The best MTB trails in Lincoln County

The Driveway Canyon Trail offers a rewarding mountain biking experience within the rugged beauty of the Palisades Wilderness Study Area. You'll find yourself immersed in a classic canyon landscape, with the trail winding through natural terrain that promises both a physical challenge and serene views. The route is defined by its consistent uphill sections, leading to an exhilarating descent, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a good workout in a wild setting.

Planning your ride on this moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) route, which includes 1347 feet (411 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, is relatively simple. The trailhead is accessible, and while specific parking details aren't always highlighted, it's generally advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends. Always carry enough water and check weather conditions, as the best time to visit is usually outside of winter snows.

This trail is a solid choice for intermediate mountain bikers looking for a substantial ride without extreme technical demands. Its location within the Palisades Wilderness Study Area means you're riding in a protected, natural environment, offering a sense of solitude often hard to find on more popular trails. It's a great way to explore the region's mountainous terrain and enjoy a true backcountry biking adventure.

If you're seeking a truly rugged mountain biking adventure with stunning high-alpine scenery, the South Fork Indian Creek Trail delivers. This route winds through forested mountains, offering amazing basin views and vistas of Indian Creek, eventually leading to a beautiful lake basin area. Expect a "rough and tumble" terrain with significant loose boulders and rocky sections, especially as you climb, and keep an eye out for lush wildflowers and quaky aspens depending on the season.

Planning your ride on this trail is straightforward, with great camping available directly at the trailhead. The trail is open to various users, including e-bikes (Class 1), hikers, and trail runners, so you might share the path. After tackling the challenging terrain, a pleasant creek nearby provides a refreshing spot to cool down.

While Komoot rates this as a moderate 12.5-mile (20.1 km) mountain biking route with 1860 feet (567 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 10 minutes, many consider it a Black Diamond trail suitable for advanced riders. Its technical difficulty and considerable elevation changes demand good fitness, and you might even find yourself pushing your bike in some sections. Wildlife, including bears and moose, is common here, adding to the backcountry experience.

Embark on a truly wild mountain biking adventure through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, where the Cliff Creek Parallel and Little Cliff Creek Loop delivers raw backcountry beauty. This difficult 28.4-mile (45.7 km) route, with its 5332 feet (1625 metres) of elevation gain, is a rugged journey through natural surface singletrack, offering spectacular vistas and the chance to cool off at Gibbs Creek's waterfall. Be ready for sections where the trail can be overgrown and poorly defined, especially on the Little Cliff Creek portion, making for a challenging ride that might require pushing your bike.

Planning your visit means preparing for a remote backcountry experience; strong navigation skills are a must for this loop. The estimated duration is around 5 hours and 22 minutes, so plan your day accordingly, ensuring you have ample time and supplies. Specific trailhead parking information isn't readily available, but expect to start your ride deep within the forest, away from amenities.

This loop is a prime example of advanced mountain biking trails in the Cliff Creek area, set within a region known for its extensive backcountry opportunities. The remote setting and the technical demands of the Little Cliff Creek section, rated as

The Willow Creek and Anne's Ridge Loop is a favorite among local mountain bikers in Sublette County, offering a diverse ride through alpine meadows, sagebrush high desert, and dense forests. You'll navigate narrow sections near the Sheep Pack Bridge, climb through aspen groves, and be rewarded with incredible vistas from Anne's Ridge, overlooking the Wyoming Range. The route also passes the tranquil Anne's Pond, a serene wetlands area below the surrounding hills. This moderate 8.7-mile (14.1 km) mountain bike route, with 1383 feet (421 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete.

When planning your ride, be mindful of trail conditions, especially after rain. The Wy Rec Trail, which descends from Anne's Pond to Anne's Ridge, contains significant clay content and can become dangerously slippery when wet. Similarly, the Alder Creek Trail descent from Anne's Ridge is steep and demanding even in dry conditions. High horse traffic, particularly in the fall, can also lead to very muddy sections on Anne's Pond Trail and the Wy Rec Trail, so checking current conditions is highly recommended.

This loop is part of the larger Bridger-Teton National Forest Willow Creek trail network, which provides a wide array of riding options for mountain bikers. The Wyoming National Recreation Trail also runs through the middle of this network, highlighting the area's significance for outdoor recreation. The varied terrain and spectacular natural beauty make this a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenging yet scenic ride in Sublette County.

Embark on the Divide and Green Knoll Trail Loop for an immersive mountain biking experience deep within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This difficult 31.8-mile (51.2 km) route, with its substantial 4698 feet (1432 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a stunning progression of subalpine forests and open alpine tundra. You'll be treated to expansive views of the dramatic Palisades Mountain Range, particularly around the Wildflower View Near Green Knoll, making the 5 hours and 21 minutes of riding feel truly epic. Expect varied terrain and a demanding physical challenge.

Planning for this remote mountain biking adventure is crucial. As it's situated in a Wilderness Study Area, expect minimal facilities; carry all your essentials, including detailed maps and plenty of water. The best time to tackle this loop is typically from late spring through early fall, once the snow has melted and before winter conditions set in. Be prepared for backcountry conditions and ensure your bike is in top shape.

The Divide and Green Knoll Trail Loop stands out as the most popular mountain bike trail within the Palisades Wilderness Study Area, known for its pristine wilderness environment. This area is characterized by rugged mountain terrain, including steep granite cliffs and glacial valleys, offering a truly wild ride. It's a prime destination for experienced mountain bikers seeking an adventurous journey through diverse ecosystems and impressive natural beauty.