Ridge to Rivers
Winter Trail Use
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FRIDAY, APRIL 4TH WEEKEND TRAIL REPORT:
Cool temperatures and below freezing mornings are keeping trails from drying as quickly as we would like them to unfortunately, however the weekend looks promising and we will update our Interactive Map as needed throughout. As an example, the north and west sides of Polecat Loop were too muddy to use without damaging them yesterday.
Your best bet for avoiding soft or muddy trails is to stay in the lower Foothills or hit the few sandier routes that climb, like Trail 5 today. Options should improve quite a bit by Sunday!
For today, use these two links before heading into the Foothills:
Drier Trail Suggestions
Interactive Map
Happy Trails!
Polecat Loop
Polecat Loop
West Highland Valley Trailhead Closed Again Until Early May
Hulls Gulch Powerline Undergrounding Project
Idaho Power is working on a powerline undergrounding project in Hulls Gulch Reserve (starting from Camel’s Back Trail through the Grove Trailhead, up to the Foothills Learning Center). The project entails removing the overhead powerline and replacing it with an underground line along Sunset Peak Road. The purpose of undergrounding powerlines is to reduce wildfire risk and improve safety.
Initial sitework and construction started the week of February 10, with the project anticipated to wrap up in May. Idaho Power will have signage on site, but all trail and Foothills Learning Center access will remain open. People should adhere to signage and drive with caution during construction on the road.
Restoration Efforts at Hillside to Hollow Reserve
Crews continue to work on fence installation along Harrison Hollow Loop for this project, please plan ahead and choose another route if you are looking to hike or ride in Hillside to Hollow Reserve. It will give the team the opportunity to work quickly and efficiently. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
All-Weather Trail Options
In recent years, the trail team has worked to increase the number of all-weather trails available to users across the Boise Foothills. These trails feature a special topsoil mix that is less susceptible to mud and long-term damage during wet weather. Click the button below to view a list of Boise’s 15 all-weather trails and brush up on trail etiquette tips to keep in mind during the winter months.
Announcements
Cartwright Ridge Trailhead Enhancements
We are excited to announce a $200,000 grant from the Foundation for America's Public Lands that will support the improvement of the Cartwright Ridge Trailhead, enhancing trail access in Northwest Boise. When paired with an approved investment from the City of Boise of $300,000, this much needed trailhead project will create a dedicated paved parking area with two ADA accessible spots, parking for horse trailers, a restroom and more. The trailhead, which is currently a dirt lot located off Cartwright Road, provides access to Polecat Reserve and Peggy's Trail. The land is owned by the Bureau of Land Management. Construction is expected to start as early as the spring of 2025.
Seasonal Closures in place for Landslide Loop and Hawkins Range Reserve
Seasonal trail closures on three Ridge to Rivers trails started December 1. Landslide Loop Trail, Hawkins Range Reserve and all trail access, and the 8th Street Extension Road are now closed for the wintertime. Please stay off closed trails and adhere to all signage posted.
Curlew Trail Connection Closed for the Winter
Ridge to Rivers has made the decision to close the trail for the winter. New trails are softer, and tend to retain moisture longer than firmer established trails - and thus are more susceptible to damage from poorly timed use during winter months. Closing the trail for the first winter will ensure that it is allowed to firm up properly and will also ensure that the trail retains the singletrack character that it was designed to provide.
We will open the trail permanently next spring, as soon as conditions have dried out adequately. Until then please refrain from using this trail.