Cover photo courtesy of Schweitzer Mountain Resort
June is the best summer month to ride most of Sandpoint’s trails for peak conditions and low trail traffic. But later in the summer as trails dry out in the high country is when most of Schweitzer’s trails really shine. Whether you’re looking for lift-served descents, mellow forested rides or routes with big lake views, these Sandpoint trails have it all.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort: Schweitzer and the adjacent Selkirk Recreation District offer an ever-expanding system of over 30 mountain bike trails. While the trails outside of the resort require climbing back up (or using a shuttle) after a descent, Schweitzer has a great trail network with trails for a range of abilities and a chairlift assist back to the top for endless 1,700-foot, gravity-fueled rides back to the Schweitzer Village.
Pine Street Woods and Syringa: A short ride from downtown Sandpoint, Pine Street Woods offers a mix of wide, rolling trails and more advanced options. It connects to Sherwood Forest and the VTT system to form the larger Syringa Trail System, with more than 20 miles of trails.
Gold Hill Trail: A local favorite, this 3.7-mile trail climbs through shaded forest to sweeping views of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Located off Bottle Bay Road, it’s a solid intermediate ride, often tackled as an out-and-back.
Lost Lake and Mineral Point Trails: Located 14 miles south of town, this area combines gentle singletrack and tougher climbs with stunning lake views. Riders can cool off at Green Bay’s rocky beach after looping Lost Lake or tackling the more challenging Mineral Point Trail.
