Photo by Doug Marshall, courtesy of Visit Sandpoint
When early summer arrives in Sandpoint, Idaho, the mountains come alive with more trails to ride than you can fit into your vacation schedule. Sandpoint has been quietly adding to its trail systems that are anchored by long-time classics by building some of the Northwest’s best new trails specifically with mountain biking in mind. Whether you’re seeking heart-pumping climbs with outstanding lake views or gentle rolling trails perfect for beginners and families, Sandpoint’s diverse terrain really does offer trails for every rider.
The area’s active biking culture with trails a short pedal or drive away paired with a laid-back lake-and-mountain town to base your biking forays from make Sandpoint a top early-season mountain biking destination.
Photo courtesy of Schweitzer
Schweitzer Mountain
Schweitzer and the adjacent Selkirk Recreation District offer an exceptional and expanding trail system for mountain bikers with dozens of trails and ride variations to choose from. Many trails afford outstanding lake views to complement the heart-pumping climbs and descents, and Schweitzer provides chairlift assist to the top for 1,700’ gravity-descents on over 40 trails with options from beginner to expert.
Pine Street Woods
Located little more than two miles from downtown Sandpoint, the Kaniksu Land Trust has made the incredible Pine Street Woods trail system possible. Take your pick from more than a dozen trails, with wide routes that welcome all trail users including e-bikers, plus a large number of singletrack rides ranging from smooth-and-flowy for beginners, to technical downhill descents with ramps and jumps for advanced riders.
Gold Hill // Photo by Doug Marshall, courtesy of Visit Sandpoint
Gold Hill Trail
The 3.7-mile Gold Hill Trail is a popular local’s singletrack staple. The trail serves up a moderate to strenuous out-and-back ride that leads uphill through green walls of North Idaho forest to panoramic views of Sandpoint across Lake Pend Oreille.
Mineral Point // Photo by Doug Marshall, courtesy of Visit Sandpoint
Lost Lake – Mineral Point Trail
This two-trailhead trail system 14 miles from town rewards riders with big views of the southern arm of Lake Pend Oreille and swimming at Green Bay. Choose from the easier loop around Lost Lake or the more challenging trail to Mineral Point with views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Green Monarchs.
Farragut State Park
Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille 30 minutes south of Sandpoint, Farragut features over 20 miles of mountain bike trails ranging from rolling beginner-friendly singletrack to more challenging blue trails. Easy access to the lake for swimming and paddling make Farragut a top choice for cooling off after a hot summer ride.
Trestle Creek // Photo by Doug Marshall, courtesy of Visit Sandpoint
More Sandpoint-Area MTB Trails
Sandpoint is an ideal basecamp for exploring other forest service and private land trails a bit farther out of town. North toward Bonners Ferry, highly-recommended trails include Brush Lake, with a moderately easy six-mile loop along the lake plus the option for tapping into the relatively-new Tungsten Mountain Trail for a magnificent 20-ish mile up-and-down rollercoaster ride; Section 16, with 11 miles of gently rolling and non-technical rides; and gorgeous trails (with a steep climb to start) at Enchanted Forest.
Whatever your riding style, trail preference and ability level, you’ll find your perfect early-summer spin near Sandpoint. Check out all of the recommended local rides and start planning your mountain bike getaway. Combine fine days of riding with Sandpoint’s vaunted culinary and entertainment opportunities for a weekend or multi-day visit; discover those, plus an array of lodging choices, at VisitSandpoint.com.
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