CURRENT OUTLOOK
The Ridge to Rivers Trail System is highly susceptible to damage right now due to muddy conditions in the Boise Foothills. The warmer weather, rain, and melting snow are saturating the trails, creating muddy and poor conditions that can lead to long-term damage if used continuously by hikers and bikers. Please seek out alternative places to recreate this week, like the Boise River Greenbelt or pathways in your local park.
Using trails when they are muddy is the leading cause of trail damage on the Ridge to Rivers system. Trail crews are seeing human-caused damage on many trails across the system, like Heroes Trail and Seamans Gulch Trail. This damage could result in seasonal closures and irreparable conditions come spring. Two trail closures are already in effect this winter: the Old Pen Trail in Table Rock Reserve and Ridge Crest Trail in Military Reserve.
“The forecast calls for more rain and above-freezing temperatures this week,” said Ridge to Rivers Trail Manager David Gordon, “These conditions, unfortunately, don’t go well with trail use; snow has turned to slush and mud quickly. Thank you to our users who check trail condition updates online daily and help spread the word to stay off the trails so they’ll be in better shape come spring and summer.”
Trail users are encouraged to follow daily trail condition reports posted on the Ridge to Rivers Facebook page and website. Updated trail conditions are also updated live on the Ridge to Rivers interactive map. New this year, trail users can sign up for alerts with timely notifications about things like muddy trails and seasonal closures. We appreciate users who follow wet weather trail etiquette, especially during changing winter weather patterns like we are currently experiencing.
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY + PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
Ridge to Rivers recommends visiting alternate places to get outside this week. The Boise River Greenbelt is a great option, as it has been fully plowed and de-iced following last week’s snow. There are also three parks – Ann Morrison Park, Optimist Youth Sports Complex, and Simplot Sports Complex – that are off-leash dog areas through February, should your four-legged friend need to get out and get some exercise.