Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Idaho, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is a wonderful ride. This is an easy 15 mile descent with amazing views. Expect to get dirty and wet going through the tunnels. Pack a lunch. E-Bikes have no need to shuttle. Highly recommend.
When I first heard about this trail MANY (27) years ago, I said, "This must go on my bucket list!" This late July I crossed it off, finally. All I can say is that this trail is all that it is cracked up to be and MORE!! I was definitely living the dream!
The only bummer was having to rent bikes because we flew out! They were not the best because, of course, one gets comfort from their own ride. My husband's bike kept breaking. We had to fix it once on the trail side, with the help of volunteer Trail Patrol (Yep, they got 'em) and again at the bottom before our ride back up. We had decided to make the dream last.
I recommend checking out their web site, as there is very much needed info and you will know about special events that may hinder your experience.
We saw quite a few families with littles as young as 5 years old. The slow decent makes it ideal for them and there is a shuttle bus service to take you back up.
I just might ride again but I'll bring my own bike next time.
Excellent trail. Fields, hills, cows, trestle bridges; full 30 miles end to end! Was warm when we rode however there is shade along the way.
Here from Phoenix and loved the trail Wasn’t all paved but still good and pretty smooth. Will do it again before we leave to head home. Parked at Reid Merrill Park as we were early enough to get a spot. Lots of walkers with dogs and other bikes and it was morning on a Friday. Good trail
We rode this trail 3 times and covered from Bellevue to Ketchum and the Sun Valley loop. It is very well maintained and completely asphalt. There’s some shaded riding in a few spots but mainly out in the open so expect to be in the sun for most of it.
I rode this in the reverse direction from Taft to Mullan as part of a bikepacking trip in July 2025. The NorPac was one of the highlights of the trip, with smoother gravel than the Old Milwaukee Trail or the Route of the Olympian. From Taft (the freeway exit for the Hiawatha Route), the trail is fairly easy to find. Just go back on the frontage road past some large industrial buildings, and the trail will start up the mountain underneath I90.
The Borax Tunnel is indeed closed, however, it would be very difficult to even access it. The bypass road is very clearly the only route to take, and while steeper than the rest of the trail, it is not long or too steep (6-7% gradient). The original trail to the tunnel is blocked by a huge piles of old trees at the bottom and a large berm at the top.
Lookout Pass has a few snacks, similar to the East Portal trailhead of the Hiawatha. Staying on the gravel road on the otherside of the parking lot, it eventually narrows and once again you're descending on smooth dirt down the Idaho side. It would be difficult to get lost. There is a major junction with a hard right turn and another instance where the trail bypasses the Shoshone Park road.
If you're coming from the Idaho side to start, the easiest way to describe how to access the trail is to navigate to the Fish Hatchery, and then make a 90 degree turn to the left and enter the trail through the trees.
I rode this trail in the opposite direction as part of a multi-day bikepacking trip in July 2025. In general, the whole thing is pretty flat/slightly uphill, with the section between Marble Creek and Avery on Siberts Old River Road adding a little bit of up and down hills. The road is rocky and tough on the arms. I had 700x40 inch tires on a carbon gravel bike and definitely felt it that night. We averaged around 11 MPH, imagine you could do better going the downhill route. Spectacular views, particularly between Pearson and Avery, where you go through about seven tunnels and have towering pine-covered mountains and a deep river canyon below.
Good ride that connects you to the Centennial Trail. Nice and wide with easy road crossings
Trail was well maintained and had great scenery. Perfect location next to hotels for those traveling to the area. Preferred it for running over biking.
We were on our way to vacation in northern Idaho and decided to stop along the way to explore this attraction. We are very glad we did; the views were amazing and the tunnels were quite interesting. The first tunnel is the longest and gets quite cool inside, but after that, the tunnels are shorter. The easy downhill grade makes the experience very enjoyable. Overall, it was a first-rate experience.
From Phoenix visiting the area. Good trail that’s nice and wide. Good shade. Has porta potties at both parking areas. Will do this trail again.
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