Biking
Biking
People from all over the world come to Idaho to enjoy mountain and road biking in some of the most pristine and tranquil locations imaginable.
For mountain bikers, Idaho has more than 12,000 miles of single track trails and at least twice that in four-wheel-drive dirt roads.
For road bikers, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a 72-mile paved path that extends from Plummer, Idaho, to Mullan, Idaho. And don’t miss the Coeur d’Alene Parkway. The parkway is part of the nationally famous North Idaho Centennial Trail, a multi-use recreational trail system that meanders for 24 miles from the Idaho/Washington state line. Several of Idaho state parks are excellent base camps for a road or mountain bike adventure. Those looking for cycling adventure should also check out the Ashton to Tetonia Trail in East Idaho. Class 1 and 2 E-Bikes are allowed in Idaho State Parks and on department-administered trails and paths — except for the Lewiston Levee Parkway, a portion of which runs through Hells Gate State Park.
In Idaho, you can support your sport by purchasing an Idaho Mountain Bike license plate or by becoming an Idaho Trails Supporter. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation will use the proceeds for the preservation, maintenance and expansion of recreation trails in Idaho.
Idaho’s public lands allow for many uses, including ranching. To learn how to recreate responsibly around livestock on public land, please read these ten tips and visit the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission website.
Several Idaho State Parks offer single track mountain biking.
- City Of Rocks
- Eagle Island State Park
- Farragut State Park
- Harriman State Park
- Hells Gate State Park
- Henrys Lake State Park
- Heyburn State Park
- Lake Cascade State Park
- Land of the Yankee Fork State Park
- Massacre Rocks State Park
- Mary McCroskey State Park
- Priest Lake State Park
- Ponderosa State Park
- Round Lake State Park
- Winchester State Park
And the Idaho City Backcountry Yurt/Trail System:
Idaho City Area Trails and Yurt System
Mountain biking on public lands
- Boise National Forest mountain bike trail map: fs.usda.gov/visit/maps
- Bureau of Land Management trail maps: blm.gov/maps
Road biking in and around Idaho State Parks
Heyburn State Park – Camp at Heyburn and spend a week riding the bike paths of northern Idaho that reach from one side of the state to the other.
Ponderosa State Park – Take off from Ponderosa State Park to access hard path trails in and around the park.
Lucky Peak State Park – Pack a picnic and ride from downtown Boise to Lucky Peak State Park on the famous Greenbelt.
Bicycle Touring (Road Cycling)
Bicycle Tourism is gaining popularity and we now have several parks that have set up bike-friendly campsites, perfect for the cycle tourist on their cross-state or cross-country journeys!
*Please note: These sites are non-reservable.
About
Bicycle Tourism (also known as Road Cycling, Road Biking, and Adventure Cycling) is a form of recreation and tourism in which a bicycle is the primary mode of transportation. The trips are typically focused more on the adventure aspect of travel by bike, rather than competition or strenuous exercise.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) hosted three (3) summits to discuss issues and solutions pertaining to non-motorized trail recreation in Idaho. The discussions were held in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls. Below are the meeting handouts and minutes from each location. The open discussions explored all topics pertaining to non-motorized trail recreation in Idaho and ideas for solving the non-motorized trail funding gap.
Boise – February 11, 2016
Coeur d’Alene – April 21, 2016
Idaho Falls – May 2, 2016
Boise, January 11, 2017
A meeting was held January 11, 2017 to share results of the 2016 summits and to organize a leadership team, willing to take suggestions and strategies through the next very important steps. Download the meeting materials.
Summit Attendees
A complete list of summit attendees is available for download here.
Next Steps – Use collective report and results from statewide summits to answer the following:
- Is there a need to address non-motorized trail maintenance in Idaho?
- Is there enough support statewide to address non-motorized trail maintenance and related funding in Idaho?
- Who will work together to address the need?
- What does addressing the need look like?
- What are the necessary actions / future next steps?
Want to take a leadership role? Have questions?
