Biking

The Salmon-Challis National Forest offers mountain bikers many miles of roads and trails on which to ride. Wide, quiet roads help beginners to get acquainted with their bikes; challenging, arduous trails test the advanced rider.

Be sure to plan your route well before taking off to explore with your bike. Maps and mapping applications should be squared away before leaving town as most areas on the Salmon-Challis are far from cell phone coverage. Check out the Idaho Parks & Recreation Trail mapping application for up-to-date routes and downloadable maps. Please respect the rights of private landowners and always ask permission before you ride on their land. Also, be aware of the wilderness boundaries when you are riding on the trails. Bicycles are not allowed in the wilderness areas.

Remember to wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes. Also plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings. Always maintain control of your bicycle and be ready to stop. Watch for traffic on forest roads. Be aware of hikers and livestock along trails. As a courtesy, please step your bicycle off the downhill side of the trail and allow livestock to pass. Some stock may be afraid of your bicycle, so stay in plain view and speak softly.

Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on your national forests. View the wildlife and the scenery. Keep in mind that the forests and meadows are fragile lands, so please practice low impact, "tread lightly" techniques.

E-Biking

Emerging technologies such as e-bikes are changing the way people enjoy their visits to national forests and grasslands. Today, more than 60,000 miles of trails and thousands of miles of roads on national forests and grasslands are currently open to e-bike use. As use trends change with time and new technologies, the way we manage lands to ensure their long-term health and resilience must change as well. This is why we have clarified our policy on e-bikes and are encouraging local Forest Service decision makers to expand access to recreation opportunities on our forests and grasslands in ways that meet user needs while continuing to protect forest resources.

o Where are e-bikes currently allowed on national forests and grasslands?
- Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are allowed on motorized trails and roads on national forests and grasslands. Additionally, several year-round resorts operating under a special use permit have established e-bike use within their permit boundary.
- Local Forest Service officials may consider new opportunities for e-bike use on non-motorized trails and in non-motorized areas by utilizing a designation process in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR Part 212, Subpart B). Designations involve appropriate environmental analysis, public involvement, and local decision-making.
Did the Forest Service change its policy related to e-bikes?
- The Forest Service finalized its directives that clarify how e-bikes are managed on national forests and grasslands. The directives clarify the definition of an e-bike and identifies e-bikes under three classes of motor vehicles. They also provide needed guidance to field units under existing Travel Management Rule definitions, and reinforce criteria needed to designate roads, trails and areas for e-bikes use. Before a decision to expand use of e-bike on specific national forests and grasslands, the unit must first conduct the appropriate environmental analysis and public engagement, just like any other project that alters the use of the land.
How will expanding e-bike use on national forests and grasslands improve access for more Americans?
- The Forest Service has a long tradition of multiple uses and supporting access to the public land the agency manages. Simply put, e-bikes allow more people to enjoy their national forests and grasslands. The technology has the potential to include older Americans and attract more diverse users to explore their public land in a socially and ecologically responsible way.

Mountain Biking

Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon ride or a challenging chain-breaking opportunity, tour national forests are the go-to place for mountain biking. Just remember, many of these trails are used by hikers and horseback riders so please make sure to think of your safety and the safety of others as you travel.
Wear protective gear when riding your mountain bike: helmet, gloves and sturdy shoes. Also plan on taking food, water, sunscreen and a basic tool kit on all of your outings.
Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors on your national forests. View the wildlife and the scenery. Keep in mind that the forests and meadows are fragile lands, so please practice low impact, tread lightly techniques.

Road Cycling

Cycling is a great way to travel through National Forest System lands. Our national forests offer remote, winding roads and mountain pass, ideal for slowly absorbing the beauty of southwestern Colorado as you pedal your road or mountain bike