1.
North Cartwright Road – Seaman's Gulch loop from Hidden Springs
36.1km
02:26
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best traffic-free bike rides in Boise County
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 27, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Boise County, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. Sifting through countless routes to find the ones genuinely worth your time and effort can feel like a full-time job. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so consider this your curated shortcut to the best touring cycling experiences Boise County has to offer.
Boise County truly delivers for touring cyclists, with a landscape that transitions from urban greenbelts to rolling foothills and rugged mountain terrain. You'll find everything from flat, easy riverside paths along the Boise River Greenbelt to challenging mountain climbs in the Boise Foothills and Boise National Forest. Expect diverse scenery, and for the most vibrant rides, spring and early summer bring wildflowers to the foothills, adding an extra layer of beauty to your journey.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the North Cartwright Road – Seaman's Gulch loop from Ridge To Rivers Parking. At 22.4 miles (36.1 km) with significant climbs, it’s a challenging ride that offers a fantastic taste of the Boise Foothills. For a more tranquil, moderate option, the Stanley Lake loop from Stanley Lake, at 11.7 miles (18.9 km), is perfect for soaking in scenic beauty. Dive in and explore these and other routes, trusted by more than 200 touring cyclists in our community.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Cartwright Road – Seaman's Gulch loop from Hidden Springs | 36.1 km | 630 m | Hard |
| Bogus Basin Ski Lift – Bogus Basin loop from Easy Rider | 9.36 km | 270 m | Moderate |
| Seaman's Gulch loop from Hidden Springs | 18.4 km | 310 m | Moderate |
| Spring Valley Summit loop from Horseshoe Bend | 71.9 km | 1,260 m | Hard |
2.
Bogus Basin Ski Lift – Bogus Basin loop from Easy Rider
9.36km
01:01
270m
270m
The Bogus Basin Ski Lift – Bogus Basin loop from Easy Rider offers a delightful touring cycling adventure through Idaho's scenic mountains. You'll pedal past dense forests and vibrant wildflower fields, especially as you ascend, with wide-open vistas giving way to peaceful pine groves. This route provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the varied terrain and natural beauty of Bogus Basin, making it a memorable ride for those who appreciate mountain landscapes.
This moderate cycling loop covers 5.8 miles (9.4 km) with an elevation gain of 895 feet (273 metres), typically taking about 1 hour to complete. While the loop is mostly paved, it's part of a larger network that caters to various skill levels. It's best enjoyed during the warmer months when the mountain air is crisp and conditions are ideal for cycling, so plan your visit accordingly.
Bogus Basin is renowned as a mountain biking paradise, boasting over 20 miles of purpose-built trails. As a non-profit organization, all earnings are reinvested into enhancing the area, ensuring a high-quality experience for visitors. This particular loop offers a taste of the expansive network, providing a great option for cyclists seeking a rewarding ride with beautiful panoramic views.
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3.
Seaman's Gulch loop from Hidden Springs
18.4km
01:15
310m
310m
The Seaman's Gulch loop from Hidden Springs delivers a dynamic touring cycling experience, blending classic foothill scenery with expansive views of Boise. You'll navigate a mix of mostly paved roads and unpaved sections, where granite sand and clay can add a bit of challenge. The route features scenic ridge climbs that reward you with stunning valley view viewpoints, making for a varied and engaging ride.
This moderate 11.5-mile (18.4 km) loop, with 1021 feet (311 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. The trailhead offers easy parking, but consider an earlier start, especially if you prefer fewer people on the multi-use trails. A touring bike equipped with wider, more robust tires is highly recommended to comfortably handle the diverse terrain.
Seaman's Gulch is a versatile area, popular for both hiking and mountain biking, and is known for its smooth, scenic paths that are great for building skills and confidence. It's a fantastic option for a quick after-work ride or a leisurely weekend outing, offering a taste of the Idaho foothills without venturing too far from Hidden Springs.
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4.
Spring Valley Summit loop from Horseshoe Bend
71.9km
06:12
1,260m
1,260m
The Spring Valley Summit loop from Horseshoe Bend is a demanding touring cycling route that promises a significant challenge for experienced riders. Covering 44.7 miles (71.9 km) with a substantial 4137 feet (1261 metres) of elevation gain, this difficult route is likely to take around 6 hours and 12 minutes. Expect a journey through varied terrain, potentially including remote roads and narrow backcountry trails, with sections that might require carrying your bike, reminiscent of the rugged stretches near Eagle Rock Pass found on other Spring Valley trails. The scenery could range from dense ponderosa pines to pinyon-juniper forests, offering a true test of endurance and skill.
When planning your ride, be prepared for a long day in the saddle and ensure your bike is suitable for diverse surfaces, not just smooth pavement. Specific parking details for this route are not readily available, so arriving early at Horseshoe Bend is a good strategy to find a spot. Always check current weather conditions, especially for seasonal changes, and carry plenty of water and reliable navigation, as trail marking can be sparse on less-trafficked routes. This is not a beginner-friendly ride; it's best for those who thrive on difficult, long-distance cycling adventures.
