145676) event in September. Thank you to the Fitzgerald's crew!

Best ridden in Late May - October depending on snowfall. This ride is well suited for a gravel bike with large tires (42mm+) or a rigid bikepacking bike. There are a few sections that may be a bit tough on 42mm tires, but the majority of the route is good gravel or pavement. Low gearing (Lower than 1:1 ratio) is highly recommended.

# Day 1
Start in the town of Soda Springs ( See parking section). Soda springs has many historic sites, a natural geyser that goes off on the hour, and naturally carbonated springs! Soda Springs is a town of 3000 people and offers any amenities you may need besides a bike shop. Start by heading North on the Soda Springs Pathway. This path follows the canal to the @poi[Hooper spring](104920229). This is a great place to try the carbonated water and double check that your gear is attached to you bike properly. The water has a slight iron taste, but you can bring your own flavor packets to make a flavored soda.

Continue North until you get to @point[Ten mile pass road](d,14265.17). This gradual gravel climb offers great views of the surrounding mountains and fields. A fast and flowy descent from ten mile pass brings you towards Bancroft. A small detour could be made to stop at the @poi[Bancroft Memorial Park](104920224) to get water from the spigot or camp here if desired. Reservations are made by calling ahead.

After passing Bancroft the route heads up @slice[North Canyon Road](d,39242.1,52131.3). This section can be tough and the descent can be a bit rowdy! If this is not your style, feel free to bypass this section by staying on @poi[old highway 30](104920226).

Day one ends in or near the town of Lava hot springs. There is free non reservable @poi[camping](104467876) just north of town. There are also many paid campgrounds and hotels in this area. If you have time I highly recommend stopping at the @poi[hotsprings](104920228) in the evening or the next morning!

# Day 2
Day two starts with breakfast in Lava Hot Springs. There is also a small @poi[grocery story](104467861) if you need to restock on snacks. After breakfast, the first major climb of the day. This climb starts with pavement and ends with gravel as you get closer to the top of the mountain pass. This climb is generally a nice grade with a few steep parts and a few rocky or rutted sections. The descent starts a little bit loose and chunky but after the first mile conditions are very good!

The next stop is @poi[Bailey's Market in Niter](104467864). This is a basic country store with drinks and snacks. This is a great place to grab some lunch and load up for the rest of the day.

Continue South East on quiet pavement until you reach @slice[Ant Canyon](d,115510.6,127593.2). This 7.7 mile climb averages 7.4% and has a total elevation gain of just under 3000ft making it the hardest part of the route! Expect to take a few hours for this climb with some hike-a-bike for most riders. Riders are rewarded with a ripping downhill to 8 mile creek road. This section starts chunky but becomes smooth as you descend through tall pines and open meadows. Enjoy the downhill, you have earned it! End day two at one of the many dispersed camping spots near Eight Mile Creek Road. You can also filter water from the creek.
# Day 3
Day 3 starts with even more downhill in the beautiful Eight mile canyon! Finish your ride with a few hills, a bridge over a Bear river, rolling farmland, and a overlook of Soda springs.

# More resources

[National forest map](https://www.fs.usda.gov/ivm/)

[Soda springs](https://www.sodaspringsid.com/)

[Lava Hot Springs](https://lavahotsprings.com/)

# Parking
When I called city hall, they said I could park on the west side of their parking lot and to stop in and let them know. Feel free to call them and confirm for your trip. You could also likely park out of the way at the elementary school or high school during the summer or weekend. Street parking looks to be available in most neighborhoods. Kelly park may also be a good option.

# Important Reminders

* Most of this route has low traffic, but a few sections have moderate traffic. Bring a rear light for increased visibility.

* Bring cash as some businesses charge an extra fee for credit cards.

* Day two has around **6000 ft of climbing making it the hardest day**. Be sure to plan ahead to ensure you have enough food and water.
* Some services are closed on Sunday
* A gravel bike with large tires and low gearing, a rigid bikepacking bike or a hardtail would all be good choices. A hardtail is not needed but would work well for extra comfort.
* Water is available in Bancroft, Lava Hot Springs, and Niter. Many options to filter water as well.
* Cell service is not available in many sections. Download offline maps and the route before starting.

There are many ways to modify this trip to fit your needs or preferences. Want a bigger challenge? Try riding this as a one night trip or add miles from the [Fitzgerald's Joyride route](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43145676). Want a easier ride? Add an extra day in Lava Hot Springs or stay at hotels. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me by commenting on this route or on my ride report on [Youtube](https://youtu.be/sXn9_FbowTM)!

Scenic Idaho Famous Potatoes

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