The best traffic-free bike rides in Bonneville County

There are 9 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes listed in Bonneville County, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels for a peaceful ride.

Yes, Bonneville County offers several easy, paved options. The South Victor Bike Path Loop is a moderate route that provides a good experience. Additionally, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt loop (10.4 miles) and the Sunnyside Bike Path loop (13.3 miles) along the Snake River are excellent, paved choices for relaxed, car-free cycling, perfect for families.

You'll experience a diverse range of landscapes. Many routes follow riverine environments like the Snake River, offering scenic views and lush greenery. Other areas, particularly near the Hells Half Acre Lava Field, provide dramatic volcanic scenery from bordering roads, showcasing the region's rugged past. You might also find mountainous views in areas leading to Palisades Creek Canyon.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the Shelley to Snake River loop offers a moderate 42 km ride. Other loop options include the South Victor Bike Path Loop, the Southern Valley Trail loop from Mike Harris Trailhead, and the Bike loop from Poison Flat Trailhead.

Many routes offer access to natural and urban attractions. You can enjoy the urban Idaho Falls waterfall, especially on routes along the Snake River Greenbelt. For a unique geological experience, consider routes that pass near the 17 Mile Cave, a lava tube, or offer views of the Hells Half Acre Wilderness Study Area.

Many routes, especially those starting near urban areas like Idaho Falls, will have accessible parking. For routes like the Southern Valley Trail loop, you can typically find parking at designated trailheads such as Mike Harris Trailhead. When planning your ride, check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.

The komoot community rates the touring cycling experience in Bonneville County highly, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the routes, the scenic riverside paths, and the diverse natural beauty, from urban waterfalls to volcanic landscapes, that make for a rewarding ride.

Yes, routes that follow the Snake River through Idaho Falls, such as the Greenbelt loop, will take you directly past the impressive Idaho Falls waterfall, a prominent feature of the city.

The warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn, offer the most favorable conditions for touring cycling in Bonneville County. During this time, paths are clear of snow, and the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities. While some paths might be adaptable in winter, the region's extensive groomed snowmobile trails suggest that many routes are primarily for warmer weather cycling.

Yes, depending on the route, you might find various facilities. The Palisades Creek Campground & trailhead is located in an area that offers scenic roads for cycling. Within Idaho Falls, the Friendship Garden is another pleasant spot that can be accessed from the city's multi-use pathways.

For detailed information on the multi-use pathways and cycling infrastructure within Idaho Falls, you can visit the official city website at idahofallsidaho.gov. This resource can help you plan your urban no-traffic cycling adventures.