Idaho’s mountain biking trails come alive in the fall, offering not only adrenaline-pumping rides but also scenic beauty with the backdrop of autumn’s vibrant colors. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the state’s most iconic fall biking destinations:
1. Sandpoint – Schweitzer Basin Trails
In northern Idaho, Sandpoint’s trail system thrives in fall as larch trees turn golden, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. The Schweitzer Basin offers an exceptional ride, descending over 4,000 vertical feet with trails like High Point to Sidewinder to Lower Basin DH. This ride is filled with breathtaking autumn hues—from the golden larch to the rosy huckleberry shrubs—and it boasts unparalleled views of Lake Pend Oreille. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just looking to take in the sights, this trail provides a mesmerizing blend of fall colors and forested beauty.
2. Boise Foothills – Freddy’s Stack Rock to Sweet Connie
Boise’s Foothills are a must-visit in autumn. The 200-mile trail network offers everything from beginner routes to advanced rides, but for the perfect fall combo, Freddy’s Stack Rock to Sweet Connie stands out. Starting high on Bogus Basin Road, this 9-mile ride winds around rocky formations and descends through creek beds, with shrubs and cottonwoods displaying a mix of reds and yellows. As you ride, the view of Boise’s cityscape framed by colorful fall foliage below is nothing short of stunning. It’s an ideal ride for fast-paced fun, scenic views, and a true Boise experience.
3. Pocatello – City Creek Trail System
Pocatello may be lesser-known, but it delivers spectacular fall mountain biking. The City Creek Trail System, set in the Bannock Range just west of town, is an autumn gem. This trail snakes along the namesake creek under a canopy of red and orange foliage, making for an immersive, colorful ride. For even more vibrant colors, the Grove–Bowling Ball Loop offers winding paths surrounded by aspens and maples. As you ride through leaf-strewn trails, you’ll enjoy glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the Portneuf Range, making for an unforgettable fall biking experience.
4. Teton Valley – Rick’s Basin Trails
The Teton Valley becomes a fall paradise in September, when the majestic Tetons are surrounded by glowing aspen groves. Grand Targhee Bike Park may close its chairlifts for the season, but the park’s extensive network of trails remains open for riders. Rick’s Basin, featuring favorites like Perma-Grin and Quakie Ridge, is a top pick for those wanting to soak in the fall colors while still getting in some heart-pounding descents. Every turn reveals stunning landscapes of yellow and orange foliage, with the towering Tetons providing a dramatic backdrop.
5. Sun Valley – Fox Creek Loop
Sun Valley slows down in autumn, but the riding doesn’t. The Fox Creek Loop, a 5-mile singletrack just north of Ketchum, is one of the best ways to experience the area’s shoulder-season beauty. Starting from a trailhead off Highway 75, the trail climbs above the Big Wood River, offering sweeping views of the aspens and cottonwoods below. As you reach the loop’s summit, the snow-dusted Sawtooth Range comes into view, providing a dramatic contrast to the autumn leaves. Add in the Chocolate Gulch Loop for a longer, more thrilling ride through Sun Valley’s scenic terrain.
6. McCall – Bear Basin and Payette Rim Trails
McCall is often recognized as a summer lake destination, but its mountain biking scene comes alive in the fall. The Bear Basin trail system, just north of downtown, offers a range of stacked loops that take riders through colorful flow trails framed by the brilliant hues of changing leaves. For those seeking more adventure, the 6-mile Payette Rim Trail—accessible via shuttle—provides a thrilling descent that showcases McCall’s striking fall scenery. The combination of flowing dirt trails, autumn colors, and brisk mountain air makes McCall an ideal fall biking spot.
7. Coeur d’Alene – Canfield Mountain Trail System
For those seeking speed and adrenaline, Coeur d’Alene’s Canfield Mountain delivers. With over 76 miles of trails, the system ranges from easy-going cross-country paths to technical downhill runs and jump lines. For a laid-back fall ride, try Trail 6 or Trail 7 for mellow, scenic biking. If you want to up the ante, Cave Trail offers fast, flowy trails with a few optional jumps. More advanced riders will love the challenge of Ridgeline into Trail 10, which offers exhilarating speed through vibrant autumn forests.
8. Wallace – Route of the Hiawatha
For a unique fall biking experience, head to Wallace and ride the famous Route of the Hiawatha. This 15-mile gravel path cuts through stunning fall landscapes and features a 1.6-mile tunnel through a mountain. Operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area, the trail offers a shuttle service so you can enjoy the downhill ride without worrying about climbing back. The vibrant fall colors, along with the novelty of riding through tunnels and over trestle bridges, make this a memorable ride.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or soaking in the beauty of fall, Idaho’s mountain biking trails offer the perfect mix of adventure and nature’s beauty. As the leaves turn, don’t miss the chance to experience these trails at their most colorful.
Get ready to ride into the heart of autumn and discover Idaho’s beauty on two wheels!
