The best MTB trails in Jedediah Smith Wilderness

If you're seeking a mountain biking experience that combines smooth flow with beautiful forested scenery, the Quakie Ridge Loop in Grand Targhee Resort is a fantastic option. This 8.4-mile (13.5 km) route winds through Ricks Basin, offering well-designed berms and a generally easy physical rating, making it a joy for riders of all skill levels, including families with children. You'll enjoy a pleasant journey through the Wyoming landscape, with just 660 feet (201 metres) of elevation gain over the entire course.

Planning your ride on the Quakie Ridge Loop is straightforward, as it's easily accessible from Grand Targhee Resort. While the resort marks it as an intermediate trail, its physical demands are quite easy, and you can expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. It's a great trail for a relaxed outing, and you'll find the terrain forgiving and fun, perfect for building confidence or simply enjoying the ride.

What makes the Quakie Ridge Loop particularly notable is its integration into the wider network of trails at Grand Targhee, including the much larger IMBA EPIC Grand Targhee Loop. Despite its accessibility and beginner-friendly nature, with an average grade of just 0.1%, it still offers a genuine mountain biking experience. It's a testament to good trail design that such an easy route can feel so engaging and enjoyable, making it a popular choice for many.

The Jolly Green Giants Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding through vibrant wildflower meadows and delivering expansive views of the majestic Teton Range. This family-friendly route features flowy singletrack and gentle berms, making it an ideal spot for riders of all ages to enjoy the scenery and practice their skills. You'll find yourself immersed in classic Teton singletrack, with the highlight being the stunning panoramic viewpoint overlooking the mountains.

Planning your visit to the Jolly Green Giants Trail is straightforward, as it's conveniently located within Grand Targhee Resort. As a downhill-only trail, you'll need to factor in lift access, so be sure to check the resort's operating schedule and any lift ticket requirements. The trail was reconstructed in July 2025, ensuring a well-maintained and enjoyable ride, making summer the best time of year to mountain bike Jolly Green Giants Trail.

This easy 3.7-mile (5.9 km) mountain biking route, with 343 feet (105 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 32 minutes, is a fantastic option for those seeking a quick yet rewarding ride. Its design, including low and slow berms, specifically caters to children and intermediate riders looking to build confidence. The trail's location within the first downhill mountain bike destination in the Tetons adds to its appeal, offering a taste of the region's renowned riding.

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 Phillips Ridge and BPA Road Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, blending the sustained climbs and technical descents of the Teton Pass area. You'll navigate through dense forests and open meadows, eventually reaching a ridge that provides spectacular views of the Jackson valley and the distant Teton Peaks. This moderate 6.7-mile (10.8 km) route, with 1032 feet (315 metres) of elevation gain, is a solid choice for intermediate riders looking for a varied and engaging ride that takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit to this Teton Pass area loop means considering the best time of year for mountain biking, typically when trails are free of snow. While specific parking information for this combined route isn't detailed, popular trailheads in the region often require an early start to secure a spot, especially during peak season. Always check local conditions before heading out to ensure the trail is open and safe for riding.

This trail is part of the vibrant mountain biking scene around Teton Pass, an area renowned for its diverse network of trails. Phillips Ridge itself is known for being one of the longest trails on the pass, often featured in local races and popular for its challenging yet rewarding terrain. The combination of technical sections and panoramic viewpoints makes this loop a memorable ride in the Wyoming wilderness.