4 km away
Wild Phlox and Seamans Gulch Loop
A short and hilly trail loop with excellent views.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 3.5 km
- Ascent
- 68 m
- Descent
- 68 m
Polecat Quick Draw Loop
A shorter version of a trail loop through Polecat Gulch
Hiking Moderate
- Distance
- 5.1 km
- Ascent
- 168 m
- Descent
- 168 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 917 m
- High Point
- 1.1 km
- Gradient
- 4˚
Polecat Gulch is a popular trailhead in the Boise Foothills with a few different loop options. The one shown here is the short version, but it still covers three miles and a significant hill climb. On this hike you'll go gradually up the valley of Polecat Gulch, then up a steeper section to gain a panoramic ridgeline. Winding along the ridge leads eventually to a quick descent, where the trail cuts across steep slopes to deliver you back into the gulch.
Description
If you want the longer version, simply stay on Polecat Loop trail instead of making the shortcut with Quick Draw and Doe Ridge. And as always in the Boise Foothills, stay off muddy trails in order to avoid damage. The trails at Polecat Gulch tend to dry slower than some others, so give them ample time following rain or snow.
Note: As of 2021, all users are required to travel counter-clockwise on this loop (may not apply in the winter).
Source: https://www.ridgetorivers.org/
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Picturesque
- Dog friendly
- Wild flowers
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
4.1 km away
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- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 121 m
- Descent
- 121 m
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- Distance
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- Ascent
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- Descent
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Camel's Back East Side Loop
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- Distance
- 2.3 km
- Ascent
- 69 m
- Descent
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- Distance
- 2.2 km
- Ascent
- 46 m
- Descent
- 47 m
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- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 143 m
- Descent
- 143 m
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Lower Hulls Gulch and Red Cliffs Loop
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Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.6 km
- Ascent
- 207 m
- Descent
- 207 m
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Cottonwood Creek Loop
Short and easy hike among prairie and forest near a little creek.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Ascent
- 29 m
- Descent
- 29 m
7.5 km away
Ridge Crest and Central Ridge Loop
A loop with some elevation gain and varied scenery, using Ridge Crest and Central Ridge trails
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.9 km
- Ascent
- 114 m
- Descent
- 114 m
7.5 km away
Eagle Ridge Overlooks
Hike uphill to nice views from both sides of a ridge near downtown Boise.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2 km
- Ascent
- 50 m
- Descent
- 50 m
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Guidebooks in this area
10 routes · Hiking
Best of Boise: Hiking in the Foothills
10 routes · Hiking
Best of Boise: Top 10 Hikes for the Family
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