Boise foothills trails are temporarily closed to protect trail surfaces after heavy rainfall dumped nearly an inch of precipitation in the area over a 24-hour period, Ridge to Rivers announced Monday morning.
As of 7 a.m. on April 13, Ridge to Rivers reported that all trails in the Boise foothills system should be avoided due to soft, muddy conditions. The closure includes all-weather trails, which are typically more resistant to wet conditions.
Alternative Recreation Options
Trail managers are encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to use the Boise Greenbelt or visit other Boise parks while foothills trails dry out. Using muddy trails can cause significant damage to trail surfaces, creating ruts and erosion that require costly repairs and volunteer labor to fix.
The rain follows a pattern from last summer when August rainfall caused mudslides in the foothills, forcing temporary closures and requiring maintenance work.
Scheduled Trail Closures Postponed
Due to the wet conditions, planned daily trail closures in the Bogus Basin and Eastside areas that were scheduled to begin Monday have been pushed back to April 27. The closures are part of routine maintenance work, and crews still expect to complete the work by June 19 as originally planned.
The delay allows trail surfaces to dry before maintenance crews begin their seasonal work on those sections of the Ridge to Rivers system.
Sheep Migration Through Foothills This Weekend
Ridge to Rivers officials also reminded trail users that sheep will be moving through the Boise foothills next weekend. Trail users are advised to dismount from bicycles and walk until the sheep have safely passed through the area.
Sheep migrations are a regular occurrence in the foothills as ranchers move their flocks to summer grazing areas. The animals have right-of-way on trails, and giving them space helps prevent stress to the animals and potential safety issues for trail users.
How to Check Trail Conditions
Boise-area residents can monitor current trail conditions and closures through the Ridge to Rivers Interactive Map page, which provides real-time updates on which trails are open and safe to use.
Ridge to Rivers manages more than 190 miles of trails in the Boise foothills, serving hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The trail system is maintained through a partnership between the City of Boise, Ada County, and other local agencies.
Trail users who encounter muddy conditions are encouraged to turn around rather than continue, as even a few footprints or bike tracks on soft trails can cause lasting damage that degrades the trail experience for everyone.