|
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK Hikers and bikers had wondered what its moniker would be. Now it’s official—the new trail out Quigley Canyon will be called the Golden Hour. It’s fitting as it would be a fantastic trail from which to view the sunset to the west of Hailey, or even the morning sunrise as it climbs above the foothills east of Hailey.
|
|
Some impressive machinery built the trail.
|
|
|
The Bureau of Land Management officially opened the new 4.4-mile trail this weekend. The single-track trail is available to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and Class-1E-bikers. It can be accessed from the Silver Lining Trail as it climbs out of the canyon or from the top of Silver Lining’s highest point as it makes a sort-of horseshoe loop away from and into Silver Lining. The trail has a total gain of 871 feet and a loss in elevation of 1,114 feet. It starts at 5,762 feet and reaches 6,597 feet at its max. The golden hour, from which it gets its name, is also called the magic hour. It refers to periods shortly after sunrise and just before sunset when the natural light enhances the beauty of the trail’s landscape.
|
|
The trail looks down upon Quigley Pond.
|
|
|
“The BLM has continued to put time and energy into enhancing outdoor recreation experiences in the Wood River Valley,” said Blaine County Recreation District Trails Coordinator Ashley Knox. “Depending on the season, this trail can be enjoyed at any time of day – but highly recommended during the golden hour to fully appreciate the experience.” The trail was authorized by the BLM Wood River Valley Recreation and Access Decision Record. The BLM Shoshone Field Office staff worked on it in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association. Just like the new Hang Loose-Hang Tight trail out of Cutters Park, it required chipping through some quartz stone. Hikers and bikers are asked to consider the conditions as winter sets in—if conditions are muddy, save it for something to look forward to next spring!
|
|
The trail offers a new view of Quigley Canyon than a lot have seen.
|
|
|
In 2025 the BLM and the Wood River Trails Coalition plan to build 6.5 miles of trail in Lee’s Gulch just outside Bellevue. That’ll double the amount of official trail miles that Bellevue residents can access on foot or bike from home. Currently, the 5-mile loop consisting of the Belle and Vue trails in Slaughterhouse Canyon are the only single-track trails launching directly out of Bellevue.
|