2026
Single hotel base - Sleeping at the same hotel for the entire tour, unpacking only once. Bicycling back to the base hotel half the days.
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Scenic Idaho Adventure: Pedal through breathtaking landscapes of mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams on the renowned Trail of the Coeur d'Alene, offering unparalleled natural beauty and open vistas that make every mile memorable.
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Dedicated Paved Bike Paths: Enjoy mostly car-free riding on dedicated trails like the Centennial Trail and Prairie Trail, with highlights including the iconic 3100-foot Chatcolet Bicycle Bridge for a safe, exhilarating experience.
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Single Hotel Base in Coeur d'Alene: Unpack once at the comfortable Comfort Inn, with easy access to downtown, amenities like a pool and fitness center, and the convenience of returning to the same spot after most rides.
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Flexible Riding Options: Choose your pace with daily routes ranging from 21 to 46 miles, optional extensions, or skip days entirely—perfect for all fitness levels, with SAG van support for assistance or transport.
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Labor Day Celebration on the Trails: Kick off your week with biking on Labor Day (September 7, 2026) along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene, combining holiday vibes with scenic descents and mountain views for an unforgettable start.
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Inclusive Perks and Support: Benefit from fully sagged tours including van shuttles, ride packets with GPS routes, daily breakfasts, and happy hours—ensuring a hassle-free, enjoyable vacation.
Pricing options:
Economy $1749 per person/double occupancy (single occupancy +$450)
✔️Lowest price
✔️Pay Now
✔️No changes
✔️Non-refundable
✔️Limited price availability
Standard/Signature $1999 (the old-fashioned way*) per person/double occupancy (single occupancy +$450)
✔️Pay $200 deposit now
✔️Pay balance 45 days before trip start
✔️Full Credit for future trip for change or cancellation up to 60 days before trip start
✔️*This is the exclusive pricing way that Vacation Bicycling used for 18 years through 2024
Premier $2499 per person/double occupancy (single occupancy +$450)
✔️Pay with credit card or debit card
✔️Fully refundable/changeable up to 15 days before trip start
✔️No change fees
✔️Pay Now
Day 1, Sunday
Welcome Dinner
Start your bicycling vacation in the vibrant lakeside city of Coeur d'Alene—affectionately known locally as "Lake City" or simply CDA. Nestled on the stunning shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, this charming town traces its roots back to the 1870s as the site of Fort Sherman (originally Camp Coeur d'Alene), a military outpost established on the recommendation of General William Tecumseh Sherman to maintain peace and protect regional interests.Today, Coeur d'Alene thrives as a premier outdoor playground and lively small-town gem. Stroll downtown along Sherman Avenue to discover an eclectic mix of boutique shops, antique stores, funky retailers, art galleries, and unique casual dining spots—from craft breweries and farm-to-table eateries to cozy coffee houses and fine dining with lake views. The area buzzes with an active, adventure-loving community perfect for cyclists, hikers, paddlers, and nature enthusiasts.
Adding to its allure, Coeur d'Alene has earned the playful nickname "New North Hollywood" from media outlets, thanks to its popularity among celebrities seeking a peaceful escape amid Idaho's breathtaking scenery—spotting a star in a local shop or on the trails isn't uncommon! Upon arrival, check into your comfortable hotel base to settle in and get excited for the week ahead. Then, gather with your fellow riders at 4:00 pm for a warm welcome meeting followed by a group dinner—kick off your spectacular bicycling adventure with new friends, shared stories, and the promise of unforgettable miles on one of America's top rail-trails!
Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery
- Nation's first Restaurant & Distillery -
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Dinner choices include:
- Fish Tacos – Flash fried Pacific cod on yellow corn tortillas with red redfish and cucumber salsa. Mexican Cotija cheese and shredded lettuce. Topped with tomatillo and cilantro verde sauce
- Sea Bass Gnocchi – Charbroiled barramundi over potato gnocchi, basil, garlic, cherry tomatoes and lemon zest
- Charbroiled Trout Fillet – Fresh skin-on 10oz Hagerman trout, balsamic cream and capers served with garlic mashed potatoes and chef’s vegetable
- Ribeye – a juicy 14 oz hand cut ribeye
Lodging:
Comfort Inn Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
(Stay at the same hotel for the entire bicycle tour. Just unpack one time!)
