About Upper Hulls Trailhead
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.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking accessible and scenic hiking close to Boise.Parents looking for dog-friendly trails where their pets are welcome.Leisurely family walks on well-maintained paths without extreme difficulty.Hikers desiring shade and a creek on their route, especially during warmer seasons.Families who prefer trails explicitly free from motorized vehicles.
Why families love it
- 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.
Insider tips
- 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.
Good to know before you go
- 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.
- Many trails are shared with dirt bikes and mountain bikes, which can be noisy and fast-moving, requiring vigilance.
- Crowds
- The area is popular, attracting 'people, dogs, biked and motorbikes', indicating a generally active environment.
- 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.
- Food
- No explicit food or drink policy is mentioned, but bringing 'plenty of water' is strongly advised due to potential heat and dryness.
- Accessibility
- 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.
- Safety
- Trails are described as 'well-maintained', contributing to hiker safety.
What parents say
"Great 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"
a year ago
"Nothing 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 reali"
2 years ago
"Beautiful hike, plan your hike in cooler weather and bring plenty of water. Shade and nice creek along the way."
10 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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