11.1 miles
Distance
1,986 ft
Climb
-1,985 ft
Descent
4,352 ft
High Point
2,865 ft
Altitude min
2,865 ft
Altitude start
2,864 ft
Altitude end
-33.2%
Grade max
40.9%
Grade min
5 miles
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
5,249 ft
Distance flat

This route takes the Headwaters Loop, and extends it with some of the most fun trails on the east side of Moscow Mountain.

Aside from the fire road climb from the start to the trailhead, it's 90% singletrack with some unique features and beautiful terrain.

Watch for hikers particularly on the fire road up to the trail, and the first section of the Headwaters Loop, before you take off on the South Side trail.

Right now the Moose Marbles climb is a bit of a grind, but soon you'll have the option of climbing up switchbacks that should make it a bit less painful.

Try and keep a grin off your face as you come down Switchblade.

Detailed Description
Extended Headwaters Loop is a 11 mile popular intermediate route located near Moscow Idaho. This mountain bike only route. This route includes 7 trails. This route climbs 1,986 ft with a max elevation of 4,352 ft then descends -1,985 ft.
Tags
BridgesLooseTight and twisty

Trail Issues on Route

  • Significant Issue / Amber: 1 trail (newest: Sep 20, 2026)

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association (www.MAMBAtrails.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
Donate to earn trail karma!

Trail Products

Stats

  • Distance
    11 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 33 min
  • Altitude min
    2,865 ft
  • Altitude start
    2,865 ft
  • Altitude end
    2,864 ft
  • Climb
    1,986 ft
  • Descent
    -1,985 ft
  • Grade max
    -33.2%
  • Grade min
    40.9%
  • Distance climb
    5 miles
  • Distance down
    5 miles
  • Distance flat
    5,249 ft

6 Reviews & Comments


We hope you've been enjoying Trailforks!

Create a FREE account to view all route reviews and much more.

Trails in Route

Headwaters5 miles
South Side3,028 ft
Moose Marbles5,030 ft
Wagon Trail1,070 ft
Rock Taco3,845 ft
Switchblade5,276 ft
Jack's Route1 mile

Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Bike type
    XC
  • Activity Logs
    100
no votes yet
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
mtb
56
mtb
68
mtb
66
mtb
91
Upper Switchblade / Lower Rock Taco -...
mtb
Upper Switchblade / Lower Rock Taco - Depending on who you ask.
trail: Rock Taco
0:35 | 609 | comments: 0 | favs:
Jul 27, 2020

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Wagon Trail
Sep 20, 2026 @ 9:46am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 20, 2026
Tree Down
South Side
Sep 10, 2026 @ 6:18pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 10, 2026
MAMBA Trails are open as of September 10, 2026 reporter
Switchblade
Sep 10, 2026 @ 6:18pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 10, 2026
MAMBA Trails are open as of September 10, 2026 reporter
Rock Taco
Sep 10, 2026 @ 6:18pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 10, 2026
MAMBA Trails are open as of September 10, 2026 reporter
Moose Marbles
Sep 10, 2026 @ 6:18pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 10, 2026
MAMBA Trails are open as of September 10, 2026 reporter
more reports »
  • By atourgatesTF Pro & contributors
  • #1769 - 3,028 views

Hit the Trail

Open in App

Get this route on your phone instantly.

Download Route

Save to wishlist, Garmin & download.