Savor the local trails this summer. Enjoy the slower pace and quiet solitude on the following trails — where motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted:
RIVERSIDE PEDESTRIAN PATH — GARDEN CITY GREENBELT
Enjoy this short and easy 3-miles-out-and-back dirt trail along the north shore of the Boise River. The trail starts at a stocked fishing pond.
Mature cottonwoods and silver maples provide shade in the summer. Listen for the yellow warblers, red-winged blackbirds and mourning doves. Later in the summer, sample wild blackberries.
When the Boise River is flowing strong in late spring and early summer, portions of the trail may be wet. Watch out for poison ivy on the edges of the trail and consider using mosquito repellent.
Getting there: Take State Street to Glenwood Street, turn south. Continue to Riverside Drive and turn right, then left into the small parking lot at Riverside Park. Hike starts on the west side of the lot.
Information: Garden City Hall, 472-2900, or gardencityidaho.govoffice.com.
HULLS GULCH INTERPRETIVE TRAIL — UPPER HULLS GULCH
This hike can be a bit strenuous due to the uneven and steep terrain on the upper section of the trail. You can do it as a 7-mile out-and-back walk, or do a shorter 4-mile point-to-point hike.
Designated as a National Recreation Trail, several educational signs describe the geology, wildlife and plants of the area. Wide views of the distant Treasure Valley, which was originally a large lake, are prevalent at the start of the trail.
Along the trail, sagebrush grasslands cover the steep slopes. Maples, birches and syringa grow along the creek bottom. Watch for orioles, robins and finches as they collect chokecherries and elderberries for food.
The terrain becomes more rugged the farther you hike, leading to a rock outcropping with a waterfall that runs in the spring. With expansive views of the valley below, it’s perfect place to take a break.
This hike is more remote than it first appears, so be prepared and bring water.
Getting there: Drive on North 8th Street entering the Hulls Gulch Reserve. Continue past the Foothills Learning Center. Go up a steep hill to the North 8th Street gate. Continue past the open gate and turn right into the large parking lot at the lower trailhead.
Information: Ridge to Rivers, 514-3756, or www.ridgetorivers.org.
MORES MOUNTAIN INTERPRETIVE TRAIL EXTENSION —BOISE NATIONAL FOREST
This nature trail near the peaks at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area features wildflowers in the summer, and is a welcome relief from the Valley’s high temperatures. The alpine setting offers peaceful nature sounds, a multitude of colors and magnificent views of distant mountains and the Treasure Valley.
Start the hike at the northwest edge of the day-use area near the kiosk at 6,721 feet elevation.
The trail system at the base of Mores Mountain consists of three loops. There is a steeper 2.2-mile outer loop extension with overlooks. A moderate 1.3-mile middle loop trail leads to an overlook. The easy one-mile inner loop interpretive trail leads through meadows of yellow, purple, white and red wildflowers.
All three trails connect with the last part of the longer outer loop trail and then descend through a deep old-growth forest with trees 100 to 125 years old. Douglas fir are common, mixed with aspen, ponderosa and mountain ash. Towards the end of the trail, you can see the distant Sawtooth Range.
Bring a wildflower or bird guidebook so you can identify some of the 200-plus plant and animal species that live near the trail. Watch for the white-flowered syringa, which is the Idaho state flower. Listen for the tapping of the woodpeckers, or bring binoculars and look for the small owls and mountain bluebirds that nest in the trees.
Prepare for the temperamental mountain weather by bringing layers of clothing and consider a picnic at this scenic location.
Getting there: Follow North Bogus Basin Road for 16 miles to Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. Continue four miles past the Frontier Point Lodge to Shafer Butte Picnic Area. Park in the Day Use parking area and pay the $5 fee.
Information: Boise National Forest, 587-7961, or www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise and Ridge to Rivers, 514-3756, or www.ridgetorivers.org.
