Ridge to Rivers
Winter Trail Use
LEARN MORE
Fall 2024 Survey Results
LEARN MORETHURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD TRAILS CONDITION REPORT:
For those of you that continue to be hearty enough to continue your outdoor recreation this week you’ve been treated to sunny skies and very nice trail conditions so far. So long as our “deep freeze” continues, trail conditions will continue to be rock solid through the morning and into the early afternoon in most locations. Due to the sunny, dry weather pattern that we have been in for a while now, plenty of trail locations appear to be legitimately dry at this point. Locations that are shaded for most of the day continue to harbor moisture in the soil that will return when temperatures do finally warm up a bit.
The currently reflects that most of the Lower Foothill trails are good-to-go right now. You may run across a few puddles or short, wet stretches but, by in large, trail conditions down low are in good shape. We’re also finding that trails in the mid-elevations are also progressively opening as well. Yesterday, Sweet Connie, a trail that was sloppy, muddy only a week ago, is largely dried out at least until the intersection with Chukar Butte. You’ll also find there some ice waterfalls along the creek that are really interesting and cool to see! While it is worth venturing a little farther up into the Foothills while conditions remain dry, please remember that if you find yourself in muddy stretches that are forcing you off the trail than it is time to turn around.
For those of you that regularly use the Interactive Map for updated trail conditions, we want to make sure folks know that the colors indicating trail conditions on the map have changed. Please reference the map key to get familiar with the new color scheme. The webpage remains unchanged and continues to be a good resource for more in depth winter trail use information.
Sweet Connie
Chukar Butte.
Peggy's Trail.
Polecat Trail.
All-Weather Trail Options
In recent years, the trail team has worked to increase the number of all-weather trails available to users across the Boise Foothills. These trails feature a special topsoil mix that is less susceptible to mud and long-term damage during wet weather. Click the button below to view a list of Boise’s 15 all-weather trails and brush up on trail etiquette tips to keep in mind during the winter months.
Announcements
Cartwright Ridge Trailhead Enhancements
We are excited to announce a $200,000 grant from the Foundation for America's Public Lands that will support the improvement of the Cartwright Ridge Trailhead, enhancing trail access in Northwest Boise. When paired with an approved investment from the City of Boise of $300,000, this much needed trailhead project will create a dedicated paved parking area with two ADA accessible spots, parking for horse trailers, a restroom and more. The trailhead, which is currently a dirt lot located off Cartwright Road, provides access to Polecat Reserve and Peggy's Trail. The land is owned by the Bureau of Land Management. Construction is expected to start as early as the spring of 2025.
Seasonal Closures in place for Landslide Loop and Hawkins Range Reserve
Seasonal trail closures on three Ridge to Rivers trails started December 1. Landslide Loop Trail, Hawkins Range Reserve and all trail access, and the 8th Street Extension Road are now closed for the wintertime. Please stay off closed trails and adhere to all signage posted.
Curlew Trail Connection Closed for the Winter
Ridge to Rivers has made the decision to close the trail for the winter. New trails are softer, and tend to retain moisture longer than firmer established trails - and thus are more susceptible to damage from poorly timed use during winter months. Closing the trail for the first winter will ensure that it is allowed to firm up properly and will also ensure that the trail retains the singletrack character that it was designed to provide.
We will open the trail permanently next spring, as soon as conditions have dried out adequately. Until then please refrain from using this trail.
Intermittent Closures of Red Tail and Chukar Butte Trails expected between December 2024 and January 2025 Due to Idaho Power Project
There will be temporary, intermittent closures along both trails for an Idaho Power transmission line upgrade. Closures will occur between the Dry Creek Trailhead to Cartwright Road. Thank you for staying out of closed areas for your own safety as this work is completed.