Idaho’s rugged terrain and diverse landscapes provide the ideal playground for dirt biking enthusiasts seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures and breathtaking scenery. From high mountain trails to desert tracks, the Gem State offers various riding experiences for bikers of all skill levels. Whether a seasoned rider searching for technical challenges or a novice seeking scenic trails, Idaho has something for all skill levels. Let’s dive into some of the state’s top dirt biking trails and delve into the adventure.
Boise Foothills
For riders seeking scenic trails and challenging terrain close to home with urban amenities, the Boise Foothills offer a convenient and accessible riding destination. With miles of singletrack trails winding through rolling hills and rocky terrain, the foothills provide plenty of opportunities for dirt biking adventures. Riders may enjoy sweeping views of the city below, navigate technical rock sections, and tackle steep climbs and descents. The Boise Foothills boast a variety of wildlife and wildflowers, adding to the beauty and excitement of the riding experience.
Trail names include: Hulls Gulch, Table Rock Trail, Cottonwood Creek Trail, #81 Polecat Loop (Dog On Leash), Heroes Trail, Camels Back Trail, Homestead Trail, Ridge Crest Trail, Freddy’s Stack Rock Trailhead, Harrison Hollow Trail, Adelmann Mine Trailhead, Bucktail, Old Pen trail, Wild Phlox And Seamans Gulch Loop, Eagle Ridge Trail, Lower Dry Creek Loop, Oregon Trail, Sunshine Trail, Red Cliffs Nature Center trail, Crestline Sidewinder Loop Trail, Sweet Connie trail
Idaho City Backcountry
Just a short drive from Boise, the Idaho City Backcountry offers a convenient and accessible riding destination with miles of scenic trails and diverse terrain. Riders can explore dense forests, rocky ridges, and alpine meadows as they wind through this pristine wilderness area. With trails ranging from easy-going to challenging, the Idaho City Backcountry provides opportunities for riders of all skill levels, which is ideal for enjoying the beauty and excitement of dirt biking. Plus, the area is home to historic mining sites and rustic backcountry cabins, adding to the allure and adventure of the riding experience.
Trail names include: Crooked River Trail, Mores Mountain Bike Trail, Mores Creek Summit to Sunset Mountain, Shafer Butte Extension Winter Trail, Granite High County Trail, Thorn Creek Butte Lookout Tower, Bear Summit West to Vista Point
Crouch and Garden Valley
Nestled in the Boise National Forest, the Crouch and Garden Valley area offers a mix of scenic trails and challenging terrain for dirt biking enthusiasts. Riders can explore winding forest trails, cross crystal-clear streams, and traverse rugged mountain terrain as they soak in the quiet ambiance of the surrounding wilderness. With ample miles of trails to explore and stunning views around every corner, Crouch and Garden Valley provide an immersive and unforgettable dirt biking experience.
Trail names include: Station Creek Trail, Stargaze Point Trail, Skyline Loop, One Spoon Trail, Banner Ridge Snowshow Loop, Beaver Creek, Schoolhouse Gulch Trail, Rocket
Sawtooth National Forest
Stretching across central Idaho, the Sawtooth National Forest is a vast playground ideal for enthusiasts, including dirt bikers. With thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, riders can explore trails ranging from accessible forest roads to challenging singletrack routes. The forest is home to towering peaks, alpine lakes, and lush meadows, offering breathtaking scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. Whether you’re cruising through aspen groves or climbing mountain vistas, the Sawtooth National Forest promises an exhilarating dirt biking adventure.
Trail names include Fisher Creek Loop, Elk Mountain Loop, Big-Little Boulder Loop, Galena Grinder, Redfish Lake Loop, Idaho Trail Segment 5, Oregon Gulch Loop, Idaho Trail Segment 6, Potato Mountain Ride, Boundary to Little Casino, Idaho Trail Segment 9, Big Bowery Loop, Boundary Loop, Big Smoky Trail, Idaho Trail Segment 7,
Trail Creek
Nestled in the picturesque mountains of central Idaho near Stanley, Trail Creek offers some of the state’s most scenic and challenging dirt biking trails. With rugged terrain, steep climbs, and narrow singletrack trails, this mountainous area provides a thrilling riding experience for advanced riders. Riders can explore alpine meadows, cross crystal-clear streams, and traverse rocky ridgelines as they navigate the diverse landscape. The Trail Creek area is also home to abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and mountain goats, making it a truly immersive and unforgettable dirt biking destination.
