McCall is equipped with lift-serviced trails, sweeping single track, challenging uphills, and technical features for biking enthusiasts. Teams of volunteers in cooperation with the Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA) work to continually build new trails and access points annually, making mountain biking one of the fastest growing sports in the area.
Mountain biking in McCall has continuously grown in popularity. While many of the locals thrive during winter sport season, it’s not surprising those same people have embraced mountain biking and flock to the miles of trail once the snow melts.
Only a 2-hour drive from Boise, McCall is a great spot to rent a vacation rental home and enjoy all the surrounding nature has to offer.
Here are a few of our favorite mountain bike trails in the McCall area that you mountain bikers shouldn’t miss.
Bear Basin Trails
The Bear Basin Trail is located just north of McCall, its trail head is about one mile north off Hwy. 55. Watch out for the Bear Basin sign on the right (not the first lookout turnoff). Located in Payette National Forest, this trail is used by Nordic skiers in the winter and mountain bikers when the snow melts.
The trail system flows though meadows, vistas and wooded areas. There is also a pump track and the infamous Drain. The trails are available for beginners to experienced riders.
Toilets can be located at the parking lot.
Location: Old Brundage Mountain Rd, McCall, ID 83638
20 Mile Trail
Unlike Elk Trail, the 20 Mile Trail is best enjoyed by experienced mountain bikers. Since it’s an out and back trail, if the trail gets too much to handle, just turn around, and head back to the start. For those looking for a thrill though, you’ll love this trail. The ride takes about 2 hours out and back and has great rock and root features as well as increasing steepness as you follow the creek farther up.
Access this singletrack trail by heading up Warren Wagon road. The trailhead is past the entrance to the campground on Upper Payette Lake and there is parking in the turnout.
Location: Upper Payette Lake, McCall, ID 83638
Crestline Trail
One of the most scenic trails in the area, Crestline Trail is 11 miles of magic. The route will take you past Pearl Lake, Brush Lake, Heart Lake, Sisters Lakes, Squaw Lake, Buck Lake and Blackwell Lake - how can you beat that?
To get to the trailhead, drive on Warren Wagon Road for 14.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Service road 432. Take the left fork at the first junction, the right fork at the second and then the trail starts off the road about 5 miles up.
Double Shot and Stitches (Jug Mountain Ranch)
One and a half miles of pure downhill ONLY bliss. A mixture of rocks, wood features, tables, and tacky berms create the perfect trail to get your flow on! If you still have energy to spare, test your skills on "Exfoliator." The name says it all - this is a trail not to be taken lightly!
Location: 13834 Farm to Market Rd, McCall, ID 83638
For Trail Maps & Info
Ride McCall is dedicated to snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, side by side touring, and mountain biking. Ride McCall's website includes information on trails, routes, area attractions, events and more. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what's going on in and around one of Idaho's most popular recreation destinations.
RideMcCall.com is your go to site if you ride McCall or it's neighboring areas.