January 4 Trail Report

Condition Status: Likely Muddy / Use Caution
Today’s weather forecast presents a challenging scenario for the Boise Foothills. With an overnight low of 37°F and a projected high of 48°F, we are currently missing the hard "overnight freeze" that typically makes winter trail use possible. Because the ground didn't firm up, and with a 65% chance of light rain expected throughout the day, the clay heavy soils are in a highly sensitive state. Most dirt trails, especially popular lower-elevation routes like Table Rock or those in Hulls Gulch, are likely saturated and prone to rutting.

If you are planning to head out, please keep in mind: if mud is sticking to your shoes or tires, the trail is too soft to be used. In these conditions, even a single hiker or cyclist can cause significant damage that requires extensive maintenance once the trails dry out. If you do encounter a stray muddy patch or puddle, remember to walk directly through the center rather than around it; stepping off-trail to avoid mud widens the path and destroys the delicate native vegetation that holds the hillsides together.

Given the current moisture levels, your best strategy is to stick to designated All-Weather Trails. Routes like the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Trail (#19A) or the Harrison Hollow area are specifically designed with gravel or sandier compositions to handle this kind of weather. Alternatively, the Boise River Greenbelt offers miles of paved, scenic paths that are completely safe from weather-related damage.