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Trail Tips - Walk the Dog
It's a Dog's Life

What trails are available for me and my dog?

Finding a place to walk your dog is really quite simple. Currently, the only trails that are closed to dogs are in Polecat Trail System-see below for more information. Simply head out, take a plastic grocery bag for dog doo, a leash and be aware of the rules and common sense of being a responsible dog owner.

Being aware of the ways your dog can create problems is an important part of being a responsible dog owner.

Social conflicts include;

  • not picking up after your dog when it does its thing.
  • off-leash dogs scaring or conflicting with other trail users.

Environmental conflicts include;

  • dogs off leash scaring, harassing or killing wildlife such as ground nesting birds or
  • wintering big game
  • digging holes and disturbing rare plant sites or stream banks.

See also;
Polecat Trail System:
To protect sensitive Aase's Onion habitat and important wildlife values, as well as to provide an area where dog/human encounters are closely controlled, all trails in the Polecat Gulch Trail System are managed as ON-LEASH. Your dog is welcome on these trails, but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. To view a study conducted by Idaho Fish and Game of Aase's Onion populations in this area, please click here. 10/2/08

Dog chasing deer cartoon.Currently Boise City Code requires dogs to be leashed within City Limits, which includes a number of trails, and all trailheads in the Camels Back/Hulls Gulch Reserve, and the Military Reserve. Idaho Fish and Game also requires that pets be leashed or under close control at all times in the Wildlife Management Area except for hunting dogs during hunting season.

There is one temporary Off Leash Area within a flood detention basin in Military Reserve near the Mtn Cove Road / Shaw Mtn Road intersection. The future of dogs off leash in a growing recreation area like the Foothills is not clear, but responsible dog owners can help be part of the solution by following established regulations, always having control over their pets, and sharing the need for these practices with other trail users.

Here are a few ways you can become part of the solution...

Respect and follow the rules and related signs that are in place.

Recognize the critical times for wildlife - winter through early summer- and be overly cautious with pets. A dog’s urge to hunt vulnerable wildlife can be strong.

Controlling your pet means keeping them from interfering with other trail users or digging and causing erosion on hillsides or streambanks.

Two important areas for wildlife are along streams and in the Wildlife Management Area, especially during winter and early spring. Avoid allowing your dog to cruise these areas.

Keep pets from “hunting” birds on hillsides. Ground-nesting birds will leave a nest if disturbed and dogs will kill young birds not capable of escape. Other trail users want to see birds, not your dog.

Outside of Boise City limits, on public land, dogs can run off leash if they are not disturbing wildlife or causing a safety concern with other trail users. In these "Controlled Off-Leash" areas, dog owners still must carry a leash and waste bag with them, and their dogs should not be further than 30 feet away at any time. Common sense and respect for others will go a long way in keeping this option available to you and your pet.

Keep pets leashed on the busy trails to protect them and other trail users.

Carry a grocery bag to pick up pet waste and deposit in trash cans.

Become involved with groups who support being a responsible pet owner.

Now that you're all set to head out and practice your Responsible Dog Owner techniques, here's a few suggestions for you and your dog.

Corral's Trail #31

Curlew Ridge #26

Shane's Loop #26A

The Ponds Loop #21 (Next to the OLA)
Three dogs on a "sit-stay".

Send Us Your Comments & Questions at
bpr@cityofboise.org