Ridge to Rivers is closing two trails in the Boise Foothills to prevent further damage due to muddy conditions. The seasonal closures include the Old Pen Trail at Table Rock Reserve and the lower portion of Ridge Crest Trail in Military Reserve. In addition to on-site fencing and signage, users can view notes on both closures on the recently updated interactive map. When viewing the interactive map, users may need to refresh the webpage to show most current reports.
“These closures are an important step in our efforts to protect the Ridge to Rivers trail system and Boise’s open space assets during the muddy trail season, and we appreciate the cooperation of our users in advance,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “Using muddy trails is the leading cause of damage to the trail system. It’s up to all of us to take care of the trails and prevent long-term damage.”
The closure of these two trails is weather-dependent. They start immediately and are expected to last through early-March. Please stay out of signed and fenced areas to prevent trail damage.
- Old Pen Trail #15A: In partnership with the Idaho Department of Lands, the City of Boise has permitting authority to close the .6-mile Old Pen Trail #15A this winter to prevent damage to the trail. The trail starts at the Old Penitentiary Trailhead (2421 E. Old Penitentiary Road). Trailhead parking will not be affected by this seasonal trail closure. This is the second winter the city has closed the trail, in an effort to prevent further damage while slowly improving tread conditions over time.
- Ridge Crest Trail #20: Due to high clay content, this area in Military Reserve is especially prone to muddy conditions. Recent use has resulted in damage along the lower part of Ridge Crest Trail #20. The 200 yards from the trailhead parking area on Mountain Cove Road to the Archery Range parking lot is now closed. Users are encouraged to use the Archery Range parking lot to access other trails in this area.
Additional trails could be closed seasonally to prevent damage during the muddy season. Ridge to Rivers will continue to assess conditions and update trail users as decisions are made.
CURRENT TRAIL CONDITION REPORT
With early morning temperatures hovering around freezing, lower Boise Foothills trails will likely thaw out and become muddy sooner, rather than later each day this week. Trails in Hillside to Hollow Reserve, Table Rock Reserve and Polecat Reserve are good examples of places to avoid after mid-morning. Sandier trails such as Hulls Gulch and Dry Creek Trails are going to be the better bet as the temperature warms up and the sun comes out. Please remember, if you're leaving tracks, it’s time to turn back!
As always, please refer to Ridge to Rivers’ winter trail use webpage for more information.
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The Ridge to Rivers partnership consists of the City of Boise, Ada County, the Bureau of Land Management Four Rivers Field Office, the Boise National Forest and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.