- Internet
- Computer & Business Center
- HD TVs
- Self-Laundry Facilities
- Fitness Center
- Swimming Pool & Whirlpool
Day 2, Monday
Trail of the Coeur d'Alene Bike Path (Mullan to Kellogg to Cataldo)
Leave the hotel in vans and drive to Mullan to start your first day bicycling on the paved, old-railbed that was once used by the mines to join the mining town. You will get a chance to take in the relaxing area by bicycle in a very peaceful setting with breathtaking views everywhere. In addition to the picturesque streams, rivers and lakes, you will enjoy the beauty all around you from behind your handlebars. The serenity and nature of the area is amazing and seeing the area while on your bicycle is unforgettable! Kellog and Cataldo (home to the oldest building in Idaho) are also part of the highlights of this area in the Silver Valley. Don’t forget your camera/smart phone/iPhone to capture all the amazing views.
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning.
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 29 miles (with +449 ft of ascent and -1574 ft of descent), riding the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene from Mullan to Cataldo. [The paved bike path is built on top of an old railbed.]
Evening meal: At your leisure - discover a great local spot
Day 3, Tuesday
Trail of the Coeur d'Alene Bike Path (Rose Lake to Harrison to Plummer with the Chatcolet Bridge)
Today’s ride takes you to the charming prairie town of Plummer, near the Washington border and within the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, where you’ll hop on the iconic Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes to complete the full end-to-end journey of this renowned 73-mile paved rail-trail. Starting in Plummer, you’ll pedal eastward along the former Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, enjoying a gentle downhill grade through open farmlands and rolling Palouse prairie landscapes. The highlight is crossing Lake Coeur d’Alene on the spectacular 3,100-foot Chatcolet Bridge—a historic former swing-span railroad trestle (built in 1921) that offers breathtaking panoramic views over the sparkling lake and surrounding mountains.
Continuing along the trail, you’ll ride through serene, forested sections and the peaceful chain-of-lakes region, with the Coeur d’Alene River flowing nearby. Your destination is Rose Lake, a quiet former company town once home to the Rose Lake Lumber Company (later the Winton Lumber Company), where the trail winds through tranquil woodlands teeming with nature.
This is the perfect day for a wonderfully peaceful, car-free ride immersed in stunning natural beauty—think wildlife sightings, bird calls, shimmering water views, and the pure joy of smooth, dedicated pavement with minimal elevation change. Whether you're savoring the scenery or simply unwinding in the quiet, this leg captures the essence of what makes the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes one of America’s premier rail-trails!
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning.
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 42 miles (with +562 ft of ascent and -1161 ft of descent), riding the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene from Cataldo to Plummer, including riding over the Chatcolet Bridge. [The paved bike path is built atop an old railbed, so it is mostly flat with a slight uphill from the Chatcolet Bridge on the approach to Plummer.]
Evening meal: At your leisure - discover a great local spot
Day 4, Wednesday
Spokane River Centennial Trail and the Idaho Centennial Trail with Mirabeau Meadows Park
Today’s ride immerses you in the stunning Spokane River Centennial Trail (also known as the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail), a beautifully paved, car-free path that follows the Spokane River from the heart of Spokane Valley westward toward the Washington/Idaho border—then seamlessly connects to the North Idaho Centennial Trail for your final scenic miles back to the hotel in Coeur d'Alene. Begin your adventure at Mirabeau Point Park in Spokane Valley—a peaceful oasis dubbed "a spark of nature in the heart of Spokane Valley." This lovely park features a captivating 40-foot cascading waterfall, a serene pond often dotted with sunbathing turtles, and easy access to the trail along the riverbank. As you pedal along this multi-use gem, enjoy ever-changing views of the rushing Spokane River—including lively rapids, dramatic basalt canyons, and glimpses of waterfalls (notably near key spots like Mirabeau and the iconic Spokane Falls area in downtown sections if you extend your route).
The trail winds through shady Ponderosa pine forests, rugged rocky outcrops, vibrant urban pockets with cultural heritage sites, and open valley landscapes. With plenty of well-placed benches for pausing to soak in the scenery, snap unforgettable photos, or simply relax amid the sounds of flowing water and birdsong, this ride offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and gentle, accessible riding. Whether you're cruising through quiet, wooded stretches or marveling at the river's power, it's a memorable, peaceful escape that highlights why the Centennial Trail is one of the Pacific Northwest's premier paved paths—truly amazing and unforgettable!
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 23 miles (with +960 ft of ascent and -746 ft of descent) riding one way from Mirabeau Meadows Park in Spokane back to the hotel; or 46 miles riding round-trip from Mirabeau Meadows Park in Spokane to downtown Riverfront Park and back to the hotel. [The route is on dedicated paved bike paths and is mostly flat.]
