New trails and a trailhead located inside Hawkins Range Reserve are open to the public. The 5.7-mile directional Hawkins Loop Trail, Harrow Trail and corresponding trailhead are located approximately seven miles up N. Bogus Basin Road. This unique reserve encompasses 393 acres and until now, has not been accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
The property was protected in 2015 with the city’s purchase of land previously owned by the Hawkins family, the Berry family and other properties owned by the Idaho Humane Society. Family members joined Mayor Lauren McLean, members of the Boise City Council and project partners for a dedication ceremony at the site to celebrate the preservation of the property and new recreational opportunities within.
“Boiseans are strong supporters of public land and outdoor recreation, and this new reserve is a great example of the community coming together to protect a prime piece of open space from development,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “These trails and the beauty that surrounds them will be a daily reminder of why we continue to preserve these important open spaces for generations to come.”
In alignment with successful special trail management strategies on select Ridge to Rivers trails, the Hawkins Loop Trail will be managed as a one-way directional trail. Signage has been placed to direct users inside the reserve. In addition to the 5.7-mile loop, Ridge to Rivers trail team members completed building the .6-mile Harrow Trail. This trail, when combined with both ends of the Hawkins Loop, provides a shorter 1.5-mile recreational opportunity. Harrow Trail is also directional – all users must travel north to south. Visitors can preview these new trails using the Ridge to Rivers interactive map.
Dogs are required to remain on-leash on all Hawkins Range Reserve trails from May 1 through June 15 to protect elk calving in the area. Dogs will be allowed off-leash from June 16 to November 30 annually, but must be under voice control at all times.
Hawkins Range Reserve and all trail access will be closed seasonally from December 1 to April 30 to protect critical habitat and important wildlife corridors for the animals who call the foothills home.
“This is an incredible addition to our trail system that provides a variety of experiences for users of all ages,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We appreciate the community’s commitment to respecting the surrounding wildlife while enjoying a world-class hike, bike ride or horseback ride in this area of the Boise Foothills.”
The new trailhead in the reserve is paved and includes stalls for horse trailer parking, a restroom and updated landscaping highlighting native plants and shrubs. The area serves as a gathering place with trees providing shade for visitors to enjoy.
Funding from the 2015 Open Space and Clean Water Levy helped complete the project.
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. The Ridge to Rivers Trail System currently manages more than 210 miles of trails located throughout the Boise Foothills.