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8.9 miles
Distance
1,492 ft
Climb
-1,497 ft
Descent
5,116 ft
High Point
-5 ft
Altitude change
3,789 ft
Altitude min
3,794 ft
Altitude start
3,789 ft
Altitude end
-37.8%
Grade max
25.3%
Grade min
4 miles
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
1,585 ft
Distance flat
The Elk Loop is a great introduction to Wagonhammer rides. A short but tough ride that opens up in early April usually.
A steady ~1000' climb gets you up to the saddle between the Wagonhammer and 4th of July drainages.
Ride through the gate to the contouring trail that takes of from there for the main Elk Loop. This trail sidehills for over 2 miles around the butte. It is primitive and narrow at times and will be a challenging experience for riders new to the area.
Once around the butte, the trail comes to an old Lewis and Clark carsonite marker. Here the bottom drops out of the ride and it descends back to the Wagonhammer Creek bottom.
Follow the trail downstream back to the trailhead.
Detailed Description
Elk Loop is a 9 mile popular intermediate route located near North Fork Idaho. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 1,492 ft with a max elevation of 5,116 ft then descends -1,497 ft.
Trail Issues on Route
- Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Mar 30, 2026)
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Trail Products
-
Idaho's Mountain Bike License PlateTrail Pass -
Stats
-
Distance9 miles
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Avg time1 hr 50 min
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Altitude min3,789 ft
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Altitude start3,794 ft
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Altitude end3,789 ft
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Climb1,492 ft
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Descent-1,497 ft
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Grade max-37.8%
-
Grade min25.3%
-
Distance climb4 miles
-
Distance down4 miles
-
Distance flat1,585 ft
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Primary ActivityMountain Bike
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Difficulty ratingBlue
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Route TypeLoop
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Bike typeAM, XC
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DirectionOne Direction
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Physical ratingModerate
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- By chuktA
TRAILFORKS NFTA & contributors - #7038 - 1,466 views
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