Popular Trail Systems
This isn’t meant to be any kind of comprehensive list, more like highlights in the area. To get a better list and more maps and information about trails in the area. I strongly recommend these resources.
NOTE: As of summer 2024, the US Forest Service has begun threatening use of non-designated trails in the Big Hole Mountains. Learn more about Big Hole trail use restrictions.
As a central point for Idaho Falls and Rexburg, the Big Holes are a popular place for groups from the general area. There’s a variety of trails from green to double black, a ton of cross-country, and even some good downhill runs. This is a vast trail network with lots of potential route options to piece together however you like.
The following is not at all comprehensive but these are some of the most popular routes and areas.
Buckskin Morgan/Randy’s Trail/Cranky Cowboy FreeArenas.com [PARTIALLY CLOSED]- Space Cruz FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com [PARTIALLY CLOSED]
- Sidewinder/Stinking Springs FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com
Fish Creek TrailsFreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com [CLOSED]- Biting Goat Trail (Old Cowboy Trail) FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com
- Waterfall loop FreeArenas.com
Included in this trail system is Kelly Canyon Resort which is not currently offering lift serve but you’re welcome to ride whatever you can get to.
More information: FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com | Get Involved
Ryder Park is a jump park in Idaho Falls, offering various short trails of different difficulty levels with a great bike path to climb back up for another run.
More information: FreeArenas.com | Get Involved
Gem lake is mainly a cross country trail in Idaho Falls with about a mile loop on the main trail and plenty of trail options in between. They are constantly adding more trails and features and they do trail build days about once a week during the summer. Great trail for early and late season right in town.
More information: FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com
Not only can you take all of the main hiking trails around the park, there are also higher trails for a more exciting mountain bike experience. Many of the trails are also open in the winter for groomed fatbiking. There is a fee per car to get into the park but entrance is free if you have a State Parks pass. Be sure to check out other Island Park trails as well.
More information: FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com
Any trail guide, especially if aimed at beginners definitely should include the South Valley trail network in Teton Valley. Happy Hour, Nemo, Lady Slipper, Hillbender are amazingly fun trails, especially for beginners but the flow is still fun for more advanced riders and the access is so easy.
More information: Trailforks.com | Get Involved
The Horseshoe Canyon Trail System, managed by Mountain Bike the Tetons, offers ideal riding opportunities for both quick lunchtime spins and longer half-day excursions with friends. With trails ranging from beginner to intermediate levels, this well-signed system features improved sustainability and riding experience, including rerouted sections like Channel Lock and Bovine, enhancing your outdoor adventure.
More information: FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com | Get Involved
Victor Bike Park has a large starting mound and several jump lines. There are plenty of drops and jumps for multiple skill levels. There’s a large parking area as well as a nearby park with bathrooms.
More Information: FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com | Get Involved
Grand Targhee offers lift service for some big air downhill trails but has a ton of cross-country trails as well. You only pay for lift service so if you can climb to it, it’s free. There’s also a great skills area in the parking lot and a pump track above the lodge. There’s plenty of parking as well as restaurants and bathrooms at the lodge. While technically in Wyoming, the resort is a main staple for many in East Idaho.
On the West Side of Pocatello is a great trail system maintained by the city of Pocatello. It has a variety of trails and a single climbing trail with a gradual incline along a creek. There is a parking lot at the gate and more down below. This trail system is often dry far before other hill areas are. While City Creek may be the best known, Pocatello also has several other trail systems such as Scout Mountain, Gibson Jack, and East Bench.
These trails are less used and many of them fairly primitive but this is an extensive network that includes trails on the North, East, and West sides of the Palisades Reservoir. There are lots of great trails and loops of varying lengths and difficulties.
More information: FreeArenas.com | Trailforks.com | Get Involved
The hundreds of miles of trails here are still only a sampling of some of the largest or most popular trails in the area. If I’ve missed your favorite, feel free to add it in the comments below.
Mountain Bike Sales & Service
Buying a Used Bike
East Idaho Bike Shops
Local Mountain Bike Organizations
Youth NICA Teams
Trail Etiquette
- Never modify trail features
- Always ride at your appropriate level
- Ride trails when they’re dry
- Stay on the trail
- Don’t block the trail
- Speak up
- Share the Trail
More information: FreeArenas.com
Hopefully there is something on this list of resources that’s helpful for you. If there’s anything I should add, let me know in the comments!
