With a wide variety of experiences and difficulties, this area is quite popular. Most of the trails cross private property as they leave the neighborhoods and begin their long ascent, so please stay only on the marked trails. Because this is such a popular place it is important to respect others and keep yourself, your bike, your horse or your pet under control and tread lightly on the land.

Mountain Bikers and Off Highway Vehicle Users ... slow down to a runners pace when approaching people. Yield to others including uphill riders, and let horse riders know you're approaching to avoid a scary experience for both. The Ridge to Rivers Trails are not the place to train for your next race.

Pet Owners ... Uncontrolled pets can frighten others and scare away or kill wildlife. Be respectful to others and keep your pets under control. This is especially important during winter and early spring to protect wintering big game and nesting birds. Pets must be on a leash within Boise City Reserves according to City Code and also within the Wildlife Management Area. For more information about pets and trails see It's a Dog's Life.

Hikers/Runners ... Please step off trail to the downhill side to let horses pass when at all possible. Please respect all closure signs. There is usually a reason for closing what appears to be a trail, such as reducing erosion, protecting wildlife or respecting the wishes of a landowner.

Hulls Gulch Trail #29 / Crestline Trail #28
These are probably the most heavily used trails on the Boise Front so be prepared to share. While most folks are polite you may encounter the less informed/enlightened. Its popularity is not without a reason as it has great views, and is a fun ride, run or walk. These trails can be used to access other trails that may see fewer people. Many runners or hikers continue up the Pedestrian Only Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail.

Sidewinder Trail #24
This side excursion, when combined with Trail #4, has become popular as a way to jump off the main routes below. If you re looking for a major workout, hike or ride up #4 to #6, down #5 and climb out of Curlew Gulch to Shane s #26A. (editors hint...It s easier in the other direction.)

Shane's #26A Three Bears #26
These two trails provide excellent mid-elevation views from the foothills. They can be accessed from Rocky Canyon, or from the Military Reserve via either Bucktail Trail #20A, or Central Ridge #22. Shane's is a moderate, enjoyable loop, while Three Bears is great both up and back, as you get different views coming back down the trail. The upper end of Three Bears to Rocky Canyon Road near Five mile Creek crosses private property so please respect posted signs.

Military Reserve Connection #23
This is a nice alternate to access into or out of the Central Foothills by avoiding Crestline Dr. and Claremont Dr. It is a bit sandy in spots.

This is a moderate loop hike best begun at 5-Mile Gulch and looped via the 1.3 miles of Rocky Canyon Road separating the two trailheads. 5-Mile Gulch is a large drainage containing mature stands of Cottonwood and Locust trees seldom seen in the foothills. Orchard Gulch contains numerous fruit trees reminiscent of an earlier era.

Trailhead Parking:

Also see the Crestline Trail, Shane's Trail and Curlew Ridge Trail panoramic scenes as part of the Panoramic Journey.