Electric Bike Usage On Sawtooth Mountain Trails: What's Allowed?

Electric mountain bikes are allowed on many scenic trails in the US, including in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest. However, those who ride electric bikes don't have the choice to access non-motorised trails that cross US National Forests and BLM land. The BLM office in Shoshone, ID is currently studying electric mountain bike access to see if a modification to the agency's travel management plan makes sense.

Electric mountain bikes are allowed on some trails in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho

While electric mountain bikes are allowed on some trails in the Sawtooth National Forest, they are not permitted on all trails. Those who ride electric mountain bikes do not have the same choices as those who ride traditional mountain bikes when it comes to accessing non-motorized trails across US National Forests and BLM land. The BLM office in Shoshone, ID, is studying electric mountain bike access to see if a modification to the agency's travel management plan makes sense. It is possible that the agency will loosen rules on eMTBs on certain trails in the future.

The Greenhorn Gulch trail system near Ketchum, Idaho, allows electric bikes

Electric bikes are allowed on many trails in the Sawtooth Mountains, including the Greenhorn Gulch trail system near Ketchum, Idaho. The Greenhorn Gulch trailhead is located a few miles south and west of Ketchum, past the pavement where the road turns to gravel. From there, endless singletrack loops spiral out from the trailhead, forming a web that reaches deep into the Sawtooth National Forest.

The Greenhorn Gulch trail system is open to electric mountain bikes, and riders can enjoy the scenic, wild, and well-maintained US Forest Service (USFS) trails. These trails offer a fun and challenging experience for e-bike enthusiasts, with the added benefit of taking in the beautiful natural scenery of the area.

It is important to note that not all trails in the Sawtooth Mountains allow electric bikes, and riders should always check the regulations for specific trails before heading out. However, the Greenhorn Gulch trail system provides a great option for those looking to explore the area on their electric bikes.

The BLM office in Shoshone, ID, is currently studying electric mountain bike access to determine if modifications to the agency's travel management plan are necessary. This could potentially lead to more trails being opened up to e-bike access in the future.

The BLM office in Shoshone, Idaho, is studying electric mountain bike access

On a trip to Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho, one rider found themselves legally riding not one but two different electric mountain bikes on scenic, wild, and well-maintained US Forest Service (USFS) trails. The Greenhorn Gulch trailhead is located a few miles south and west of Ketchum, past the pavement where the road turns to gravel.

Given the choice, mountain bikers generally prefer trails of the non-motorized variety for both their quality and the promise of unadulterated scenery. However, it’s not hard to imagine the agency loosening rules on eMTBs on certain trails down the line.

The Greenhorn Gulch trailhead is located a few miles south and west of Ketchum, Idaho

Electric mountain bikes are allowed on many scenic trails in the Sawtooth Mountains, including the Greenhorn Gulch trail system near Ketchum, Idaho. The Greenhorn Gulch trailhead is located a few miles south and west of Ketchum, Idaho. The trailhead is past the pavement where the road turns to gravel. From there, endless singletrack loops spiral out, forming a web that reaches deep into the Sawtooth National Forest.

The Greenhorn Gulch trail is open to motorized vehicles, which may conjure images of torn-up, washed-out, and rutted singletrack that's wide enough for two side-by-side ATVs to pass. However, not all motorized trails are bad, and it is possible to ride electric mountain bikes on well-maintained, scenic, and wild trails.

The BLM office in Shoshone, ID, is studying electric mountain bike access to see if a modification to the agency's travel management plan makes sense. Given that electric mountain bikes are already allowed on great trails like those in the Greenhorn Gulch area, it is possible that the agency may loosen rules on eMTBs on certain trails down the line.

The US Forest Service (USFS) trails are well-maintained and scenic

Electric mountain bikes are allowed on many US Forest Service (USFS) trails in the Sawtooth Mountains. The trails are well-maintained and scenic, with endless singletrack loops spiralling out from the Greenhorn Gulch trailhead, which is located a few miles south and west of Ketchum, Idaho. The Greenhorn Gulch trail system is open to motorized vehicles, but that doesn't mean the trails are torn up or washed out. In fact, many riders have found that these trails are of great quality and offer unadulterated scenery.

The BLM office in Shoshone, ID is studying electric mountain bike access to see if a modification to the agency’s travel management plan makes sense. While electric mountain bikes are already allowed on some trails, advocates are pushing for access to more trails, including non-motorized ones. This is likely because non-motorized trails are generally preferred by mountain bikers for their quality and scenery.

Frequently asked questions