Why Riding Muddy Trails Hurts More Than You Think
Before I got into mountain biking, I rode dirt bikes. And let me tell you, we rode no matter the weather—rain, mud, snow, you name it. Was it the right thing to do? In hindsight, probably not, but at the time, it was just part of the fun. Naturally, when I transitioned to mountain biking, I carried that same “ride no matter what” mindset with me.
One day, I shuttled up Sweet Connie during a rainstorm. At the top, the conditions were incredible—grippy dirt and a cool mist in the air. I couldn’t believe no one else was out enjoying it! The tracks I left were minimal, so I thought I was doing just fine. But as I arrived at Rock Island just past the gate, I hit a wake-up call that’s stayed with me ever since.
The light rain at the top had turned into a downpour below. The trails transformed into a sticky, sloppy mess, and I quickly realized I couldn’t even ride. I had to walk all the way back to the parking lot, and the clay-heavy soil clung to my tires, shoes, and everything else. It was so slick I couldn’t stay on the trail—I had to trudge off to the side just to stand upright.
Not only did I leave damage to the trails, but the clean-up afterward was brutal. Hours were spent chiseling dried clay out of my bike. It was a hard lesson learned, but one I’ve never repeated.
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Here’s the deal: Most of Boise’s trails contain high clay content, meaning they don’t drain well. When you ride them in the mud, your tires leave deep grooves that dry into hard ruts. These ruts make the trails more prone to erosion, harder to maintain, and less enjoyable for other users.
A rule of thumb for the trails here: "If you're leaving tracks, you need to turn back."
But just because it’s wet doesn’t mean your ride is off! Boise has plenty of alternative options when conditions are less than ideal.
Alternative Options for Wet Weather
One of the simplest ways to ride responsibly during the muddy season is to stick to dirt roads. I’ve personally ridden routes like Rocky Canyon Road, Mountain Cove Road, and 8th Street Road when the trails are off-limits. These roads drain better, hold up to moisture, and still give you a great workout.
For a more casual option, the Boise Greenbelt is a solid choice. It’s paved, so you don’t have to worry about damage, and it still keeps you on two wheels.
Good Bets When Conditions Are Suspect
If conditions aren’t fully saturated but you’re not sure if trails are safe to ride, stick to options with sandier soils. These trails handle moisture better than most in Boise:
- Dry Creek Trail
- Lower Hulls Gulch Trail
- Camel’s Back Trails
- Toll Road
Still, keep an eye out for muddy patches, and turn around if the trail becomes sloppy. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
The Bottom Line
Riding in muddy conditions isn’t just bad for the trails—it’s bad for your bike and your wallet (clay cleanup isn’t fun). By sticking to alternative routes and trails that handle moisture better, we can protect Boise’s trail system for everyone to enjoy.
When in doubt, take a dirt road or save your ride for another day. And hey, if you’re not sure where to go, there’s always coffee and trail planning to tide you over until the sun comes back out.
Forever Two Wheels!
-Myles
Looking for more detailed recommendations? Check out my blog post on Boise’s All-Weather Trails for a list of routes that can handle just about any conditions. These are perfect for staying on two wheels while protecting the trails we all love!
Myles Davis