The Military Reserve is approximately 734 acres reserved for several different uses. The amenities available in the area are an archery range, an old military cemetery, bike park, dog park and trails.
Completed in 2019, J. A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Bike Park has been designed to accommodate multiple skill levels from beginner to expert.
Freestone Trailhead is located another .4 miles further on Mountain Cove Road. Both are located on the east side of the road.
Freestone Creek Riparian Area Improvement Project
Ridge to Rivers is partnering with Boise Parks and Recreation’s foothills restoration team to complete a necessary project to help restore the seasonal wetland at Freestone Creek, located near the Cottonwood Creek Trailhead in lower Military Reserve. The wooded area, which is located between Freestone Trail and Mountain Cove Trail, will be fenced off on October 8, 2026, to prevent use of social trails that have developed over the years. The goal of the project is to revitalize the creek bed and prevent foot and bike traffic from damaging native plants, causing unnecessary soil erosion and the spread of invasive species in this sensitive area.
While we understand it has become a popular, unofficial recreation site for some trail users, we appreciate your cooperation in staying out of newly fenced areas. Signs will be posted pointing hikers and bikers to use nearby Freestone Creek Trail and Mountain Cove Trail via Toll Road Trail to connect to other areas within Military Reserve. These routes take only a few extra minutes and will aid in the success of this riparian improvement project. Thank you for your cooperation as we work to support the long-term health of Freestone Creek.
Hours of Operation
Park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Features & Amenities
Dog Off-Leash
Dogs and their owners should be sure to follow the city's leash ordinance going to and coming from the dog park, and follow the dog off-leash rules and regulations while visiting the park. Learn more.
Surface material is chat, a type of small, smooth gravel surface material.
Please note: If you plan to walk your dog between the new dog park/bike park along the trail to access Military Reserve, it has been designated an on-leash trail. Please keep your pet leashed until you reach the hill. Thank you for your cooperation!
Smoking Prohibition
Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all City of Boise parks, including within 20 feet of the Boise River Greenbelt, except in designated areas within Ann Morrison and Julia Davis Parks and at city-owned golf courses.
Towing
Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner's risk and expense. You can contact Boise Valley Towing by calling (208) 389-9707.
About Military Reserve
The Military Reserve is approximately 734 acres reserved for several different uses. The reserve is in the northeastern section of the city. The amenities available in the area are an archery range, an old military cemetery, bike park, dog park and trails. City of Boise purchased 449 acres from the Bureau of Land Management in March of 1956 and an additional 17 acres in 1981 for a total of 466 acres. The access road and cemetery were included in the patent to aid in maintenance efforts for these areas. In 2006, the City purchased the adjacent 260-acre Hawkins property utilizing 2.5 million from the Foothills Levy funds to expand Military Reserve.
The military cemetery is on a hillside approximately ½ mile east of the U.S. Veterans Administration Hospital. Veterans of the Mexican War, Civil War, Indian Wars and Spanish-American War are interred at the reserve. Several civilian graves are also at the reserve.
Health of the Reserve
In 2018, the ecological conditions of Military Reserve were assessed to include plant species inventories, shrub and perennial bunchgrass density, vegetative cover, and more. These data are used to guide management of the reserve.