Jug Mountain Ranch, McCall
Jug Mountain Ranch in McCall, Idaho, is a prime destination for bikers of all levels, boasting 27 trails ranging from beginner to double black diamond. The trails boast a mix of technical climbs, thrilling descents, and various trail types, including access trails, double-trackers, and secondary access roads. With free access and features for both beginners and experts, Jug Mountain Ranch promises a comprehensive biking experience.
Ponderosa State Park, McCall
For those seeking a heart-pounding adventure, McCall’s Ponderosa State Park offers trails with curved wall rides, berms, snake runs, and rocky Idaho terrain. The Huckleberry Bay Loop stands out, providing scenic views of Payette Lake and various technical features catering to intermediate and expert riders.
Bear Basin, West of Payette Lakes
Bear Basin is another excellent location, with trails like the Grand Traverse leading to the scenic Payette Rim. The trails offer diverse riding experiences with stunning vistas, making it a must-visit for dirt biking enthusiasts.
Brundage Mountain, Near McCall
Brundage Mountain offers a generous selection of trails with varying difficulties. Riders can enjoy a mix of technical and flowy trails that cater to beginners and advanced bikers, ensuring an exciting ride for all.
Council Idaho, Brownlee, and Cuddy Mountains, and Hitt Mountain
Closer to Council, Idaho, the Brownlee and Cuddy Mountains present a variety of trail options. Hitt Mountain also boasts a diverse selection of trails, offering something for every rider, from scenic routes to challenging climbs.
Nestled in the heart of Idaho’s breathtaking Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Ketchum, and Sun Valley offers many trail options that cater to dirt biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. This region is renowned for its natural surroundings, characterized by rolling foothills blanketed with vibrant spring wildflowers, majestic mountain vistas, and a network of trails that promise adventure at every turn.
In the spring, the foothills surrounding Ketchum and Sun Valley burst into a kaleidoscope of colors as wildflowers bloom, creating a picturesque backdrop for riders. Trails like the Adams Gulch and Greenhorn Gulch provide a mix of moderate to challenging terrains, allowing riders to navigate through flower-covered meadows and ascend to panoramic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the valley below. The Bald Mountain Perimeter Trail is another popular choice, offering a scenic loop around the base of the iconic Bald Mountain with a mix of singletrack and doubletrack sections.
Adventurers will find an array of trails that feature thrilling water crossings, adding an extra layer of excitement to the ride. For example, the Warm Springs Creek Trail includes several creek crossings that test both the technical skills and the adventurous spirit of riders. These water crossings and the terrain of rocky paths, forested sections, and open meadows provide a diverse and exhilarating riding experience.
The abundance of trails in Ketchum and Sun Valley means that riders can spend countless hours exploring without running out of new paths to discover. The White Cloud Trails, for instance, offer a network of interconnected routes that range from easy rides suitable for beginners to challenging trails that push experienced riders to their limits. Each trail presents unique features, from steep climbs and technical descents to flowing singletracks that wind through serene alpine forests.
Riding in Ketchum and Sun Valley is more than just a dirt biking adventure; it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories amidst some of Idaho’s most stunning landscapes. Whether navigating the technical challenges of the Imperial Gulch Trail or enjoying a leisurely ride along the Trail Creek Pathway, the beauty and variety of this region will captivate enthusiasts senses and leave adventurers with unforgettable experiences. The combination of scenic beauty, diverse trails, and the thrill of exploration makes Ketchum and Sun Valley a premier destination for dirt biking enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Idaho.
