Prairie Creek
The Prairie creek trail is very technical and will challenge even skilled riders.
The trailhead starts from the cul de sac at the main parking lot. The first portion is brushed lined single track with a doable back to back creek crossing. After the crossings there a couple of short steep climbs with baby heads that may take a couple of tries to conquer.
Continuing, the trail widens for a short distance giving the rider a chance to enjoy the scenery and catch your breath.
The trail narrows back down to single track and the fun begins. The obstacles are varying with large tree roots, beach ball sized rocks and boulder slots to maneuver through. There is a fifty yard section of trail cut into the hillside with sharp drop into a willow lined creek on the low side and a steep bank on the other. It’s best to have a spotter on this narrow section, you don’t want to slip off this bank. It would be extremely difficult to get back on the trail and bush whacking down through the bottom would ruin your day!
My goal is to someday make it to Prairie Creek lake. It’s roughly 5-6 miles in but, they tough miles.
Prairie creek lake 3 – Jet zero. Next year!
Things to keep in mind:
- This trail is pretty much mandatory that you have a strong able-bodied riding partner.
- Going off trail in a couple of areas will cost you hours to remedy the error!
- Don’t skimp on food and water on this one. It’s not a huge distance but, you will earn every foot of it!
More Information
Trail Name: Prairie Creek
Location: Ketchum, Idaho | Map
Type: Narrow trail (< 30"), Start and end at the same point (Out-and-Back)
Rating: Adaptive Level 09
Length: 10 miles
Steepest Section: Difficult – over 30º
Most Off-Camber Section: Moderate – between 10-30º
Terrain: Mostly hardpack, lengthy loose sections
Obstacles: Root exposure, Brush and/or other growth, Baby heads and/or rock gardens, Ravines, drop-ins, Drops, ledges, jumps, Water crossings
Help Needed? Yes, a little
Even more info: BCRD
Directions to Trailhead
Drive ten miles north of Ketchum ID, on highway 75. Take the Prairie Creek access to the left (west) which winds along a dirt road roughly five miles out the cu de sac/trailhead.
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