The best MTB trails in Teton County

Mountain bike the Curt Gowdy State Park loop, a moderate 11.3-mile route with 1570 feet of gain, offering lake and river views.

The Mill Creek and Colter's Escape Loop offers a fantastic mountain biking experience near Grand Targhee, renowned for its incredibly flowy singletrack and high-speed sections. You'll navigate through varied terrain, from dense pine forests to open ridgelines, with the highlight being the expansive Teton views from the Buffalo Soldier Trail. This moderate 12.8-mile (20.6 km) route, with 1769 feet (539 metres) of climbing, is a rewarding ride for those who enjoy dynamic trails and stunning scenery.

Planning your ride, you'll find this loop is a popular choice for shuttle options, allowing you to start higher up and enjoy more downhill flow. The best time to visit is typically from spring through late fall, as winter conditions make mountain biking impossible. Dogs are welcome on the Colter's Escape segment, but remember to keep them leashed. The trails are well-maintained, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This trail is part of a larger network, connecting to routes like Andy's and Rocky Mountain Way, offering diverse options to extend your adventure. It's particularly noted for its excellent flow, making it a great spot to hone your downhill mountain biking skills. While generally moderate, some sections can be rocky, so a basic level of experience is beneficial for this approximately 2-hour and 11-minute ride.

The Southern Valley Trails Loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience, weaving through a dense lodgepole pine forest with varied singletrack. You'll find a mix of root and stump jumps, tight twists, and low berms that keep the ride engaging, alongside sections of uneven terrain and small hills. While the overall difficulty is easy, covering 5.8 miles (9.3 km) with 676 feet (206 metres) of elevation gain in about 53 minutes, the route provides a fun, flowy feel that's perfect for intermediate-to-beginner riders.

Planning your visit to the Southern Valley Trails Loop is straightforward, as it's a popular destination for mountain biking near Victor, Idaho. The trail system is actively developed, with new sections added as recently as 2018 and 2020. If you're considering a winter ride, many of these trails are machine-groomed, making them excellent for fat biking. Always check current trail conditions, especially during seasonal transitions, to ensure the best experience.

What makes the Southern Valley Trails Loop stand out is its role in connecting various trail systems, including the Mike Harris trail system, offering additional loop opportunities. This area is part of a region dedicated to crafting purpose-built mountain biking networks, ensuring a high-quality ride. It's a great example of how thoughtful design can create a rewarding experience for a wide range of riders, from those just starting out to more experienced cyclists looking for a fun, flowy session.

The Pole Canyon and Mikesell Loop is a classic mountain biking route in Victor, Idaho, offering a demanding yet incredibly scenic experience. You'll tackle a consistent, steep climb up Pole Canyon, traversing forested canyons and crossing Pole Canyon Creek, before reaching an exposed ridgeline with expansive views of Teton Valley and the Palisades. The descent down Mikesell Canyon is equally thrilling, dropping through beautiful forests of piñon pines and aspens, especially vibrant with wildflowers in mid-July.

This difficult 21.6-mile (34.7 km) loop involves a significant 4082 feet (1244 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 6 minutes. It's a true test of endurance and technical skill, with some sections requiring you to hike-a-bike. The trail is best ridden from mid-summer through fall, and it's wise to carry bear spray due to the remote nature of the terrain.

Often referred to as the "Pole Canyon to Mikesell," this route is a beloved local favorite for its challenging character and spectacular high-altitude ridge views. While it's a multi-use trail, its black diamond technical rating and hard physical exertion make it ideal for advanced mountain bikers seeking a rewarding adventure in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For those looking for less intensity, nearby Mike Harris offers more moderate terrain.

The Sheep Bridge Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding along Teton Creek through the lush Caribou-Targhee National Forest. You'll enjoy continuous views of the water and the surrounding natural beauty, with the historic Sheep Bridge serving as a charming focal point. The singletrack is mostly flat with just a few small rocks, creating a serene and accessible atmosphere for riders of all levels.

This easy 4.6-mile (7.4 km) out-and-back route typically takes around 40 minutes to complete, with a minimal 302 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain. It's a multi-use trail, so expect to share the path with hikers and equestrians; dogs are also welcome. Mornings are often the best time to visit for a peaceful ride, and the trail is generally accessible without special permits.

This trail is a fantastic introduction to mountain biking in the region, especially if you're looking for family friendly mountain biking. Its gentle terrain and scenic beauty make it a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed outdoor adventure rather than a strenuous workout. It's a great way to experience the natural charm of the Wyoming wilderness.

The Mill Creek and Targhee Road Loop is a mountain biking gem in Teton County, Wyoming, offering a dynamic ride through rugged mountains and dense forests. You'll navigate varied singletrack, including some small rocky sections on the climb, before being rewarded with picturesque Teton views from the higher elevations, especially on the eastern side of the Targhee National Forest. The downhill is celebrated for its flowy sections, 'organic rock and root jumps,' and a 'natural-looking gap,' making for a truly fun descent.

This moderate 8.7-mile (14.0 km) loop involves 1165 feet (355 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. It's a great choice for riders with good fitness who are comfortable with sustained climbs and enjoy a mix of challenging terrain. The trail's base area sits at 8,000 feet, providing a welcome escape from valley heat during the summer months.

Beyond its own merits, the Mill Creek and Targhee Road Loop serves as an excellent connector to other trails within the Grand Targhee Resort area, and can even be integrated into the larger IMBA Epic loop. During the right season, the trail bursts with abundant wildflowers, enhancing the already stunning scenery. It's considered one of the best downhill rides in Teton Valley when combined with trails like Colter's Escape.

Tackle the challenging Pole Canyon and Mikesell Loop, a 23.2-mile mountain biking route with 3697 feet of gain and stunning Teton Valley vie

This easy 4.6-mile mountain biking trail in Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers a fast, flowy ride through pine and aspen groves.