If you have questions, would like to lead in next steps, or were unable to attend a summit in your area, you can share your thoughts and ideas via email: inquiry@idpr.idaho.gov
You can purchase an Idaho Trails Supporter Sticker at most IDPR offices and state parks across Idaho!
THE WHY
Trails provide access to Idaho. Trails are part of Idaho’s recreation heritage, providing paths to camping, fishing and the wild places that make the Gem State great. We already have one of the most effective motorized trail maintenance programs in the country, supported by user fees. But the needed resources to maintain trails for hiking, biking and horse riding are lacking. And without adequate maintenance and improvements, access to some non-motorized trails will be lost.
GOAL
Create an organized approach to address priority access and maintenance needs on Idaho’s 10,000 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
PROGRAM
- Annual minimum donation of $10
- Contributor receives the sticker, updated yearly, showing their support for Idaho Trails
- The Trails Supporter funds will be managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and used for priority projects identified by partner groups and the public
- IDPR will work with partners to ensure needed projects are completed, with an emphasis on signage and trail clearing
Best Parks for Enjoying Biking
ATVs, UTVs & Motorbikes
ATVs, UTVs & Motorbikes
Summer Vehicle
The Idaho Motorized Trails Program
The Motorized Trails Program was created in 1970 to ensure quality motorized recreational opportunities remain available by providing for maintenance, education, and enforcement partnerships.
The Motorized Trails Program mission is to provide leadership statewide in the area of OHV recreation; to work with land managers to provide maintenance on designated trails, develop new opportunities, provide safety and education classes, and provide comments on all motorized travel planning within Idaho through the use of designated funding.
The Motorized Trails Program’s summer activities consist of the following:
- Working with land managers to provide maintenance on designated OHV trails through the Trail Ranger and Trail Cat programs
- Providing OHV education opportunities
- Partnering with OHV law enforcement programs
- Participating in statewide travel planning
- Working with OHV clubs and organizations to fulfill OHV trails maintenance contracts
Motorized Trails Program Funding
- OHV Certificate of Number fees
- OHV percentage of State gas tax
- Federal Recreation Trails gas tax fees
The Idaho ATV/Motorbike (Motorized Trails) program is funded through certificate of number fees purchased by the enthusiast. On January 1 of each year, every motorbike (dirtbike), ATV, UTV, or specialty off-highway vehicle (SOHV) operated on public or private land must be numbered to legally operate. The public exemptions from numbering an off-highway vehicle exists if the vehicle is only for plowing snow or agricultural purposes. The cost of the certificate of number is $12. Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) certificate of number sticker fees fund education programs, trail clearing, and maintenance projects throughout the state, as well as support valuable ATV/UTV and motorbike safety courses for all ages.
Economic Importance of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation in Idaho
How your certificate of number fees are broken down?
- $1.50 vendor fee
- 15% is utilized for administration and the production of certificate of number stickers
- $1 goes to county sheriffs for dedicated OHV law enforcement
- $1 goes to Idaho Department of Lands to provide OHV opportunities
- The remaining 85% goes to trail maintenance, construction and education programs
What are the certificate of number fees used for?
- ATV, UTV and Motorbike safety programs for all ages
- Trail maintenance on OHV trails by the IDPR Trail Ranger program
- Trail maintenance and construction on OHV trails by the IDPR Trail Cat & Mini-Excavator program
- Online OHV trail mapping application
- Grants for OHV trail construction, maintenance, signing and trailhead facilities
Lands Analyst
The Lands Analyst works diligently to meet the department’s strategic plan of: “No net loss of motorized or non-motorized access to recreational trails.” This is pursued by analyzing federal land management actions that impact recreation opportunities, then providing official comment to those agencies to suggest improvements or mitigation to protect access opportunities. These actions may include travel management plans and watershed improvement projects, among other initiatives to protect and enhance recreational access to public lands.
Learn about some of the access management changes over time that have impacted Idaho citizens’ ability to enjoy public lands at this Story Map.
Trail Ranger Program
Apply Today
Want to be a Trail Ranger?
