Auger Falls in Twin, Indian Springs near Kimberly and Burley-area trails
Springtime means it’s time to dust off the mountain bike for some fun riding in Southern Idaho. It’s a beautiful time to get out — everything is green and the wildflowers are blooming everywhere. The creeks are running fast, too!
While the snow melts in the South Hills at the higher elevations, we will feature three areas where you can ride right now:
- Auger Falls trails in the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls.
- Indian Springs trail system in the foothills of the South Hills, south of Kimberly.
- Hook up with Rock’s Cycling and Fitness in Burley on a Thursday night ride and check out some trails in the mountains south of Burley.
There are more than 10 miles of trails to enjoy in the Auger Falls Trail System, managed by the City of Twin Falls Parks & Recreation Department. Take Canyon Springs Road into the Snake River Canyon and follow the road past the golf course and sewer treatment plant to a trailhead at the end of the road. There is a rest room at the trailhead, and there’s a beautiful spring cascading from the cliffs above.
The Homestead Trail and Eagle Trail, moderate trails for all abilities, take you on a singletrack tour that winds through the rocks to a beautiful overlook of Auger Falls. Here you can check out the series of rapids that makes up the falls. You can return on Koda’s Trail and the Haunted Forest back to the trailhead for sweet 5-mile tour. Riding time is about one hour.
There are plenty of other trails to keep you occupied in the Auger Falls area. Explore on your own in the well-signed trail system or hook up with an CSI Outdoor Recreation-led ride during the week. CSI is hosting a clinic at Auger Falls Thursday night! Go here to sign up! These rides are open to CSI students and the public.
The Indian Springs trails are more challenging for experienced mountain bikers. There are over 25 miles of trails open to hiking, trail-running, horseback riding and mountain biking in this area on BLM land. To reach the trailhead, go directly south of Kimberly for 8 miles on Main Street, cross 2900 East, and park at the BLM trailhead on the left.
Take Sweet n’ Low trail over to Lower Dry Gulch, climb Dry Gulch trail on a gentle uphill with multiple creek crossings to Matt’s Trail. It’s a steep uphill climb on Matt’s to the top of the foothills. Take Lower Sugarloaf downhill to return to the trailhead. This loop is about 8 miles long. Riding time: 1.5 hours
Pick up a map for the Indian Springs Trails or Auger Falls at Epic Ride Cyclery in Twin Falls on Kimberly Road. They have a knowledgeable staff who can steer you in the right direction. Epic Ride Cyclery will start their regular Wednesday night rides later this month. Inquire with the shop for details.
For mountain biking near Burley, tie into a Thursday night ride at Rock’s Cycling and Fitness in downtown Burley. Meet at the shop at 5:30 p.m. This week, they’ll be riding in a new trail system being developed close to town. They also plan to ride Cottonwood Creek and Cave Canyon in the coming weeks. Check with Rock Temple at 208-678-3764.
Remember to be courteous on the trail and yield right of way to uphill traffic. Take plenty of snacks and water with you on your ride. Have fun!