Trail names include: Adams Gulch Trailhead, Baker Lake Trailhead, Deer Creek Trailhead, East Fork Baker Creek, Campground, Fox Creek Trailhead, Greenhorn Trailhead, Mormon Hill Trailhead, Norton Lakes Trailhead, Trail Creek Trailhead
Diverse trail options and its stunning natural beauty and tranquil setting make it a hidden gem for dirt biking enthusiasts. Whether exploring the wide-open expanses of Camas Prairie, tackling the rugged trails of Soldier Mountain, or venturing into the high mountains of the Sawtooth National Forest, Fairfield offers an unforgettable dirt biking experience. The combination of scenic landscapes, varied terrains, and the thrill of exploration ensures that riders will leave with lasting memories and a desire to return for more adventures.
Fairfield, located in the heart of Idaho’s Camas Prairie, is a hidden gem for dirt biking enthusiasts seeking a blend of wide-open spaces, rugged mountain trails, and stunning natural beauty. This small town is the gateway to various trail options that offer something for riders of all- age skill levels, from beginners to seasoned experts.
The expansive Camas Prairie offers a unique riding experience with its rolling hills, wide-open spaces, and vibrant wildflower displays in the spring. Trails like the Soldier Mountain Road provide a mix of gentle slopes and moderate climbs, perfect for those looking to enjoy a scenic ride through the prairie. These trails are characterized by their wide-open vistas, giving riders a sense of freedom and space as they navigate the picturesque landscape.
Fairfield is best known for the trails surrounding Soldier Mountain, a popular destination for winter sports and summer adventures. In the warmer months, the ski slopes transform into a network of dirt biking trails offering various challenges. The Soldier Mountain Loop, for example, provides a thrilling ride with a mix of steep ascents, technical descents, berms as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trails boast well-maintained lines and offer a variety of terrains, from rocky outcrops to forested paths.
For those seeking more rugged and challenging terrain, the trails leading into the Sawtooth National Forest from Fairfield offer an adventure like no other. The Iron Mountain Trail is a standout, providing a challenging route with steep climbs, rocky sections, and stunning panoramic views of the Sawtooth Range. Riders can also explore the Couch Summit area, where trails wind through dense forests, across alpine meadows, and along mountain ridges, offering a mix of technical riding and scenic beauty.
Many of the trails around Fairfield include water-crossings, adding an element of excitement and challenge to the rides. The Willow Creek Trail, for example, features several creek crossings that test riders’ skills and provide refreshing spots to pause and enjoy the natural surroundings. The area is also home to abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and various bird species, making each ride a chance to connect with nature.
Trail names include: Pioneer Campground Trailhead
Magic Valley
Located in south-central Idaho, the Magic Valley region offers diverse terrain and scenic landscapes for dirt biking enthusiasts. Riders can explore trails winding through sagebrush-covered hills, rugged canyons, and expansive desert vistas. The area is known for its unique geological features, including lava fields, volcanic formations, and dramatic river canyons, providing a one-of-a-kind backdrop for dirt biking adventures. With trails ideal for riders of all skill levels, Magic Valley offers something for everyone, from beginner-friendly routes to challenging technical terrain.
Hell’s Canyon
Located along the Idaho-Oregon border in the rugged canyons of the Snake River, Hell’s Canyon offers adrenaline-pumping dirt biking adventures in a dramatic and remote wilderness setting. With rugged trails, steep descents, and breathtaking vistas, this area provides a thrilling riding experience for experienced riders seeking technical challenges and stunning scenery. Riders can explore deep canyons, rugged ridgelines, and hidden waterfalls while navigating the diverse terrain. Hell’s Canyon is also home to various wildlife, including bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and black bears, adding to the excitement and adventure of the riding experience.
