Teton MTB Route

The new Teton Mountain Bike Route, linking up the best ridgetop riding and backcountry singletrack across the Bighole Mountains and the Palisades above the Teton Valley.

victor, ID

Eastern Shoshone and Shoshone Bannock lands

8,000'

ELEVATION GAIN

summer/
fall

riding season

1-2

days out

9

PHYSICAL challenge (1-10*)

-

women's FKT

44

miles

8

TECHNICAL challenge (1-10*)

-

men's FKT

Stewarded by Mountain Bike the Tetons

Managed by the Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests

* Following the bikepacking Roots rating scale

route map and download

Disclaimer: This route and associated information is just a starting point for your preparation, and your safety is your own responsibility. Although this route, its GPS track and waypoints, route data, and the route guide were prepared after extensive research, their accuracy and reliability are not guaranteed. Check for current conditions, route updates, detours, use common sense, obey local laws and regulations, and travel with alternative means of navigation. The Backcountry Bike Challenge and its creators and contributors will in no way be responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property arising in conjunction with following this route or utilizing any of the route resources provided on this website or via RWGPS.

Download GPX files

Click for download instructions

General route description

The Teton MTB Route connects a sequence trails along the rugged ridgeline above the Teton Valley, offering stunning views of the Teton Range, endless wildflowers, and world-class backcountry singletrack. The route begins just west of Teton Pass, up to and along the crest of the Palisades, west along the stunning and rugged singletrack south and west of Teton Valley to Pine Creek Pass Road. From there, the route climbs non-motorized singletrack up to the Big Hole Crest Trail and traverses loose, rocky moto trail with sweeping views of Teton Valley and the whole Teton Range until plunging down Horseshoe Canyon to the end.

This route, intended to be ridden from south to north, is nearly entirely singletrack and consists of trails predominantly used by motos and horses. Expect challenging riding on rutted, rocky, fall line trail rather than buff, heavily-ridden front country singletrack. While rugged and challenging, the route includes much of the Teton’s best backcountry singletrack. Only 1.3 of the 44 miles is on road; the rest is trail. Plan accordingly for a full day of trail riding.

Refsnider_Teton_1
Refsnider_Teton_5
Refsnider_Teton_6
Previous image
Next image

Photos by Kurt Refsnider

additional route information

  • Water is relatively scarce since much of this route is on ridgetops. You can find water along Mail Cabin Trail while ascending the first ridge, again at a spring after passing above Pole Canyon, at the South and North Forks of Rainey Creek, in Tie Canyon, and at the beginning and end of the Big Hole Crest in Corral Creek and Horseshoe Canyon. There are waypoints/POIs for these water sources in the GPS data. The longest stretch without water will be the Big Hole Crest Trail from Corral Creek to Horseshoe Canyon (miles 28-40; expect 3-4 hours).
  • There is no potable water along the route, and be prepared to treat your water. Sheep are seasonally grazed along most of the route.
  • There are no additional services along the route.
  • The entirety of this route is on public lands.
  • Scenic camping opportunities are abundant.
  • None of note for this route
  • This is grizzly bear habitat. Grizzlies have been encountered in the Big Holes and Palisades. Carry bear spray and hang your food well away from camp if bikepacking!
  • If you need to bail from the route, descend toward Teton Valley. Cell service is generally reliable while on ridgelines with views of the towns below.

  • These are multi-use trails. Bikes yield to horses and hikers. 

  • None

  • The route is designed to be ridden from south to north; riding it in the opposite direction adds 1,000’+ of challenging climbing.
  • You must ride 100% of the route in accordance with the FKT rules.
JOIN/GIVE TO MBT