Best Trails for Mountain Biking in Boise

Photo credit to LBRE.

Boise is a paradise for mountain bikers with its expansive foothill trails for any skill level from beginners seeking a scenic ride to advanced riders looking for technical challenges. Boise's trail network has something to offer everyone with countless fast and flowy descents and breathtaking climbs. Grab your bike (and helmet!) and try out one of our picks for Boise’s best mountain biking trails!

Table Rock Trail #15:

Table Rock is a classic Boise trail system trail with expansive views of the valley from the top. This area has multiple options, with the most classic route being Table Rock Trail #15. This trail is an old double-track road that climbs from the Old Penitentiary parking lot to the top of Table Rock. If you want a more gradual, loop option, try the Quarry Trail that splits off from the main Table Rock trail.  

Type: Out and back

Skill Level: Intermediate/advanced

Distance: 4 miles

Lower Hulls Gulch Trail #29:

Hulls Gulch is a classic gem in Boise. It features a steady grade, fun technical challenges, and a charming creek nearby. It has a sandy composition, which makes it rideable even when other trails are too muddy or wet. It is a part of the Ridge-to-Rivers Odd/Even Separate use days, meaning on odd-numbered days of the month, the trail is open to downhill bike traffic (trail closed to all other users). On even numbered days of the month, the trail is open to hikers and equestrians traveling in both directions and open to uphill mountain bike traffic (the trail is closed to downhill bike traffic). Make sure to check the day of the month to ensure you bike this trail in the correct direction!

Type: Out and back

Skill Level: Intermediate

Distance: 2.3 miles

Around the Mountain:

Photo credit to Bogus Basin.

This loop around Bogus Basin ski area offers moderate climbs and breathtaking views of the Sawtooths and Boise. Experience Bogus Basin in the summer as you peddle by ski runs, climb up switchbacks, and cruise through a descent filled with berms and sweeping turns.  

Type: Loop

Skill Level: Intermediate

Distance: 11 miles

Polecat Gulch Loop:

This trail loop, primarily singletrack, winds through the picturesque Boise Foothills. It gradually climbs the Polecat Gulch valley to a panoramic ridgeline. The trail then follows the ridges with a quick descent at the end to return to the trailhead. The surface is mostly smooth hardpack, with some sandy stretches and rocks. Much of the route is on north-facing slopes, making it a great option in the summer when other areas are too hot.

Type: Loop

Skill Level: Intermediate

Distance: 6.2 miles

Sidewinder Trail:

Photo Credit to the MTB Project.

Sidewinder is a fast and fun hard packed trail in the Boise Foothills, known for its flowy design and good sightlines. It tends to get sandy during the drier months but is perfect in the spring or after a rainstorm. Sidewinder is a popular climb and is often combined with Fat Tire Traverse and Freestone Ridge for a great loop.

Type: Out and back, Connector

Skill Level: Beginner

Distance: 1.3 miles