Click here to apply for Trail Ranger Position
Trail Ranger trail maintenance reports are conveniently available on the Idaho ATV/Motorbike Program Facebook.
Trail Cat Program
The Trail Cat program performs heavy maintenance on OHV trails. This program builds new OHV trail when needed but spends the majority of time rebuilding ATV or single-track trails that need maintenance. The motorized trail program works with land managers annually to obtain a list of trails that are in need of light maintenance. A mini dozer takes care of the work for the ATV trails and can build about one mile of ATV trail a day, depending upon the terrain. A mini-excavator can build about 1/4 mile of single-track trail a day in various terrain.
Making more miles of trail available to trail users disperses use and reduces environmental impacts and user conflict.
Learn more
Contact the specialist in your area:
South Idaho
Michael J. Lindenfelser or call (208) 447-6992
North Idaho
Bailey Lerwill or call (208) 881-7211
East Idaho
Brian Dilenge or call (208) 701-7078
Education Program
The OHV Education Program provides classes that are offered throughout the state for anyone who will be operating an OHV including an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), motorbike, or utility type vehicles (UTV). The course includes training on safety and ethical use of OHVs.
Riding in Idaho
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation wants to make sure you are prepared, educated and legal before you take to the trail on your off-highway vehicle (OHV). Be sure to stay on trails when you venture out on your OHV.
IDPR Mapping Application
To find OHV trails across the state visit IDPR’s Idaho Trails App. Plan your routes from your PC or mobile device, filter the map to show only the types of routes you want to see, then create custom georeferenced map files (GeoPDFs) for offline mobile navigation or print maps to paper.
Funded by OHV sticker purchases, the web-based Idaho Trails App requires no login to use freely.
Route and trail information is combined into a unified-format interactive map. The underlying technology allows for instant updating of validated changes. The map is continuously validated to US Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Travel Management Area Maps, and Department of Lands (IDL) Recreation Access maps. On-the-ground IDPR Trail Ranger activities, plus direct collaboration with land management agencies such as trail re-route projects, results in more-timely map updates compared to other mapping resources.
Featured Map Locations & Views
This sample of predefined map views shows how you can explore in the Summer Idaho Trails app, including adjusting Map Layers to see only the route types you want to ride:
- Land of Yankee Fork State Park, Bayhorse Townsite (all routes)
- McCroskey State Park (all routes)
- Danskin OHV Area, ATV Trails view (motorcycle layer removed)
- Owyhee Front UTV Routes (motorcycle and <50″ removed)
Other Map Sources
Paper maps may be obtained at Forest Service and BLM offices around the state.
However, digital options are available including versions for offline, GPS-enabled navigation and tracking purposes. To navigate offline using “GeoPDF” maps such as USFS MVUMs and BLM Travel Maps, install an app that has GeoPDF import and GPS geolocation capability from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Better yet, you can create customized GeoPDFs tailored to an area of interest, your vehicle type, and your preferred basemap type using IDPR’s Idaho Trails App.
GPS technology in your mobile device combined with GeoPDFs can help you be aware of your current location and track your route to find your way back. Some GeoPDFs may also be downloaded to your PC for review in a PDF reader and printed to paper.
GeoPDF Sources
In-App
When using GeoPDF maps in an app on a mobile device, tap the app’s “Store” button. Search inside the app’s interactive map, or try a text-based search with keywords such as “Boise MVUM” or “Challis BLM Travel” to find maps from each agency’s Map Store. All USFS MVUMs and BLM Travel Maps are authoritative, free of charge, and available from the Map Store of the most commonly-used GeoPDF mapping app, Avenza® Maps.
Web Sites and User-Created
Some GeoPDFs may be obtained or are only available from sources outside a map app’s “Store” such as from the web sites linked below.
You may also create custom GeoPDF maps from IDPR’s Idaho Trails App. These map files can be viewed on a PC, or imported into a GeoPDF-capable app once saved to a mobile device.
If the same GeoPDF map is available from both an app’s Map Store versus by direct download from a web site, the in-app Map Store method will usually be the best option for obtaining the map.
