Biking

Idaho is blessed with over 12,000 miles of single track trails available to mountain bikers and at least twice that in 4-wheel-drive dirt roads. Idaho is a jewel waiting to be discovered by mountain bikers. Many of the trails have not been ridden yet, partly due to their remote locations and difficult terrain. The primary providers of mountain bike trails in Idaho are the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Here's a short list of a few excellent Idaho mountain biking opportunities:

Noted by Bike Magazine as one of the Pacific Northwest's coolest opportunities to mountain bike: 85-miles of trail beckon in the Boise foothills.  

Visiting Idaho and find yourself  near the Weiser River? Check out the 84-mile unpaved Weiser River Rail Trail , a highlight of southwest Idaho. 

The Route of the Hiawatha Trail - with it's high trestles and tunnels make this trail one of North Idaho's finest. 

The Idaho City Area Trails Systems offers over 50 miles of superb blazed trails. You can extend your visit by staying in one of six backcountry yurts maintained by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The Idaho City Area Trails connect with endless old logging roads where you can explore the pristine backcountry wilderness area of the Boise National Forest.
mountain bike trail map

 Ketchum/Sun Valley boast a 20-mile scenic experience known as the Harriman Trail.

Over one thousand miles. Oh my! Idaho State Centennial Trail offers a 1200 mile tour of the state. Every mile more unique than the last.  

For additional information on mountain biking or non-motorized trail opportunities in Idaho, contact the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Road Biking

Idaho has miles of hard surfaced bike trails, many of which are 'rails to trails projects' or old railroad grades converted to pathways. Noted below are a few of the longer ones.

The scenic 73 mile long Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes in north Idaho is the worlds longest continually paved trail. Click here for a trail map and brochure.

Check out the North Idaho Centennial Trail  from Spokane, WA to Coeur d' Alene,  ID.  

The world class 32-mile Wood River Trail  system stretches from Bellevue to Sun Valley.

Boise City has many great paved riding opportunities, including the city's famous riverside Greenbelt.  

Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette

• Ride on Open Trails Only
  Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure), avoid possible trespass on private land, and obtain permits and authorization as may be required. All wilderness areas are closed to cycling.
• Leave No Trace
  Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open trails, you should not ride under conditions where you leave evidence of your passing, such as on certain soils shortly after a rain. Observe the different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. This also means staying on the trail and not creating any new ones. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
• Control Your Bicycle
  Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all speed laws.
• Always Yield The Trail
  Make known your approach well in advance. A friendly greeting (or bell) is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing others by slowing to a walk or even stopping. Anticipate that other trail users may be around corners or in blind spots.
• Never Spook Animals
  All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, for others, and for the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. In passing, use special care and follow the directions of horseback riders (as if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wild animals is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them or as marked.
• Plan Ahead
  Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding an prepare according. Be self sufficient at all times. Wear a helmet, keep your machine in good condition, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offense to others.

Contact

Leo Hennessy
Non-Motorized Trails Coordinator
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0065-0065
Phone: 208-514-2419

What’s on YOUR plate matters! Help us preserve, protect, and create multi-use trails in Idaho!

Idaho is the first state in the nation to offer a mountain bike-themed license plate. The plate costs $35 for the initial purchase and $25 for renewals. IDPR will receive $22 and $12 respectively from plate sales “exclusively for thepreservation, maintenance and expansion of recreational trails"within the state of Idaho, where mountain biking is permitted.

More than 500 plates have been sold so far in the first year it’s been available, leading to over $12,000 in revenues for new trail projects. Consider buying a plate for loved ones for Christmas, and all sales will benefit new trails in Idaho. Not only that, but your friends and loved ones will really like being able to show off their new mountain bike license plate on their vehicle. We all know that Idaho’s got some of the best mountain bike trails in the world, and now we’ve got a chance to put Idaho on the mountain bike map with our cool new mountain bike plates, and enhance our trail systems to boot. Why wait any longer? Make your purchase now.

Personalized mountain bike plates are available as well. To purchase a plate, contact your local DMV office.

If you love our great Idaho trails, buy a plate and put your money where your wheels ... or heels are, because what’s on your plate matters! For more information, go to http://mtbid.org/