more stats
2.3 miles
Distance
236 ft
Climb
-233 ft
Descent
00:24:17
Avg time
3 ft
Altitude change
5,017 ft
Altitude min
5,120 ft
Altitude max
5,087 ft
Altitude start
5,092 ft
Altitude end
-18.9%
Grade max
24.2%
Grade min
5,210 ft
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
1,165 ft
Distance flat
00:24:17
Avg time

Elk Loop Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Wagonhammer
    North Fork, Idaho
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Green (1 vote)
  • Local Popularity
    100 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #62596 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #365213 in Trail Running
    • #356467 in Hiking
  • State Ranking
    #471 in Mountain Biking · Idaho [+]
    • #2,852 in Trail Running
    • #2,953 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    Salmon - Challis National Forest

The Elk Loop is a challenging sidehill trail for most of its length. The Loop can be ridden in either direction but is most commonly ridden CCW. This then connects to a fun and wild downhill in Lewis and Clark (Meadowsurfer). These are cow and game trails so expect your skills to be challenged.

Disclaimer

Please Close ALL Gates between June 1 and Sept 1.

Tags

Trail Supporters

Local Trail Association

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 11 rides
  • 11 miles avg distance
All
  • 67 rides
  • Last: Oct 10, 2026
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Elk Loop Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Mar 30, 2026 @ 10:07am (America/Boise)
Mar 30, 2026
 Tread on east side of loop gone or really narrow, from winter elk and deer traffic.
Aug 28, 2025 @ 6:00pm
Aug 28, 2025
 Great non-moto tread right now.
Apr 26, 2025 @ 1:05pm
Apr 26, 2025
 Good dirt, trail is getting pretty narrow in a few places though
Apr 29, 2023 @ 5:12am
Apr 29, 2023
 reporter All dry on the east side, and fairly rough in places. Expect a few sections of damp trail in the shady spots on the west side.
Apr 25, 2022 @ 10:01am
Apr 25, 2022
 reporter Snow-free and clear of deadfall.
more »
Status:
on Mar 30, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.59 (4 votes)
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to elk-loop-14322 trailhead (45.394990, -113.923790)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      5 more »
      mtb
      151 |
      May 25, 2019 @ 10:45am
      May 25, 2019
      report
      mtb
      74 |
      Aug 29, 2025 @ 12:33pm
      Aug 29, 2025
      report
      mtb
      106 |
      Nov 1, 2017 @ 4:50pm
      Nov 1, 2017
      report
      mtb
      101 |
      Jul 28, 2017 @ 6:45pm
      Jul 28, 2017
      Wildflowers 1

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      Trail Lists

      Routes with this trail

      32
      Elk Loop
      9 miles • 1,492 ft • 4 • Loop •
      The Elk Loop is a great introduction to Wagonhammer rides. A short but tough ride that opens up in early...

      Trail Products

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      3.0 ★★★★★
      4 Ratings
      5 ★
      4 ★ 50%
      3 ★ 25%
      2 ★
      1 ★ 25%

      1 Review & Comments

      Gltrimble
      Rode this trail CCW. Steady 3+ mile fire road climb to the high point followed by a very narrow traverse of some very steep hillsides. Not heavily used so trail is literally a few bike tire widths wide along the traverse. At the end of the 1-2 mile traverse you will pass thru a fence where the trail can be confusing. Take a hard left. From here the trail becomes more fun but still bit bumpy due to the cow use. Wind downhill thru the trees before exiting to the fire road on the valley floor.

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Elk Loop located?
      Elk Loop is located in Wagonhammer, North Fork, Idaho, United States. It is part of the Wagonhammer trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 45.39499, -113.92379.
      ▼ How hard is Elk Loop?
      Elk Loop is rated as Black Diamond difficulty.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Elk Loop?
      Elk Loop has 236 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 233 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 5,017 ft to 5,120 ft.
      ▼ Is Elk Loop a point to point trail?
      Elk Loop is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Elk Loop?
      Elk Loop is 2.3 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Elk Loop?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Elk Loop. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Elk Loop? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Elk Loop are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Elk Loop?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 24 minutes to ride Elk Loop. The trail is 2.3 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Elk Loop?
      Elk Loop is a very popular trail. There have been 203 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 204 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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