Friday, August 28, 2009

Spectacular Views Await On The Bike Trails In Idaho

By Pat J Walker

There are over 19,000 miles of bike trails in the state of Idaho. In an area thats known for its mountains and rivers, you can expect some spectacular riding! Because of harder winters and wet springs, the best time to ride is usually summer or early fall. Here are a variety of trails that Idaho has to offer for riders of every skill level.

The Mink Creek Recreation Area near Pocatello has an 11-mile loop called the Valve or Pump House trail. This is a great place for beginners to hone their skills. Theres nothing too technical here, but it will test your endurance. Bring plenty of water.

Elk Mountain near Stanley is a great ride and view of the Saw Tooth Mountains. It is a 12-mile loop that starts out with an easy climb and then rocky descent to Elk Meadows. There are a few stream crossings, but nothing too overtly difficult. Youll enjoy some great scenery all along the ride!

For more fantastic scenery, try the 12 miles of trail by McCall at Goose Creek Falls. This trail, too, involves crossing the creek a few times-via log crossings, on foot, or by bridge-but those are the only significant challenges, so it's great for beginning riders. Camping is available nearby, too. But the biggest reward is the view of the 45-foot waterfall you'll encounter on this route.

For an entire network of bike trails, check out the Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Most of the 25 miles of biking trails are more suited to advanced and intermediate riders here, though. The route includes bridges, turns, berms, and a steep, tricky descent.

If speed is more your style, head over toward Ketchum to the Bald Mountain Downhill trail. You can climb the hill yourself and tackle this 10-mile loop, but with an elevation gain somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 feet, you may just want to opt for the $15 chairlift ride to the top. Coming down is an incredible rush! Don't try this one without a full suspension bike, and you'd better plan ahead by packing extra tubes and a repair kit, because you never know when you're going to need them. This trail is also open to hikers, and due to the speed, you should be extra cautious when navigating this trail.

If you're planning to bike in the late summer or early fall-during the dry season-check out the nearly 19-mile route by McCall called the Bear Pete Trail. Don't even attempt it during the wet season! As it is, during the dry time there is still a boggy area, but if it's during the wet season, you won't even be able to get through. This is another tough trail best left to more experienced riders, but it's also a fantastic ride with incredible views. Following a steep incline and difficult climb, you'll get a view that lets you see clear to the Saw Tooth Mountains and Oregon. And there's a hot springs resort at the conclusion of the ride!

Idaho is primarily mountainous, which means that for every mountain there is probably a valley and river, and maybe even a waterfall. This kind of environment is perfect for the adventurous rider. Enjoy this rugged state in all its natural beauty and have a spectacular time riding while you do! - 16887

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