Day 5, Thursday
City of Coeur d'Alene Centennial and Prairie Trails with Tubbs Hill and Higgens Point
Today’s ride offers a delightful, flexible lakeside adventure right from your hotel base in Coeur d'Alene, with the option to start farther north from the Silverwood Theme Park for those seeking extra miles or a fresh perspective. Either way the ride goes to the scenic Higgins Point (the eastern terminus of the North Idaho Centennial Trail). Pedal along the shimmering shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene on smooth, dedicated paved paths, winding through the heart of the city and into peaceful natural areas. A major highlight is Tubbs Hill, a stunning 165-acre natural peninsula jutting into the lake and bordered by water on three sides (west, south, and east). This urban oasis—right next to downtown—features a popular 2.2-mile interpretive loop trail (with additional side paths) offering breathtaking panoramic views, forested trails through Ponderosa pine and mixed woodlands, rocky outcrops, and serene swimming spots. The main trailhead on the west side is conveniently located in the southwestern corner of McEuen Park, making it easy to access and explore on foot or simply admire from the bike path nearby.
As you continue, you'll end up at Higgins Point, a true scenic gem at the trail's eastern end. This forested promontory boasts beautiful trees in a tranquil setting, sweeping overlooks of the lake, and is renowned as one of the best spots to spot majestic bald eagles—especially during their winter gatherings to feast on spawning kokanee salmon (though sightings can happen year-round). The viewpoint from the top is simply amazing, with expansive vistas that capture the lake's turquoise beauty and surrounding mountains. This gentle, mostly flat route blends urban charm, lakeside serenity, and abundant wildlife opportunities—perfect for a relaxed day of riding with frequent photo stops, benches for breaks, and the pure joy of biking in one of Idaho's most picturesque settings. Whether you opt for the hotel start or the extension, it's an unforgettable way to soak in Coeur d'Alene's natural splendor!
Breakfast provided by the hotel each morning.
Bicycling Route: 0 miles, staying at the hotel; or 21 miles (with +583 ft of ascent and -613 ft of descent) riding from the hotel round-trip to the end of the bike path at Higgens Point; or 38 miles (with +676 ft of ascent and -719 ft of descent) riding the bike path from Silverwood Themepark back to Coer d'Alene and then continuing onto Higgins point and then riding to the hotel. [The route is on dedicated bike paths and bike lanes and is mostly flat with a couple hills near the end of the ride and a short climb to the view from Higgens Point.]
Dinner:
Tomato Street
Coeur d'Alene
Entrée choices include:
- Chicken or Eggplant Parmigiana
- Seafood Manicotti
- Chicken Marsala
- Twice Baked Spaghetti
- Pizza
Day 7, Friday
Take one last ride on your own before departing for home.
Breakfast provided by hotel each morning
Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.
Riding difficulty:
- Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have an enjoyable trip. The routes are primarily on bike paths. Please see the daily routes descriptions for additional information. Of course, if a rider is tired or does not feel like riding, the SAG vehicle will transport the rider. All riders may ride at their own pace, slow or fast or anything in-between.
Arriving by Automobile:
- Drive to the starting hotel: Comfort Inn, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; having your car at the starting hotel for the duration of the trip. Parking is free at the hotel.
Arriving by Plane:
- Fly directly into Spokane International Airport (GEG) then rent a car or take a Lyft/UBER or taxi to the hotel. Most major airlines fly into Spokane.
Arriving by Train:
- For a little more adventure take an AMTRAK train into Spokane with the station located downtown about 31 miles from the hotel.
Deposit:
- $200 to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start.
What is Included:
- Hotel lodging
- Ride Packets with Cue Sheets (directions)
- Garmin/GPS routes to download
- Google Maps routes for your iPhone or Android Phone
- Fully sagged including van transportation and rider assistance.
- Breakfast each morning
- Happy Hours (BYOB) on selected evenings
- Dinner with the group two evenings (see above)
- Great riding, scenery, fun and enjoyment!
Bicycles:
- Most participants bring their own bicycles
- To ship your bike, we would suggest using shipbikes.com or bikeflight.com for shipping. To ship your bike to the hotel: Comfort Inn, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- If you fly, most major airlines including Delta, American, United and Alaska Air now waive the oversize fee for bicycles (sporting equipment) and just the standard luggage fee applies. Please contact your airline for all the details.
- Bike Rental: Bikes are available for rent in the Coeur d'Alene area. We suggest conducting a Google search to find the best place to accommodate your needs.
Weather in August in the Coeur d'Alene area:
- Average High 85°
- Average Low 55°