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Swan Falls

Intermediate
 2.3 (12)

A nice early season ride along the Snake River with Petroglyphs at Wees Bar.


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Map Key

24.6

Miles

39.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,549' 777 m

High

2,265' 690 m

Low

1,035' 315 m

Up

1,034' 315 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

This trail is about an hour southwest of Boise, ID. Follow the Swan Falls road until it goes down into the canyon along the Snake River and ends at the Swan Falls Dam.There is plenty of parking and even picnic tables. The roads to the dam are paved and well maintained.

Need to Know

Best when ridden in spring and then early in the day for Summer. Watch for duck hunters in the fall.

Description

The ride starts by walking your bike across the dam and then heading up river briefly before turning downstream and climbing the bench along the river. There are a variety of trails running along the river, but your best bet is to stay on the one most traveled by (its usually the closest one to the river).

The trail is fairly level and only a few patches of deep sand will slow you down. About six miles up the trail there are petroglyphs (pre-columbian artwork) for your viewing pleasure. Be warned, if you venture off of the beaten path you'll spend a few minutes clearing the burrs from your socks. Do not attempt this ride mid-day in the summer unless you like it hot, dry and dusty.

Once you reach the old railroad trestle on the right, now a pedestrian bridge, you can cross over the river to visit Celebration Park with more petroglyphs for your enjoyment. Refill your water bottle and then return the way you came.

Contacts

Shared By:

Stephen Hill

Trail Ratings

  2.3 from 12 votes

#1

in Swan Falls

#3807

Overall
  2.3 from 12 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
8%
3 Star
42%
2 Star
25%
1 Star
25%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Swan Falls

#146

in Idaho

#3,807

Overall
8 Views Last Month
3,911 Since Feb 13, 2015
Intermediate

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Photos

In the canyon, downstream of the dam at Swan Falls.
Apr 16, 2017 near Murphy, ID
Swan Falls ride.
Jun 26, 2016 near Murphy, ID
Old orchard irrigation spot.
Jun 26, 2016 near Murphy, ID
A view down the canyon near Swan Falls.
Apr 16, 2017 near Murphy, ID
Petroglyphs along the Snake River.  On Swan Falls Trail.
Feb 13, 2015 near Murphy, ID

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 9, 2021
Cameron Daggett
only rode the petroglyphs and old rock cabin. trail was dry and in good shape. 12.4mi — 2h 30m
Apr 11, 2020
Megan N
May 26, 2019
Caroline Moores
May 4, 2019
John Waven
Terrible if you get lost in the boulder field.
Jun 12, 2018
Karl Topping
Poor trail conditions... TONS of tumbleweed. Turned back early. 7.3mi
Apr 15, 2017
Gary Martinez
A lot of rocks on the initial climb. However, not the most difficult and plenty of room on the ascent. Beautiful views and worth the drive from Boise. 14.8mi — 1h 50m
Apr 11, 2017
Megan Hamilton
Apr 17, 2016
Zach Fohn