Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail offers an extensive city trail system less than 10 minutes from downtown Boise, providing diverse options for hiking, running, biking, or family outings. It features a nature center with educational elements, flexible trail lengths from 2.5 to 8 miles, and scenic beauty, making it a highly accessible and versatile outdoor destination.
Key Highlights
- ✓Located less than 10 minutes from downtown Boise.
- ✓Features a Nature Center with interpretive flower gardens and a swing.
- ✓A Foothills Learning Center provides information about the trail and habitat.
- ✓Offers flexible trail lengths, from a manageable 2.5-mile loop to an extended 8-mile hike.
- ✓Includes a beautiful little creek about halfway through one of the recommended routes.
- ✓Specific routes like Owl's Roost Trail (37), Kastrei Trail (39a), and Red Cliff Trail (39) create a loop back to the parking lot.
Standout Features
- ⭐Proximity to downtown Boise for quick access.
- ⭐Great Nature Center with interpretive flower gardens and a swing.
- ⭐Foothills Learning Center for educational engagement on trail and habitat.
- ⭐Multiple trailheads offering various starting points and access to different trail segments.
- ⭐Port-a-potties available at trailheads, enhancing comfort for longer visits.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →When on the 'dog trail', go right at the junction instead of left, as the left path has segregated days (bicyclists downhill on odd days, hikers up on even days).
- →Consider starting at the Grove Trailhead parking lot (findable on Google Maps) for a specific loop via Owl's Roost (37), Kastrei (39a), and Red Cliff (39) trails.
- →Be prepared for encounters with off-leash dogs, especially if hiking with a leashed dog, and be aware of the 30-foot recall rule.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Significant issues with uncontrolled off-leash dogs and owners not adhering to 30-foot recall or voice recall rules, causing stress for leashed dogs and their owners.
- ⚠Negative encounters with irresponsible dog owners who disregard rules and show disrespect.
Price & Value
No explicit pricing is mentioned, suggesting free access to the trails and amenities. The availability of multiple trail options, nature and learning centers, and port-a-potties offers high value for a free experience.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The presence of a Nature Center and interpretive gardens suggests some level of accessible pathways or areas.
- •No specific accommodations like wheelchair access on all trails or sensory-friendly hours are explicitly mentioned for the hiking trails themselves.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food or drink policy is mentioned. The presence of port-a-potties implies visitors may stay for extended periods, suggesting bringing personal snacks and water is common and likely allowed.
🚗Parking Info
- •Tons of parking available at multiple trailheads, including a specific mention of the Grove Trailhead parking lot.
👥Crowd Levels
- •One review about dog encounters suggests that the trails can be busy enough for frequent interactions between users.
- •The segregation of bike/hike days on certain paths implies management of user traffic during potentially busy times.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Rules regarding dog recall (30-foot voice recall) are stated, though enforcement appears to be an issue.
- •Segregated days for bicyclists and hikers on specific trail sections (e.g., 'left' path on dog trail) are implemented for safety.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you have a leashed dog and are highly sensitive to uncontrolled off-leash dogs or potential confrontations with irresponsible owners.
- • The 'left' path on the dog trail on odd days if you are hiking uphill, due to downhill bicyclists.
- • If you expect strict enforcement of dog leash/recall rules.
Pricing/Package/Events
🍎Food Policy
- • Bring plenty of water.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Be prepared for desert conditions.
- • The trail is for pedestrians only.
- • The road past the 8th Street Trailhead can be pretty rough and at times may not be passable to regular passenger vehicles.
- • The road past the 8th Street Trailhead may require high clearance or four-wheel or all-wheel drive.
🚗Parking Information
- • Trailhead is located about 7 miles up 8th Street past the end of the pavement.
- • Trail can also be accessed from the 8th Street Trailhead.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Dana Jones
a year agoI really love this trail because once you get down halfway on the dog trail you go to the right instead of the left because the left has days where bicyclists can go downhill on odd days and you can hike up on even days. So we went last Saturday and it was really nice, take the right and about halfway through. There's a beautiful little creek and it is pretty.
Katie Stachowiak
a month agoIf you enjoy being harassed by dogs upon dogs who have no recall then enjoy. This was one of the most stressful hikes I have done with my leashed friendly dog. An owner with 3 labs all of leash, dogs so far away from owner you can’t see where they are coming from. Ran up to my dogs face and when I told them to be recalled she walked off laughing. The rules are simple. 30 feet recall. Voice recall must be well disciplined ! Don’t let your 3 dogs run up to leashed dogs and get in their faces and then laugh at it. Never ever going back. Go to corrals trails. Much more respectful humans.
Hesam
2 years agoLoved the trail. Fascinating that you have this trail less than 10 minute away from downtown Boise. I started at Grove Trailhead parking lot (find it on google maps) and took 37 owl’s roost trail, then the 39a kastrei trail, and then 39 red cliff trail which brings you back to parking lot. There was the foothills learning center on the trail with information about the trail and habitat which I didn’t get to explore. Seemed pretty cool.
Caitlin Body
2 years agoI love this trail! It is the perfect length for me about two and a half miles. I have also taken other trails that lead off of it and done a 8 mile hike. The scenery is beautiful!
Margaret Chicoine
a year agoAmazing city trail system! Many options for hiking running biking or even an outing with the little ones! There’s a great nature center with interpretive flower gardens and even a swing in the yard. I could have hung out for hours and there is tons of parking at multiple trailheads with port-a potty’s
Contact Information
649-659 Sunset Peak Rd, Boise, ID 83702, USA
View on Google Maps