Polecat Gulch Grant Awarded!
The City of Boise was awarded grant funding from the State of Idaho's Recreational Trails Program for construction of seven miles of trail, and two small trailheads in the Polecat Reserve. The Reserve lies south of Cartwright Road, east of Pierce Park Road and north of Collister Road. Construction will begin in spring of 2006, and will continue throughout the summer. Pay attention to this website and the newspaper for some volunteer opportunities to help build these trails. The new trails will be a great benefit to West Boise residents.  12/05/05

Ridgecrest Trail Relocated with Help From Gem State Academy Students
Approximately 1/4-mile of the Ridgecrest Trail #20, was relocated with the help of students from Caldwell's Gem State Academy. The trail was relocated from the Central Ridge junction down into the Cottonwood Creek drainage, due to persistent erosion issues occurring on it's old alignment. The new trail location will alleviate those issues. Ridgecrest Trail is located in Military Reserve.  10/27/05

Red Winged Blackbird Trail Improvements
The Ridge to Rivers Trail Crew recently added two new bridges to the Red Winged Blackbird Trail in Hulls Gulch Reserve. The bridges, along with a soon to be completed 50-foot long turnpike will improve the trail significantly. Red Winged Blackbird is a pedestrian only trail. 05/12/05

5-Mile Gulch
The 5-Mile Gulch Trail has been reconstructed, and is ready for your enjoyment. The trail follows an old road from Rocky Canyon to the Ridge Road. It begins under mature cottonwood trees in a scenic valley bottom, and finishes in the forests along the Boise Ridge. The trails is 3.3 miles long, and gains a strenuous 2,000 feet in elevation. It is a non-motorized route.
 

Dry Creek Trailhead
A new trailhead providing parking and trail access to trails in the Hidden Springs area was completed in early April. The trailhead is located adjacent to Dry Creek Road, across from the Red Tail Trail portal.  The Dry Creek Trailhead is finally ready for you! Road construction along Dry Creek Road has kept this area closed to vehicular traffic for most of the summer. The road is now open, and the trailhead is ready for use. Dry Creek Trailhead access Dry Creek Trail and the Red Tail area trails. The trailhead was constructed with funds from the Ridge to Rivers partnership and a grant from the Recreational Trails Program, through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. 08/30/05

Directions:
Hill Road Parkway then north on Seaman Gulch Road about 3/4 mile.
Parking is on the right next to a small building and large water tank.

Trail Description:
The Seaman Gulch Loop begins near the water tank. It is rated easy to moderate with gradual climbs and descents. A single track trail, it is 2' -3' wide with nice views of the city from the top. The Wild Phlox trail branches off the Seamen Gulch Loop near the top and drops to the north on a challenging single track, making its way back down to the parking lot.

Pick Up Your Pet's Poop!
Complaints continue to mount over the inability or unwillingness, of trail using dog owners to pick up after their dogs. Please carry a plastic bag with you, and pack out your dog's waste from the trails. This provides for a better experience for all trail users, and will help to ensure that dog's can remain as welcome visitors to Ridge to Rivers Trails.

Adopt-A-Trail Program A number of area businesses and organizations are participating in the Ridge to Rivers Adopt-A-Trail Program. These adoptees assist our trail staff in the maintenance of their trail each spring, and again in the fall when necessary. Thanks to all who are participating!

Trail Ranger Program
Seven uniformed volunteers patrol the Ridge to Rivers trail system on a regular basis. Their goal is to provide information, and educate trail users as to proper trail etiquette and the need to follow trail related regulations, such as on leash restrictions. They also provide valuable trail use observations that help us in our planning efforts for the Ridge to Rivers System.

Trail E
The 1.9 mile section of trail from Rocky Canyon Road to Lucky Peak, which crosses private property has been closed to public access by land owners.  Unauthorized travel is no longer permitted on this section of trail.  See map for closure.