Popular IDL Map
* Avenza® Map Store links go to their web-based map collection.
Maps you select post into a shopping cart and then become available for import upon logging into the app on your device.
Selecting and downloading maps directly from within the app’s Map Store is usually the simpler way to obtain common maps such as MVUMs. However, searching in the web-based Avenza® Map Store may yield better results for difficult-to-find maps.
Note 1) Add a search term after “mvum” such as “boise” or “panhandle” to refine the results to the Forest’s MVUM you are looking for.
Note 2) Add a search term for an area of interest such as “murphy” to find the BLM Travel Map you are looking for. Not all BLM lands feature formal Travel Maps.
Note 3) To avoid external map import limitation of the free version of the Avenza® Maps app (max of three maps will functions with geolocation), it is recommended to instead use the app’s Map Store to obtain maps such as MVUMs. Reserve external map importing for maps that can only be obtained from outside the Avenza® Map Store such as those you create from trails.idaho.gov. (How?)
GeoPDF-compatible Apps and Devices
Beside the industry-standard Avenza® Maps app, as of this writing there are only two known alternative methods of utilizing GeoPDF maps offline: the TrailTech Voyager Pro console (proprietary device; see How-to-import-PDFs video here), and the November 2023+ update release of the REVER app. (The owner of GeoPDF technology, TerraGo Technologies, publishes an app to utilize GeoPDFs which is only available privately to developers.)
One-Year and Two-Year options available
Purchase Online
Direct link to purchase Recreation Permits online.
Stickers will be mailed to you, and your email receipt is your temporary permit.
If you need to review your current, unexpired recreation permits and they do not appear when you access the online system, please call 1-888-922-6743 for assistance.
Purchase In-person
Anyone who will operate an off-highway vehicle (OHV) should complete a free IDPR Responsible Riders education course to acquire their OHV Safety Education Certificate.
Idaho Code 49-302 requires any person under the age of sixteen (16) years when operating an ATV, UTV, specialty off-highway vehicle or motorbike on roads on federal or state land where the road is not part of the highway system of the state of Idaho or local road management authority and is supervised by a licensed adult operator eighteen (18) years of age or older, and the road is open for such use, subject to the following:
- Any unlicensed operators under the age of sixteen (16) years on national forest roads must have completed a motorbike or ATV safety course approved by the Idaho department of parks and recreation, and a certificate or other proof of completion of such safety course shall be in the possession of the unlicensed operator of any ATV, UTV, specialty off-highway vehicle or motorbike or shall be present in the vehicle at all times when the vehicle is operated on national forest roads. The certificate or proof of completion shall be provided for inspection to any peace officer upon request.
- For purposes of this subsection, “supervised” means that the supervising adult must be in a position, on another ATV, UTV, specialty off-highway vehicle or motorbike, or if on the ground, within three hundred (300) feet of the unlicensed operator, to provide close support, assistance or direction to the unlicensed operator.
Currently, Idaho recognizes OHV education certificates issued from IDPR or any “state issued” certification cards. The state card must possess the logo of the state or state agency providing the OHV education on the certificate.
This free one-day course is offered by Idaho Parks and Recreation. Classes are offered throughout the state for anyone who will be operating an OHV including an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), motorbike, or utility type vehicles (UTV). The course includes training on safe riding, proper machine sizing, responsible and ethical riding, proper handling and shifting, riding within your ability, understanding the machine’s capabilities and rules of the road.
To schedule a skills test or for more information about classes, contact a Recreation Education Coordinator in your region:
- North Idaho (208) 769-1511 office or (206) 234-7793 cell
- East Idaho (208) 701-7081 or cell (208) 416-3119 cell
- South Idaho (208) 514-2414 office or (208) 866-7700 cell
IDPR Course Resources
Off-highway vehicle (OHV) safety laws are enforced by county sheriffs’ offices in Idaho. For specific questions regarding enforcement of an OHV law please contact your local sheriff’s office and ask for the backcountry patrol deputy or recreation division. Backcountry deputies also participate in OHV safety outreach events all over the state to help educate the public and teach classes for those interested in learning more about Idaho OHV laws and rules.
