island park questions

[powpow]

hey

So the group I ride with, we are heading to IP, we have booked a cabin from a fellow snowester and are heading out there at the mid-end of march.

The cabin we are staying at is east of hwy 20 about 10 miles

Couple questions I have

1. we primarly boondock, ride trees, meadows, etc, where can I get a trail map of the area so I can get an idea of where to ride?
2. What national forest is the area in, Targhee?
3. Can I access Lionshead, etc from thsi area or should I trailer?

Thanks
powpow

 

[Dartos]

This will get you started. Trail Map

It has a link to the trail map and trail conditions.

Just about every gas station and restaurant has trail maps once you get there.

There is almost nowhere you can't get to once your in the area, trails everywhere.

 

[rwelch5745]

Darto's right..All trails in I.P. are connected to the trail system in MT. It's been awhile since I lived in west, but the trail maps used to have I.P. trails on one side of the map & MT. on the other.(If I remember correctly).

& the businesses that have the maps have to pay for them..So if they're offered free of charge, a donation of a buck or two is greatly appreciated by these folks. (Especially if everyone in the group feels the need to have his own,which is really a waste). Just a thought bud.

 

[powpow]

Are there any wilderness areas we have to be aware of? I do not see any on teh map, but we are staying off of kilgore road to the west of hwy 20 about 10 miles, it looks like there are only a couple trails there, maybe I need a different map?

 

[rwelch5745]

Are there any wilderness areas we have to be aware of? I do not see any on teh map, but we are staying off of kilgore road to the west of hwy 20 about 10 miles, it looks like there are only a couple trails there, maybe I need a different map?

Can't answer that one pow...most of my time was spent in the MT. side...But none come to mind...There was some talk about Lionshead awhile back being off limits but I can't answer that either...Sorry.

 

[rwelch5745]

Now there IS the Lee Metcalf wilderness area clear north of West, but you'd have to be riding in the Teepee area to even worry about it. & that area is only accessed by leaving the trail system, you gotta boondock for a few miles,(Seems like 20 if it's rutted out).Teepee's an awesome place to ride,but I'd advise you to get directions from one of the sled shops before you venture on your own.

 

[powpow]

Thanks guys

Looks like the elevation around there is 6 to 9k?????

 

[Dartos]

6,000 to 9,000 is right in the ball park for the majority of the riding there.

 

[Hamps]

There are a couple wilderness areas you need to stay out of. The one I can mention off hand is on the south side of the reservoir. The current maps you will find there has them shown as hatched areas. There is good riding back in Taylor and behind Shotgun.

 

[Jeff C]

Thanks guys

Looks like the elevation around there is 6 to 9k?????

Yep, your cabin will be around 6k and everything goes up from there. There are a few spots way on top that are just over 10k, but these are wind swept peaks with rocks showing.....

If you take kilgore road all the way until they stop plowing, there is a parking lot. Follow that road (The unplowed one) for another 10 miles and follow the ridgeline thats on your right side. You will go up a gradual drainage area and find some great areas back there to ride.

Another good area is even further down that road in the kilgore area. Almost nobody goes that far, but there is some fun and pretty safe areas there as well. We did not make it there this year, but I am sure it is almost untracked...........

Make sure you bring gas cans to fill up your sleds at the end of the day or trailer them into town. Shot Gun store is closed and Lakeside bar does not have gas any longer.

Another great area is behind Shotgun Store. Follow the plowed city road just to the east of the store up that road, keeping to the left. About a mile up or so there is a trail........

Fun area back there with lots of varied terrain.......

Sawtelle area is a blast as well. Look for Sawtelle peak on your map and follow the groomed trail (Cant remember the name of the trail) to a cut off to the left about 6-8 miles up the trail......

On your way On Kilgore road, before you get to that unplowed area parking lot, there is another one about 5-6 miles to the east of it. Blue Creek.....

That is a fun one to get you back and up on top. From there, you can hit Rheas, and Jefferson......

Have a great time!!

 

[powpow]

thanks guys!!!!