Find the top rated birding trails in Idaho, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
While short, this is a fantastic trail that I run and bike on all the time. I've rollerbladed on it too, although there are enough tree roots and other challenges that made rollerblading on it a one-time event.
Rode this trail June 4, 2017, from the top to the bottom and back to the top, 29.8 miles round trip. Definitely need a bright light in the longer tunnels, twice I had deer standing in the tunnel and scurrying out ahead of me as I exited. The tunnels have significant cold water dripping from the roof onto your back and creating numerous puddles (your bike will get very dirty). Fun ride, friendly staff, beautiful environment. Riding my own bike, instead of a rental, made it faster and more fun. Bring a picnic so you can hang out after and enjoy the sunshine after the cold, dark tunnels.
Record heavy snows and the resulting above average run off have closed most of the trail. As of April Only eastern most 9 miles remain open. Federal water managers predict above flood stage releases into June. Check City of Boise website for closure maps. A key bridge between Boise and Garden City has been removed to save it from falling in the river and park managers say it will have to be relocated. Thus when flooding subsides you will not be able to ride the trail from one end to the other non stop. When it dries out it is still a great trail you will have to ride part and find the detour around the missing bridge to continue on.
Yes I have skated this 73 mile path. It is one of the smoothest paths in USA. I skated West and paid one of the locals ($50)to come and pick us up at the end of the trail. Gary Krupey 636-343-4898
Three of us rode almost the full length of the trail on October 8 & 9. Weather was perfect. We rode downgrade from north to south and overnighted at Mundo Hot Springs, strategically located at the midway point. Sophie the owner is awesome and prepares delicious meals. And, nothing better than a hot soak after a 40 mile ride.
We saw very few others and dont think any were doing the full length. The trail is a mix of everything from a few paved sections to some areas that were a little muddy. Rocky seems most prevelent. Id say to do the full length, fat tires and minimum of weekend warrior level fitness are required.
Most upper section is evergreen type and then gets into open high desert type terrain for say the lower 80% of the trail. Summer riding in the exposed sun would seem pretty rough to me. The ten or so miles from the Presley Trailhead to Weiser were probably the least scenic, mostly farm fileds.
Saw a good bit of wildlife including a bear at a safe distance and some mountain sheep foraging on the side of a steep hill. While we were prepared for goatheads, none of us had a flat tire (thankfully).
This is a neat trail (underutilized) that folks should enjoy.
Rode this trail from Eagle all the way to Lucky Peak reservoir over 2 days in late September. A great experience overall. Suggestions would be for a bit better markings along the route, as the downtown areas can be a bit confusing and congested.
The only negative is a local weed called goatheads....nasty little things that resemble organic thumbtacks....flattened 3 of 4 tires late one afternoon. Advise you carry a tire pump!!
We rode this trail for the first time on the 4th of July starting from the east portal which starts at the tunnel and ending at Pearson. I am glad we got some tips as to the time difference, we were staying in Washington so we lost an hour but were still able to catch the shuttle. Helmets are required if you do not have one you will be required to rent one when you buy trail passes, $12. It is fairly steep, 3-5% grade. We hadn't planned to take the shuttle but were glad we did. The last shuttle is at 4, it is very easy to loose track of time and miss it. It took 4 hours to ride 13 miles, not that it was difficult, it was so beautiful that I kept stopping to enjoy the view and take pictures. I am sharing many of the photos I took, the views are indescribable. The trail is rocky and all downhill with many tunnels some long, some short. I wish we had more time to explore but we only had one day. Definitely a hall of fame trail that I plan to visit again.
We started our ride at Freeman Park on Science Center Drive and did an out-and-back ride for the entire trail.
The greenbelt guide that is available online is broken down into sections and is somewhat confusing. The trail is paved but the trail surface is a mixed bag. Some parts are narrow with tree roots protruding on the trail. Other sections, such as the east side of Memorial Loop, are wide and recently re-paved.
There is no signage at all. At some points, the trail crosses some major intersections such as the Pancheri Bridge and there was little thought given to how the cyclist might safely cross the busy street. The trail along the Sunnyside Extension passes through an industrial area. You can continue along the west side of the trail and cycle through the Snake River Landing Trails but, again, no signage as to how to get there.
This city is not cyclist friendly so you’ll have to watch out for motorists who don’t know how to behave around cyclists.
The section of the trail near downtown called Temple Loop and Memorial Loops are pretty and take you through parks along the Snake River. There is some nice artwork in the parks with plenty of green grass and places to sit and have a picnic.
Overall, I feel that this path is geared more for walkers. However, it is an interesting way to see a slice of downtown Idaho Falls that is quicker than walking.
My husband and I found this trail and really enjoyed this short walk.It is well-maintained and a pleasant time was had by both.
This Trail is great for the following reasons: 1-good for groups of all ages and skill level. 2-lotz of access points to service a group. we had 17 riders with me as support. i met them at several points along the way for repairs, lunch, snacks and hydration. 3. nature/scenery. 4-access at certain trail heads to parks, lakes, camping or city amenities.Ours was a boy scout troup + parents. our group did about 50 miles of this trail in a day. 5- mostly flat surfaces with trails in good shape.
This trail is very similar to the Iron Horse Trail near Easton, WA only even easier to ride. It is all a gentle down hill slope the entire distance. there are cold , damp and very dark tunnels. The longest is 2 miles so take a good bright light. The trail is in very good shape. it is gravel so road tires are at a bit of a disadvantage. Plenty of places to stop and enjoy the surroundings and picnic. There is a shuttle to take you back to the drop off point which makes it very convenient. Very worthy of your time. A great family outing.
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