Route Guide - Loftus Hot Springs
A very easy route ideal for beginners or cold weather adventurers. First ridden by IWBP in March of 2022.
Overview
This is a 2 day / 1 night out-and-back all-gravel beginner or foul weather friendly ride. You will snake along the Middle Fork of the Boise River where beautiful views abound. Enjoy a hot spring soak, and a stop by the charmingly unusual Twin Springs Resort for a drink or snack.
Our adventures on this route have been featured a couple times at Bikepacking.com
The route as posted here is 37 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing. It can easily be modified to be shorter or longer depending on your staring point. Riding from town makes it roughly 100 miles and 3500 feet.
Terrain: 100% gravel, 0% pavement, 0% singletrack.
Recommended bike and tires: Any mountain bike or gravel bike will do.
Difficulty *
Climbing scale 1/10 (27 feet / mile). Mostly flat with a few short rolling hills. Approximate total climbing day 1 800 feet and day 2 200 feet.
Technical scale 1/10. No technical sections (unless there is snow / ice on the road).
Physical demand 1/10. This is a beginner / early season friendly route.
Resupply and Logistics 2/10. Water is always available. Food needs are minimal, and Twin Springs Resort at mile 11 (day 1) and 26 (day 2) offers basic snacks and drinks for resupply if needed.
Suggested Beginning Point
Cottonwood Creek, 15.5 miles after turning off Hwy 21. There is a large area to park here.
Day 1
Ride 19 miles northeast along the banks of the Boise River Middle Fork from Cottonwood Creek to Loftus Hot Springs.
Camp
Dispersed camping is available at the springs. Or camp a bit before or after Loftus for a quieter night, especially if it is a weekend or holiday. There are no toilets, changing facilities, potable water, or other amenities.
Day 2
Return to the starting point along the same route.
Food
We recommend starting the ride in the afternoon with a full belly. Pack a dinner to be eaten at camp. For day two, pack a breakfast and light lunch. A stove is not required but will be much appreciated if it will be cold overnight. Hot drinks and warm meals will lift spirits greatly! As always, pack plenty of snacks. Twin Springs has a small selection of snacks and drinks.
Water
Carry 2 liters of water capacity and bring a water filter. The river will be nearby for the entire route.
Hot Springs
Loftus Hot Spring is very warm and chest deep when sitting, with a beautiful steaming waterfall. It is popular and can be busy, but you should be able to have a soak. Should you find yourself freezing in your sleep, you can go for a midnight dip to warm up. Pack a swimsuit and lightweight towel. The pool isn’t easily visible from the road. Look 100 yards or so up the hill.
Route Links
Misc.
Cell service will not be available for any part of this route.
Bikepacking can be strenuous and dangerous. You ride at your own risk.
Please practice the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
* Difficulty ratings are modeled after bikepacking.com's system. Ratings are somewhat subjective, and can change based on weather, individual fitness and abilities, and other environmental factors. We welcome input on ratings.