As winter approaches, trail conditions will begin to deteriorate. To protect the resource, Ridge to Rivers managers are encouraging trail users to make responsible decisions about when and where to recreate in the Foothills.

“Our trails get tremendous use throughout the year, but the most damage occurs each winter from visitors who tread on soft and muddy trails,” says Ridge to Rivers Coordinator David Gordon.

All user groups can cause damage, says Gordon. “There is a bit of a misconception that hikers and runners do not harm muddy trails. That couldn’t be further from the truth," he says. "Heavy foot traffic tramples drainage dips installed to mediate trail erosion, kills trailside vegetation, and widens trails as users attempt to walk to the side of the trail to avoid mud."

Foot tracks in soft trails create deep pock marks that make trails unpleasant for those who use the trails at appropriate times - when the trails are frozen.

“If it were just one or two people doing this, it would not be a big deal,” says Gordon. “But our trails get so much use that the cumulative effects are substantial.”

A daily trail condition report is posted on Facebook under “Boise Foothills Trail Conditions.” Comments are provided by Ridge to Rivers staff and volunteers.

“We’re trying to give users up-to-date information so that they can make informed and responsible decisions as to whether they should be using the trails on any given day -- as well as which areas to avoid,” says Gordon.

For the second year, Ridge to Rivers will enact voluntary daily closures during winter months. Users will be asked to stay off trails after 10:30 am daily in the Table Rock, Military Reserve, Polecat Gulch and Crestline/Red Cliffs areas. Gordon expects the voluntary closures to begin after Jan. 1.

“We will base the closure decision on soil moisture and daytime temperatures,” says Gordon. “Typically, trails begin to soften up daily around 10:30 am., and the areas we are asking people to avoid contain the worst soils – and hence have the highest likelihood to be impacted by heavy use.” Closed areas will be signed and posted on the Ridge to Rivers website.

Media contacts:
David Gordon, Ridge to Rivers Coordinator, 493-2531 office
Amy Stahl, Marketing & Community Relations, 608-7611 office