This particular Spring Valley Summit loop stands out for its potential blend of touring distance with terrain more commonly associated with mountain biking, suggesting a unique and perhaps unconventional experience. While details are sparse, the name implies a significant climb to a summit, offering rewarding views if the route mirrors other Spring Valley trails that boast majestic vistas like those of Mt. Sopris. It's a route for cyclists looking to push their limits and explore a less-defined path, rather than a typical paved touring experience.
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Tips from the Community
Jamie S.
January 22, 2025, North Cartwright Road
North Cartwright Road is a quite, scenic road north of Boise with several mountain bike trails crossing over it. It's a fun road to descend.
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AverieOutside
February 7, 2024, Spring Valley Summit
The Spring Valley Summit is a 4,242-foot mountain pass along the Payette River Scenic Byway, also known as State Highway 55.
0
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Alex
February 2, 2024, Bogus Basin Ski Lift
Bogus Basin is overseen by the non-profit organization Bogus Basin Recreation Association. In the summer, visitors can go mountain biking and go gravel riding, and in the winter, there is skiing and snowboarding.
0
0
Alex
January 3, 2024, Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin is overseen by the non-profit organization Bogus Basin Recreation Association. In the summer, visitors can go mountain biking and go gravel riding, and in the winter, there is skiing and snowboarding.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in Boise County?
Boise County offers a selection of 7 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes. These routes are designed to provide a peaceful and scenic cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.
What is the general difficulty level of these no traffic touring cycling routes?
The no traffic touring cycling routes in Boise County cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 4 moderate routes and 3 more challenging, difficult routes. This variety ensures options for both experienced touring cyclists and those looking for a good workout.
Are there paved no traffic touring cycling routes in Boise County?
Yes, the region features excellent paved options. The Boise River Greenbelt, for instance, offers a 25-mile tree-lined, car-free pathway perfect for leisurely rides. Additionally, roads leading to areas like Bogus Basin provide challenging paved climbs with stunning views, often with lower traffic volumes outside peak times.
Can I find gravel touring routes with low traffic in Boise County?
Absolutely. The Boise Foothills and Boise National Forest offer extensive networks of trails and forest roads that are ideal for gravel touring with minimal traffic. These routes provide a more rugged experience amidst diverse landscapes.
Are the no traffic touring cycling routes in Boise County suitable for families?
Many sections, particularly along the Boise River Greenbelt, are very family-friendly due to their flat, paved, and car-free nature. These areas connect parks and offer easy access to amenities, making them perfect for cyclists of all ages. For example, the Greenbelt sections through Garden City are particularly peaceful.
What natural features or landmarks can I expect to see along these routes?
Boise County's routes offer diverse natural beauty. You might encounter the serene Bonneville Hot Springs, the scenic Stargaze Point, or the majestic Junction Observation Peak/ Trail Creek Lakes. The Boise River Greenbelt also provides views of the river and local wildlife, while higher elevation routes offer panoramic vistas of the Boise Valley.
Are there any scenic viewpoints on the no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, several routes offer breathtaking viewpoints. The Boise Foothills provide stunning views of the Boise Valley, and higher elevations in the Boise National Forest, such as near Stargaze Point or Emile Grandjean Viewpoint, offer expansive vistas. The climb to Bogus Basin also rewards cyclists with incredible panoramas.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops for a convenient return to your starting point. An example is the Stanley Lake loop from Stanley Lake, offering a moderate ride around a beautiful lake. Another option is the Bogus Basin Ski Lift – Bogus Basin loop from Deer Point.
What is the best time of year for no traffic touring cycling in Boise County?
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also popular, especially for higher elevation routes in the Boise National Forest, which provide cooler temperatures. Lower elevation routes like the Boise River Greenbelt are enjoyable year-round, though some mountain routes may be inaccessible due to snow in winter.
Where can I find parking for these no traffic touring cycling routes?
Parking is available at various trailheads and access points. For routes in the foothills, you can often find parking near popular starting points like Camel's Back Park or the Ridge to Rivers Parking area, which serves routes such as the North Cartwright Road – Seaman's Gulch loop. The Boise River Greenbelt also has numerous access points with parking.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Boise County?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from the peaceful, car-free Greenbelt to the challenging climbs in the foothills, and the stunning natural beauty that makes Boise County a true 'cyclists' utopia'.
Are there any routes that offer a mix of paved and gravel surfaces?
Yes, some routes in the Boise Foothills can combine paved sections with well-maintained gravel paths, offering a varied touring experience. This allows cyclists to enjoy the smooth efficiency of pavement while also exploring the quieter, more natural feel of gravel roads, often leading to more secluded viewpoints.
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