Biking

Cyclists can ride forested trails across the Caribou-Targhee National Forest or cruise open paths on the Curlew National Grassland’s sagebrush plains.

E-Biking

E-biking on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is a sweet way to cruise its trails with a little electric boost! Whether you’re zipping through forests or tackling hills, e-bikes make the ride a blast. Here’s what you need to know about where to go, what’s cool, and the rules to roll by:

Where You Can Ride

E-bikes are welcome, but only on trails and roads open to motorized use—grab the free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) at ranger offices or online to find them. The Ashton/Island Park Ranger District has over 90 miles of motorized trails perfect for e-biking, winding through pines and past Teton views. Spots like the Dubois Ranger District offer rugged routes too, great for a powered-up adventure. Non-motorized trails—like those near Mesa Falls or in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness—are off-limits to e-bikes, keeping them for hikers and regular bikers. Stick to the right paths, and you’re golden!

What’s Special

With an e-bike, you can cover more ground and still soak in the forest’s magic—think sagebrush valleys, mountain ridges, and maybe a deer darting by. That extra juice lets you climb to lookouts or cruise longer loops without breaking a sweat. Summer’s dry trails and wildflowers are prime, while fall’s crisp air and golden leaves make every ride Instagram-worthy. It’s biking with a twist, opening up the forest to all kinds of riders.

Rules to Ride By

E-bikes count as motorized vehicles here, so the rules are strict but simple. Only Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes (up to 28 mph with pedal or throttle assist) are allowed, and they’ve gotta stick to motorized trails—straying onto non-motorized paths can slap you with a $225 fine. Helmets aren’t required but smart, especially on bumpy routes. Yield to hikers and horses (you’re the fast one!) and keep speeds chill around others. No motorized stuff in wilderness areas, so plan your route to dodge those zones. Check your battery—some trails are remote with no charge spots!

Tips to Be Prepared

Bring water, snacks, and a charger or spare battery—those 90+ miles can drain you quick. Bear spray’s a must (and know how to use it)—grizzlies don’t care about your motor. A map or Avenza app keeps you legal and lost-free and tell someone your plan—cell service can flake out. Check trail conditions—mud or snow can slow your roll.

E-biking here is all about power and freedom—plug in, follow the rules, and let the Caribou-Targhee’s trails light up your ride!

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is an awesome way to explore two totally different vibes on two wheels! From forested trails to open plains, there’s a ride for every mood. Here’s the rundown on hitting the dirt:

Where You Can Ride

Trails are all over—grab a map at ranger offices or online to scope your route. In the Caribou-Targhee, you’ve got over 1,600 miles of trails winding through pines, peaks, and meadows—think rugged singletrack with Teton views or flowy paths near reservoirs. The Curlew Grassland flips the script with flatter, open terrain—perfect for cruising across sagebrush hills under big Idaho skies. Most forest trails are non-motorized (e-bikes stick to OHV routes), and the grassland’s got some shared paths—check signs to stay legit.

What’s Special

The forest throws down tight turns, rocky drops, and mountain scenery that’ll make you stop for pics—summer’s dry and wildflower-packed, while fall’s a golden riot. Over on the Curlew, it’s all about wide-open freedom—less climbing, more rolling, with a chill prairie feel and maybe a pronghorn sprinting by. You get the best of both: big elevation thrills in the forest, easygoing spins on the grassland. It’s biking variety at its finest.

Tips to Be Prepared

Pack water, snacks, and a repair kit—some forest trails are remote, and the grassland’s got no shade. Bear spray’s smart in the Caribou-Targhee (grizzlies don’t mess around—make noise!), while the Curlew’s more about sun and wind. A map or Avenza app keeps you on track—trails can fade out there. Yield to hikers and horses, wear a helmet, and check weather—mud’s a buzzkill in either spot.

Mountain biking here is forest thrills meets grassland chills—pedal up, pick your turf, and roll through the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew’s wild mix!

Road Cycling

Road biking on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is a smooth way to soak in epic views from the saddle! With paved highways and quiet backroads cutting through both landscapes, it’s a cyclist’s dream spin. Here’s what you need to know to ride the pavement:

Where You Can Ride

Roads are ready—grab a map at ranger offices or online to plan your cruise. In the Caribou-Targhee, paved gems like the Teton Scenic Byway (Highway 33) wind past forest edges and Teton peaks, while forest roads near Palisades Reservoir offer quieter rolls with water views. Over on the Curlew Grassland, unpaved but firm county roads—like those off Holbrook-Stone Road—stretch through open sagebrush plains, perfect for a steady pedal. Stick to public routes; no trails here—just pavement and gravel.

What’s Special

The forest serves up twisty climbs and long descents with mountain panoramas—think pines, rivers, and maybe an elk crossing your path. Summer’s warm and dry, while fall’s crisp with golden cottonwoods. The Curlew flips it to wide, flat vistas—big skies, rolling hills, and a peaceful prairie vibe that feels endless. It’s two flavors of road biking: forested wow-factor meets grassland calm, all in one trip.

Tips to Be Prepared

Bring water, snacks, and a flat kit—services are sparse in both spots. In the forest, watch for cars on busier highways and pack layers—mountain weather shifts fast. The grassland’s sun can bake you, so slap on sunscreen and a hat. A map or Avenza app keeps you oriented—roads can blur out there. Wear bright gear, ride single file, and tell someone your route—safety’s simple but key.

Road biking here is all about scenic miles and open air—clip in, pick a road, and let the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew roll by!