Across Idaho, you can find plenty of places for mountain biking. One of the best is Tamarack Resort, a family resort on Lake Cascade. Tamarack boasts 45 miles of well-maintained mountain biking trails, with 25 miles of downhill and 20 for cross-country.
Tamarack’s Downhill Mountain Bike Trails
Beginner Level
Tamarack’s nine beginner downhill trails make it easy to get started.
- Child’s Play is a family-friendly singletrack trail that is accessible by Discovery Chair.
- Les Mer de Fleurs guides its riders through the mountain’s wildflower meadows on an easy single track.
- Apollo is a fun, moderately challenging climb. Hikers and trail runners are found of it as well.
- Paper Boy is a short, fast trail that works well for kids as well as beginners.
- Pura Vida is a rapid descent through the trees.
- The Huckleberry Trail is wide and well-maintained, ideal for beginners.
- Square Loop ends near Tamarack’s restaurants, coffee shops, and shops. Keeps the opportunity to browse open.
- Lupine is a singletrack trail exclusively for mountain biking.
- Azulejos is one of the best places to learn with its wide range of terrain and forests, twists, and turns.
Intermediate Level
Four well-planned intermediate trails are offered:
- The fast and fun Super G keeps riders coming back for more.
- Show Low is a local treasure with a leap that’s perfect for intermediates.
- Dirty Blonde trail starts off where Apollo trail leaves off. Dirty Blonde leads you to Serenity Canyon’s best views.
- Hockey Mom is for riders who want to take it up a notch.
Expert Level
There’s no better place than Tamarack for experts to develop their skills and senses:
- Curtains has a gap jump that is sure to raise your heart rate.
- Hells Canyon features thrilling hills and opportunities for airtime.
- Hot Shot offers big descents and ladder-gaps.
- Smokejumper is an expert trail with banking corners, drops, and a crazy steep descent.
- Hibernator is a trail for advanced riders. It has obstacles like rock jumps and steep hills throughout the course.
- Exit Stage Right (ESR) boasts a wallride and hard turns.
And, best for only the most advanced:
- Rockstar contains demanding rock gardens and a vicious drop.
- Stage Fright takes expert riders directly underneath the Tamarack Express chairlift.
Tamarack’s Cross-Country Mountain Bike Trails
Beginner Level
On cool summer mornings, Tamarack’s beginner cross-country mountain trails are a great way to relax and enjoy the sunrise. The trails directly overlooking Lake Cascade are incredible.
- Cottage is a gravel trail running north to south. Popular among hikers anddog walkers.
- Lodge Trail connects Cottage Trail with Redtail, Sanhill, and to the Osprey Meadows Lodge.
- Eagle Trail is a long, mostly-flat trail linking riders to Tamarack’s more southern trails.
- Sandhill is a two-way, multi-use trail that’s a favorite among cross-country riders.
- Upper Blackbird connects with Eagle Trail, Merlin, and Pelican.
- Lower Blackbird trail intersects with the Sandhill Trail and Eagle Trail.
- Morel is a multi-use trail that connects the top of Summit Road to Forest Trail 436 and Lower Pinnacle.
- Pelican offers lake views along a comfortable singletrack.
Intermediate Level
A short cross-country trail at Tamarack is the perfect warm-up for more challenging trails.
- Lower Creek Song trail starts off with a fun, breezy downhill.
- Lower Pinnacle routes through scenic homes and communities. Lower Pinnacle joins to Firebird and Merlin.
- Wild Turkey is a difficult cross-country singletrack with a long climb.
- Merlin spirals around trees and hills.
- Gemini is a popular choice with riders practicing technique. It winds through forest, with sharp turns and undulations.
- CulberaLoca, or “Crazy Snake,” is a gentle trail that turns into a wild one after connecting to Lower Pinnacle.
Expert Level
Tamarack has one black diamond cross-country mountain bike trail, but it’s worth the trip.
- Firebird sends its riders careening downhill toward Eagle Trail.
Tamarack, a Truly “Full-Service” Resort
There are a number of reasons why Tamarack is the mountain of choice. Tamarack’s season and day tickets allow everyone access, whether they’re a dedicated adrenaline junkie or a seasonal tourist in search of novelty. Tamarack also offers a full stock of rentals and equipment.
The Boundless Pass
With a Tamarack Boundless Pass, individuals and families have all-season access to the lifts, cross-country rentals, skiing, kayaking, and bike riding.
Downhill Packages
Tamarack allows guests to pick either half-day or full-day downhill packages. All packages come with a helmet, a bike, a lift ticket, and protective pads.
Bike and Equipment Rentals
Bike rentals include both cross-country and downhill. Prices vary from bike to bike and the time one chooses to ride. Helmets are required to rent a bike and access the trails.
Mountain biking season is around the corner! With a short drive from Boise, Idaho, Tamarack makes for a great day-long adventure. Tamarack’s well-marked and well-maintained trails are perfect for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. All types love Tamarack’s trails which are open from dawn to dusk.