South Hills
Situated near Twin Falls, the South Hills are a hidden gem for dirt biking enthusiasts seeking solitude and stunning scenery. With miles of trails winding through pine forests, rolling hills, and rocky outcroppings, riders can experience the beauty and tranquility of Idaho’s backcountry. The area is also home to unique rock formations and geological wonders, including Balanced Rock and Devil’s Corral, adding to the allure of the riding experience. Whether adventurers are exploring hidden canyons or riding along ridgelines with panoramic views, the South Hills offer an unforgettable dirt biking adventure.
Salmon-Challis National Forest
In the heart of central Idaho lies the vast expanse of the Salmon-Challis National Forest, a wilderness paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and dense forests, the forest offers endless opportunities for dirt biking adventures. Riders can explore remote trails, cross alpine meadows, and discover hidden waterfalls while navigating the diverse terrain. The area is also home to abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and black bears, adding to the excitement and adventure of the riding experience. Whether seeking challenging technical terrain or scenic backcountry trails, the Salmon-Challis National Forest has something for every dirt biking enthusiast.
Located in southeastern Idaho near St. Anthony, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes offer miles of exhilarating riding opportunities in a stunning desert landscape. With towering dunes reaching 400 feet, this expansive dune system provides endless dune riding, hill climbing, and sand drifting opportunities. Riders can explore the vast open expanse of the dunes, carve through sweeping turns, and test their skills on challenging terrain features. Whether enthusiasts are seasoned sand riders or beginners looking to try something new, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes offers an unforgettable dirt biking experience.
Preservation and Responsible Riding
While Idaho’s dirt biking trails offer thrilling adventures and breathtaking scenery, riders must prioritize preservation and responsible riding to ensure these trails remain accessible for future generations. Pack up the bag with a backup GPS system with extra batteries and charger or a laminated paper map and throw in the satellite phone and off to the trails! Here are some fundamental principles to keep in mind:
Respect Trail Etiquette
Follow designated trails and avoid riding off-trail to minimize damage to sensitive habitats and vegetation. Yield to other trail users, including hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, and reduce your speed when encountering wildlife or livestock. Stay on existing trails to prevent erosion and minimize your impact on the surrounding environment.
Leave No Trace
Pack all trash and litter, including food wrappers, water bottles, and other debris. Practice Leave No Trace principles by leaving the trail and surrounding areas cleaner than adventurers found them. Avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging vegetation, and be mindful of the impact on the destination’s natural environment.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Before heading out on the trails, research trail conditions, regulations, and seasonal closures or restrictions. Be prepared for changing weather, it’s a requirement in Idaho, and any conditions, especially with changes in the elevation, and bring essential gear, including water, food, first aid supplies, and navigation tools. Plan your route and let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. Be aware of potential rock slide areas, and if traveling on dirt roads in the desert and, most especially in canyons or ravines, be aware of any storm warnings and signs of changing weather patterns. Be aware and be prepared.
Respect Private Property
Observe posted signs and respect private property boundaries when riding where trails pass through or adjacent to private land. Obtain landowner permission if necessary; always leave gates as you find them. Be courteous and respectful to landowners and other trail users to maintain positive relationships within the community.
Practice Safe Riding Techniques
Ride within your skill level and always wear appropriate safety gear that can include a helmet, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Follow safe riding techniques and be aware of hazards such as rocks, roots, and other obstacles on the trail. Stay focused and attentive while riding, and avoid reckless behavior that could endanger yourself or others.
Advocate for Conservation
Support local and national conservation efforts to protect public lands and preserve wildlife habitats. Get involved with trail maintenance and volunteer organizations that work to maintain and improve dirt biking trails. Advocate for responsible land management practices and sustainable recreation policies to ensure the long-term health and vitality of Idaho’s outdoor spaces.
By practicing preservation and responsible riding, dirt biking enthusiasts can help ensure that Idaho’s trails remain accessible and enjoyable for generations. By respecting trail etiquette, minimizing your environmental impact, and advocating for conservation efforts, you can contribute to the sustainable stewardship of Idaho’s natural resources. So get out there, enjoy the thrill of the ride, and remember to leave nothing but tracks and take nothing but memories on your dirt biking adventures in beautiful Idaho and some of all that it has to offer.