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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can you separate use on Lower Hulls Gulch Trail by building a separate trail alongside the original?

Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible due to very erosive slopes on either side of the creek and adjacent private lands. It’s worth noting Ridge to Rivers staff has taken a hard look at this option in the past and determined it is not feasible.

  1. Can you enforce the special management strategies implemented on the trails? Particularly the odd/even schedule on Lower Hulls Gulch and the directional strategy at Polecat Loop?

Based on feedback we have received along with trail ranger reports, most people are following the management strategies and utilizing the signs to ensure they are complying. Currently, Boise Police and members of our animal compliance team from the City Clerk's Office have the authority to enforce trailhead related policies on land owned or managed by the City of Boise. Each Ridge to Rivers partner has enforcement authority on their own lands, specific to the rules and regulations of the agency. No one jurisdiction covers all the land management agencies’ property and enforcement.

Our Ridge to Rivers rangers do not have the ability to cite trail users, so we focus on education and outreach.  We remain committed to educating users on proper etiquette and encouraging everyone to be mindful on the trails so ticketed enforcement remains a last resort. Please do your part to set a welcoming and friendly tone on our trail system.

  1. It’s not fair that mountain bikers can use Lower Hulls Gulch Trail on both odd and even days of the month. Can you close the trail to bikes on days pedestrians use the trail?

Survey results in March of 2021 indicated that trail users viewed this location as a priority area for separation of use strategies. The goal of the odd/even separation of use strategy is to improve user safety on Lower Hulls Gulch Trail and reduce the potential for conflict on this popular route. Since some users enjoy riding up Lower Hulls Gulch on their mountain bike, the current separation of use strategy allows that experience to continue without jeopardizing the safety of folks on foot due to downhill mountain biking.

  1. Mountain bikers get their own day on Lower Hulls Gulch, so why are they allowed to ride uphill on pedestrian days?

Uphill mountain bike traffic does not cause the safety concerns caused by downhill mountain bike traffic. This trail is important to all users, and we were hopeful to minimize changes where possible. Uphill bikes are generally going slower, and cyclists can respond quickly to slow down or stop when approaching other users. Downhill mountain biking speed causes concerns related to the safety of all users.

  1. Can the odd/even schedule at Lower Hulls Gulch Trail be seasonal? This is one of the few all-weather trails that users can access when it’s wet due to favorable soils.

We have learned throughout the seven month pilot trail program that consistency is key. Changing management strategies multiple times a year would lead to confusion and disregard. At this time, we are moving forward with adopting the odd/even schedule year-round but remain committed to surveying our users and monitoring this issue through the winter months. For additional all-weather trail recommendations in the Boise Foothills, visit our winter trail use webpage.

  1. I don’t like having to stop my hike or ride to open and close the gates added at Lower Hulls Gulch Trail. Can you remove them or replace them with chicanes?

The gates were installed to encourage users to slow down and read the signage added at the top and bottom of Lower Hulls Gulch when the special management strategy on this trail was implemented. They have been successful in educating users about the changes to this trail and there are no plans to remove or replace them with chicanes at this time.

  1. Can you keep Around the Mountain Trail at Bogus Basin one-way for mountain bikers, but allow hikers to travel in both directions (especially for users who can’t complete the entire loop)?

This feedback is appreciated. Ridge to Rivers and Bogus Basin are moving forward with adopting the directional trail strategy (counter-clockwise) on Around the Mountain for all users. This decision is based on user feedback throughout the 2021 pilot trail program. However, we have received several requests for a multi-directional option for hikers on this trail and will continue to pulse our users via annual surveys to see if this option is supported in the future.

  1. Can you make some additional adjustments to Bucktail Trail to improve the mountain biking experience?

Yes, we have received feedback on the trail from users and plan to add an additional 30 yards of material to the trail to bolster features this fall.

  1. Why are there sloping edges on Two Point Trail, the new pedestrian only route near Bucktail?

Two-point was constructed to limit the impacts of erosion. The trail is designed to disperse water evenly down the hill and not cause rutting.

  1. Can Polecat Loop change direction more often than annually?

There are certainly potential opportunities for continued tweaks to the special management strategy in place at Polecat Reserve. However, due to the number of junctions and two-way trail sections that remain in place, an odd/even day of the month directional change would most likely confuse users and defeat the purpose of the management strategy. Ridge to Rivers will continue to survey users about their preferences at Polecat to see if there is an opportunity for adjustments in the future to improve trail experience.

  1. Can you build more downhill mountain biking trails?

Building trails in the Boise Foothills requires the collaboration of many land management agencies as well as private landowners. Bogus Basin has submitted a plan to significantly improve mountain biking trails and features. The City of Boise is awaiting a Bureau of Land Management decision for the 8th Street purpose-built trail proposal. Our partnership will continue to seek opportunities to respond to user feedback and enhance trail opportunities.


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