Cycling in Idaho is as common as walking or driving.

If you’re a roadie, and you know who you are, then you have heard of Kristin Armstrong, a three-time Olympic gold medalist winner for individual time trials in women’s road bicycle racing. Well, she lives in Boise, and Boise is proud of her.

There is an 8 mile stretch on the drive to the top of Bogus Basin ski resort named the Kristin Armstrong Bikeway. She chose this section of road for her training for the 2008 Beijing Games because it mimics the rise on the racecourse. Every day you see cyclists pumping up this incline on their way to Bogus Basin. 

Not only is this stretch of road named in her honor, but there also is a park right along the Boise river named after her and, here is where it comes back to you cyclists, she is a figure at the annual Twilight Criterium held downtown Boise. Each year, top pro women’s and men’s cycling teams, along with local and amateur cyclists, take to a high-speed racecourse through the streets of downtown. It’s an adrenaline-pumping, crowd-pleasing event for all.

Fast racing road cycling isn’t the only type of cycling in Idaho. Boise is quite a bike-friendly town, with many residents within the city using bicycles as their primary form of transportation. The streets throughout Boise have their own designated bike lanes, and the paved Greenbelt along the Boise River runs right through downtown. The Greenbelt makes commuting to parks and playgrounds, shopping and dining, and even to work and home safe, fun, and enjoyable.

Cycling in Idaho offers a diverse range of scenic landscapes and routes, making it a popular destination for cyclists of all levels. With its picturesque mountains, rivers, and vast open spaces, Idaho provides a fantastic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some key points to know about cycling in Idaho:

Popular Cycling Regions:

Idaho boasts several popular cycling regions, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include:

Sun Valley:

Known for its world-class mountain biking trails, Sun Valley offers a mix of challenging singletrack and scenic road cycling routes.

Boise:

Idaho's capital city, Boise, has an extensive network of bike paths and greenways, making it a bike-friendly destination.

Coeur d'Alene:

Located in northern Idaho, Coeur d'Alene features beautiful lake views and a variety of road and mountain biking options.

Scenic Road Routes:

Idaho is renowned for its scenic road cycling routes, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain. Some notable road routes include:

Highway 12:

Stretching from Lewiston to Lolo Pass, Highway 12 is a scenic byway that winds through the Clearwater River Canyon and offers stunning views of the Bitterroot Mountains.

Teton Scenic Byway:

Located near the Idaho-Wyoming border, this route takes cyclists through the majestic Teton Range, offering spectacular mountain vistas.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway:

Running through the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains, this route provides cyclists with stunning alpine landscapes and access to recreational areas.

Mountain Biking Trails:

Idaho is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. The state offers a vast network of trails catering to various skill levels. Some notable mountain biking destinations include:

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area:

Situated just outside of Boise, this area features a wide range of mountain biking trails suitable for beginners to advanced riders.

Galena Lodge:

Located near Sun Valley, Galena Lodge offers a trail network that includes cross-country and downhill options, providing a thrilling mountain biking experience.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort:

Located near Sandpoint, Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers lift-accessed downhill trails and cross-country routes with stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille.

Safety and Considerations:

When cycling in Idaho, it's important to prioritize safety and be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in mountainous regions. Here are a few considerations:

Wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Check weather conditions before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes.
Carry plenty of water, snacks, and tools for basic repairs.
Observe traffic rules and be aware of vehicles, particularly on shared roads.
Consider using a GPS or map to navigate unfamiliar routes.

Overall, Idaho offers a rich and diverse cycling experience with its scenic beauty, challenging terrain, and well-maintained trails. Whether you prefer road cycling or mountain biking, there are plenty of options to explore and enjoy the outdoors in Idaho.