Hiking with Kids Open

Shane's Trail

Name: Shane's Trail
Address: #26A Shane's Trail, Boise, ID 83702, USA, Boise, ID, US
Rating: 4.6

4.6(33) Boise, ID

Directions

About Shane's Trail

Shane's Trail offers a beautiful, gentle, and open hiking experience, renowned for its expansive and awesome views of downtown Boise and the foothills. It's not overly technical, making it manageable for various skill levels, yet parts offer 'aggressive up and downs' for a good exercise loop. It's possible to cover ground quickly, making it efficient for active families.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking a scenic and manageable hike with diverse terrain (Review 1, 2, 5).Parents looking for an active outing that doubles as a 'great exercise loop' (Review 4).Visitors wanting panoramic views of Boise and its surrounding foothills (Review 3, 5).Families who appreciate shared trails with polite bikers (Review 4).**Younger Children (e.g., preschool/early elementary):** Suitable for families with kids, as reviewers state 'my kids did perfectly fine' (Review 1) and describe it as 'gentle and open' (Review 2) and 'not overly technical' (Review 5). Parents should be aware of 'aggressive up and downs' in some sections (Review 4).

Why families love it

Gentle and open terrain, making it accessible for families.
Not overly technical sections, allowing for easier navigation.
Features single track sections for a classic hiking feel.
Provides expansive views in every direction, including awesome vistas of downtown Boise and the foothills.
Trail allows covering lots of ground quickly for efficient hikes.
Hikers and bikers share the trail nicely.

Insider tips

Visit on a clear day for the best views of downtown Boise and the foothills (Review 3, 5).
Be prepared for crowds on clear days, as it's a popular spot (Review 3).
Assess your children's stamina for sections with 'pretty aggressive up and downs' (Review 4).
Be mindful of bikers, as the trail is shared, though reviewers note they 'share nicely' (Review 4).
Consider exploring the 'lots of nearby trails' if you're looking for extended options (Review 3).

Good to know before you go

If you strictly want to avoid crowds, clear days might be busy (Review 3).
If you or your children have limited mobility or prefer completely flat trails, be aware of the 'pretty aggressive up and downs' (Review 4).
Can get crowded on clear days, with 'lots of people out' (Review 3).
Contains 'pretty aggressive up and downs' in some sections, which might be challenging for very young children or those seeking a consistently flat path (Review 4).

Crowds: Can be crowded with 'lots of people out on a clear day!' (Review 3).
Accessibility: No specific accommodations mentioned. The 'single track' nature (Review 3) and 'aggressive up and downs' (Review 4) suggest limited accessibility for wheelchairs or strollers.
Safety: No specific safety features are mentioned, but 'Hikers and bikers share nicely' (Review 4) implies a respectful and generally safe shared environment.