Common Questions

Straight answers about what's being proposed — and what isn't.

Is this a large-scale "stacked loop" trail system like Galena?

No. Galena is a purpose-built destination trail complex. What we're proposing is different in both kind and scale: a small set of connector trails — most of them reopening trails that existed 20–30 years ago — that link today's existing routes into moderate loops. There is no trail hub, no facility, and no destination complex in this concept.

Will trails run through or near the Smiley Creek community?

No. Keeping impact away from private property and established communities is a core principle of this concept. Trail routes and trail access will avoid private property entirely, and nothing will be routed through the community or along the section of Smiley Creek Road between Highway 75 and the Smiley Creek cutoff — the stretch that serves the neighborhood. Residents should see no trail traffic in their neighborhoods. Higher up the drainage, above the cutoff junction, some routes would follow the existing Forest Service road corridor — well away from homes.

Will this bring noise or motorized traffic?

No. The trails would be for foot and bike use only, including quiet pedal-assist e-bikes — no motorcycles, ATVs, or other motorized vehicles. Many of us ride dirt bikes ourselves, and existing motorized routes in the area are unaffected by this concept.

Does this involve Wilderness areas?

No. All conceptualized routes avoid Wilderness completely and sit within a few miles of Highway 75, in the non-wilderness portion of the forest that is already regularly accessed by foot, horse, bike, and motorized users.

What about wildlife and environmental impact?

Minimizing impact drives the design. Most work follows existing alignments rather than new ground; routes stay near existing roads so trails can share bridges and water crossings through riparian areas; and no new inroads are made into remote backcountry. We welcome community input on sensitive areas to avoid.

Who is the Sawtooth Valley Trails Coalition?

We are private citizens — residents, property owners, and long-time users of the valley — who believe in responsible recreation development consistent with the SNRA's charter. We are seeking a public-private partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to plan, build, and maintain these trails. We are not a commercial venture. The coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

How far along is this? Is anything decided?

This is an early-stage concept. No routes are final, no approvals have been sought or granted, and any project would go through the Forest Service's established planning and public-input processes. That's exactly why we're sharing the concept now — so the conversation can be based on what's actually proposed.

Why build trails near roads at all?

Because there's no comparison between hiking or riding a single-track trail and walking down a graded forest road. Keeping trails near roads keeps vehicles and trail users safely apart, simplifies routing, and lets trails share existing bridges and water crossings rather than duplicating impact elsewhere.

Have a question we didn't answer?

Ask us directly — we'd rather answer questions than let guesses fill the gap.