Hiking with Kids Open
Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail
4.7(213)4.7 out of 5 stars, 213 reviews Boise, ID
About Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail
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.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a quick outdoor escape close to the city.Parents with 'little ones' looking for a nature-themed outing with a playground element (swing) and gardens.Hikers desiring flexible trail lengths, from a short 2.5-mile walk to an extended 8-mile adventure.Dog owners who don't mind off-leash dog encounters or are prepared to manage them.Those interested in combining a hike with educational opportunities at the learning centers.
Why families love it
- 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.
Insider tips
- 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.
Good to know before you go
- 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.
- 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.
- Crowds
- One review about dog encounters suggests that the trails can be busy enough for frequent interactions between users.
- 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.
- Food
- 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.
- Accessibility
- The presence of a Nature Center and interpretive gardens suggests some level of accessible pathways or areas.
- Safety
- Rules regarding dog recall (30-foot voice recall) are stated, though enforcement appears to be an issue.
What parents say
"I 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."
a year ago
"If 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."
a month ago
"Loved 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."
2 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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