Upper Hulls Trailhead
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Upper Hulls Trailhead offers highly accessible and well-maintained hiking trails directly into the Boise Foothills, providing impressive valley views and routes all the way up to the Boise ridge. It uniquely caters to families by providing specific 'pedestrians only' trails (like the 'blue' trail) that are also dog-friendly, offering a serene experience away from motorized vehicles and fast-moving bikes, even featuring a flowing creek and shade in warmer months.
Key Highlights
- ✓Excellent access to the Boise Foothills with great views of the valley.
- ✓Well-maintained trail system with options for various activities (motorized, mountain bike, hiking).
- ✓Specific 'blue' designated trails are 'pedestrians only' and allow dogs, providing a quieter experience.
- ✓Some trails feature shade and a nice creek, even in June when other areas are dry and hot.
- ✓The trail to the east specifically prohibits motorbikes, enhancing the hiking experience.
- ✓Access extends all the way up to the Boise ridge for longer adventures.
Standout Features
- ⭐Good parking facilities.
- ⭐Stunning views of the valley from the trails.
- ⭐Designated 'pedestrians only' trails that are dog-friendly.
- ⭐Natural features like shade and a flowing creek on certain routes.
- ⭐Trails are well-maintained.
- ⭐Specific motorbike-free trail option (to the east) for a more peaceful hike.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Always check trail signs carefully, especially when choosing a route back to the parking lot, as rules for walkers vs. bikers can vary by day (e.g., 'odd' days for bikes only).
- →Prioritize 'blue' (pedestrians only) trails if you want to avoid dirt bikes and fast-moving mountain bikes.
- →Plan your hike for cooler weather and bring plenty of water, as it can be 'dry and hot' in peak summer months.
- →If hiking with dogs, verify the trail is designated as dog-friendly, like the 'blue' pedestrian trail.
- →Consider the trail to the east for a 'nicer' experience without motorbikes.
- →Be aware that bikes on multi-use trails can approach quickly around corners, so remain alert.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Many trails are shared with dirt bikes and mountain bikes, which can be noisy and fast-moving, requiring vigilance.
- ⚠Confusing trail rules for multi-use paths (e.g., 'odd' days for bikes only), requiring careful attention to signage to avoid prohibited routes.
- ⚠Bikes can come around corners quickly on shared or bike-specific trails, posing a potential safety risk.
- ⚠Conditions can be 'dry and hot in June', indicating a need for careful planning regarding weather and hydration.
Price & Value
Access to Upper Hulls Trailhead is assumed to be free, offering excellent value for access to an extensive, well-maintained trail system with scenic views and varied options for recreational activities.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The 'blue' pedestrian-only trail is described as 'nothing too extreme or arduous', suggesting it may be suitable for a wider range of mobility levels, though no specific wheelchair or adaptive equipment accommodations are mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No explicit food or drink policy is mentioned, but bringing 'plenty of water' is strongly advised due to potential heat and dryness.
🚗Parking Info
- •Good parking is available at the trailhead.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The area is popular, attracting 'people, dogs, biked and motorbikes', indicating a generally active environment.
- •Specific trails can have 'PLENTY of dirt bikes', suggesting high usage of multi-use paths.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Trails are described as 'well-maintained', contributing to hiker safety.
- •Clear signage is present, which is crucial for navigating multi-use trails and understanding daily restrictions.
- •Reviewers highlight potential safety concerns regarding fast-moving bikes around corners on shared trails, implying the need for personal vigilance.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Hiking on trails designated for bikes only on specific days (e.g., 'odd' days) if you are a pedestrian, especially with young children.
- • General multi-use trails if you prefer a completely quiet experience, as dirt bikes can be heard and seen.
- • Hiking during peak heat without adequate hydration, as it can be very hot and dry.
- • Any route where bikes are permitted if you have small children who cannot react quickly to fast-moving cyclists.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Michael Early
a year agoGreat access to the Foothills above Boise. Good parking. Great views of the valley. Trails for everyone including motorized, mountain bike, hiking. Access all the way up to the Boise ridge
Ellen Moore
2 years agoNothing too extreme or arduous here: well-maintained trail system consisting of an out-and-back with a loop (sort of like a melted lollipop). Normally it's dry and hot in June, but the creek was still flowing and the hills were lush and cool. NOTE: we chose this trail on purpose because it was blue (pedestrians only) and allows dogs. There are PLENTY of dirt bikes on the other trails (we could hear/see them at times on this route) but never on this trail. If you choose to meander back to the parking lot a different route, pay attention to the signs: we started down a pretty path and then realized it was an "odd" day, which doesn't permit walkers (only bikes). And, the bikes can come around corners pretty fast Fortunately, us renegades ran into no one and got back of the "ped" path.
Kelli Murphy
10 months agoBeautiful hike, plan your hike in cooler weather and bring plenty of water. Shade and nice creek along the way.
Kimmie Purney
a year agoVery pretty trail and well maintained
Don Essig
a year agoPeople, dogs, biked and motorbikes. The trail to the east does not allow motorbikes and thus is much nicer.
Contact Information
#4 8th Street Motorcycle Trail, Boise, ID 83702, USA
View on Google Maps