Mount Elly

The Black Canyon and Lithium Trail Loop offers an intense mountain biking experience in the Teton Pass area, blending high-speed singletrack with technical, rocky descents. You'll navigate through diverse terrain, from open ridgelines with spectacular views to dense spruce and fir forests, and even creek beds. The Lithium Trail, in particular, is known for its steep sections, jumps, and exposed ridges, demanding full attention and advanced skills.

Planning your ride requires careful consideration; many opt for a shuttle to the top of Teton Pass to focus on the downhill sections. However, you can create a challenging loop by climbing the Old Pass Road, adding a significant 1900 vertical feet of ascent. This 9.1-mile (14.7 km) route, with its 2681 feet (817 metres) of elevation gain, is a difficult undertaking that typically takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes.

This loop is a true test for experienced mountain bikers, especially the Lithium Trail, which is considered a "mecca of downhill mountain biking" in Jackson Hole and rated Double Black Diamond. The Black Canyon Trail, an original Teton Pass route, complements this with its long descent through classic Jackson Hole scenery. It's a ride for those who crave technical challenges and high-consequence features.

The Black Canyon, Lithium, and Big Rocks Loop is a challenging mountain biking route that promises a diverse and demanding experience for expert riders. Imagine tackling sections that mirror the fast, flowy top portions of Wyoming's Lithium Trail, then transitioning into its notoriously rocky and steep ridge lines, all while navigating significant elevation changes. This 11.1-mile (17.9 km) loop, with its 3424 feet (1044 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to test your skills and endurance over an estimated 2 hours and 39 minutes.

Planning your ride requires a keen awareness of the route's difficult rating. While specific trailhead details for this composite loop are not available, be prepared for technical sections that demand advanced bike handling. Always check local trail conditions, especially for expert-level downhill segments, and be ready for rocky, steep terrain. Carrying ample water and being physically prepared for a strenuous ride are essential for this kind of mountain biking adventure.

This route, while a composite, draws inspiration from trails known for their unique characteristics: the long-distance, diverse terrain of the Black Canyon Trail, the expert-level downhill thrills of the Lithium Trail near Teton Pass, and the technical rock features of various Big Rocks loops. It's a testament to the varied and challenging mountain biking terrain available, offering a blend of high-speed descents, technical climbs, and diverse scenery that will push advanced riders to their limits.