OHV Law Enforcement Resources
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation trains and provides resources to Idaho sheriff’s deputies and others responsible for patrolling Idaho’s backcountry.
OHV Law Enforcement Courses
- 2026 OHV LE Registration is open to two (2) deputies per county.
- Annual OHV Law Enforcement Academy: Second week in April, in the Boise area.
OHV Law Enforcement Forms – (For official law enforcement use only)
- Daily Activity Log
- OHV Exempt Sticker Request Form
- Sound Testing Form
- OHV Accident Form (These forms are available in booklet format)
- Idaho OHV LE Pocket Guide
- City/County Ordinances (This is as up to date as we are aware)
Law Enforcement Repository – (For official law enforcement use only)
- Click here to access the Law Enforcement Repository (account required)
Contact Information:
- E-Mail the OHV LE program by clicking here
- Cell: 208-244-2783
REQUIREMENTS FOR OHV OPERATION
Trails
These are the requirements for motorbikes, ATVs, UTVs, and Specialty Off-highway vehicles operating off-highway on a designated trail, open riding area or motocross track.
- A valid IDPR OHV certificate of number sticker for resident and nonresident IC 67-7122
- A DOT approved helmet under age 18. IC 49-666
- A muffler and Forest Service approved spark arrestor. Your muffler must be at or below 96dB at the half-meter test, SAE J1287. IC 67-7125
State & Federal Roads
This includes Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, U. S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and privately owned roads open to OHV use. Contact the landowner or manager for information on roads open to OHV use.
- OHV Education Certificate for unlicensed operators. IC 49-302(11)a U.S. Forest Service Roads only.
- Valid driver’s license (except under the age of 16 when supervised by a licensed adult operator). IC 49-301 or IC 49-302 “supervised” means the supervising licensed adult must be in a position, on another OHV to provide close support, assistance or direction, or if on the ground, within three hundred (300) feet of the unlicensed operator.
- Liability insurance or alternative insurance. IC 49-1223 or IC 49-1232
- Valid IDPR OHV certificate of number sticker for resident and nonresident IC 67-7122
- A DOT approved helmet under age 18. IC 49-666
- Muffler and U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor. Your muffler must be at or below 96dB at the half-meter test, SAE J1287. IC 67-7125
City & County Roads
The following requirements must be met on city, county, and highway district roads. Check with local jurisdiction for information on roads open to OHV use.
- Valid restricted vehicle license plate. IC 49-402(4)
- Valid IDPR OHV certificate of number sticker affixed to restricted vehicle license plate for resident and nonresident. IC 67-7122
- Valid driver’s license. IC 49-301
- Liability insurance or alternative insurance. IC 49-1223 or IC 49-1232
- A DOT approved helmet under age 18. IC 49-666
- Muffler and U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrestor. Your muffler must be at or below 96dB at the half-meter test. SAE J1287. IC 67-7125
For safe operation on roads the following equipment is recommended:
- Brake light
- Headlight and taillight after dark/poor visibility.
- Horn audible at 200 feet.
- Mirror showing roadway 200 feet behind the OHV.
- Be sure to check with local jurisdictions for specific ordinances.
Rangeland
Idaho’s public lands allow for many uses, including ranching. To learn how to recreate responsibly around livestock on public land, please read these ten tips and visit the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission website.
Best Parks for Enjoying ATVs, UTVs & Motorbikes
Did you know?
- When you purchase your certificate of number sticker for your OHV, the fees collected go towards trail maintenance, OHV education, safety programs, and protecting trail access.
- Idaho law requires that any person without a valid motor vehicle license who wishes to operate an OHV on US Forest Service roads must take an IDPR-approved OHV safety course. Riders 15 years and younger who wish to operate an OHV on roads must also be supervised by an adult. Idaho currently recognizes OHV Education certificates from State-issued programs. Certificates must have the State or Program logo displayed on the certificate. Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Program
