Magic Valley offers offroad buffs plenty of places to kick off season

Story by Andrew Weeks
The Times-News
April 19, 2012
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TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- It's time to tune up your ATV or dirt bike and hit the trails.

Not all higher-elevation trails are open just yet, but you can still experience a fun spring ride in the region.

The South Hills is always an early opener, said dirt biker Jamey Wills. He likes to ride the area near Indian Spring Road south of Kimberly, where there are plenty of single-track trails. And Indian Spring Road itself is a good ride for four-wheelers.

"You can take some of the trails all the way to Jackpot, Nev.," Wills said.

Other places can you ride now:

Devil's Corral

For Twin Falls and Jerome residents who want something close to home, you can't beat the Devil's Corral north of the Snake River Canyon in Jerome.

Why it's worth a ride: For starters, its proximity. The 206-acre site is popular for both ATVs and dirt bikes, novice or intermediate riders, and is convenient for those who want to get out for a few hours after work or on weekends without driving long distances. The dirt and sand trails offer berms and jumps. Be mindful of the canyon's edge, however, which can creep up on you quickly if you're not paying attention.

Directions: At the first intersection north of the Perrine Bridge, head east on Shoshone Falls Road. You're likely to see other riders, or at least dust kicked up from their machines. There's no fee to use the land, but some parts are off limits. Be respectful of other users in the area, as it also is a popular place for sportsmen to hike or target shoot.

Information: Bureau of Land Management, 736-2350.

Wilson Flat

This open countryside near Fairfield has about 11 miles of loop trails designed for ATVs. Of course, there are places for two-wheelers, as well.

Why it's worth a ride: The trails here offer great views of Anderson Ranch Reservoir, the South Fork of the Boise River and the scenic surrounding area. "It's wide open and is accessible for ATV and dirt bike," Wills said. "It's pretty country, especially in the higher mountains."

Directions: Take U.S. Highway 20 northeast of Mountain Home for about 16 miles to the junction with Forest Road No. 134. Head north for about five miles, cross the dam, and go another two miles along the reservoir trailhead. Want maps? Contact the Sawtooth National Forest's Fairfield Ranger District.

Information: 373-4100.

Hagerman Pipeline

If you like windmills, you'll want to ride the Hagerman Pipeline, where you can catch a nice view of more than 100 wind turbines on a hillside in nearby Bliss, said Mike Starry.

Why it's worth a ride: Starry, a member of the Magic Valley Trail Machine Association, said it's one of his favorite places to ride. It's just a lot of fun with its berms, jumps and scenery, he said. And there are trails here for different skill levels.

The club hosts an annual cleanup day at the Pipeline, this year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28. Come and help clean up the land, and then ride the trails. Some members plan to camp overnight, Starry said.

Directions: The Pipeline is accessed near the Salmon Falls power plant on Bell Rapids Road in Hagerman.

Information: Starry, 731-4039.

Rock Creek ATV Loop

There's a perfect place to ride ATVs: You know it as the Rock Creek ATV Loop, an 11-mile trail system in the South Hills.

Why it's worth a ride: The trail starts at Diamondfield Jack Snow Play Area south of Magic Mountain Resort and takes riders through some of the hills' most scenic country. Slow down and watch for songbirds -- including the bluebird, one of the area's most noticeable. The trail is good for beginners and intermediate riders alike.

Directions: From Diamondfield Jack take trail No. 239 north several miles to No. 241, according to Stay on Trails. Then turn right and drive to No. 163. Go left and ride to No. 004, where you'll turn right and head south for several miles until you hit Forest Road No. 500. Turn right to return to the campground.

A few other places in the South Hills that Wills recommends are Indian Spring Road, which has a lot of single-track trails for dirt bikers; Trail Canyon that's accessed near Porcupine Springs; and Third Fork below Magic Mountain.

Information: Minidoka Ranger District, 737-3200.

Hemingway Butte

Imagine a 2,602-foot mountain summit and several 1,000-feet peaks -- and below it all, trailheads with access to hundreds of miles of roads. That's what you get at Hemingway Butte in Owyhee County.

Why it's worth a ride: If the scenery isn't enough, consider the variety of trails for just about every skill level. Are you a dirt biker? No problem. ATV enthusiast? You can ride them here as well. Trails are specific for motorized type. Also, all types of surfaces may be encountered here, including sand washes and rock-strewn landscape, according to the BLM. Two popular trails: Rabbit Creek and Fossil Creek.

Directions: Take Interstate 84 west to the first Nampa exit. Turn south to 12th Avenue South and Idaho Highway 45. Continue across the Snake River at Walters Ferry for about a mile to Reynolds Creek Road.

Information: BLM's Owyhee Field Office, 384-3300.

Andrew Weeks

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