8 m away
Lower Hulls Gulch and Red Cliffs Loop
A nicely varied loop in the foothills near downtown, through a sheltered creek valley and across panoramic slopes.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.6 km
- Ascent
- 207 m
- Descent
- 207 m
Red Cliffs and Kestrel Loop
A short and scenic loop with views over the city and some colorful geology.
Hiking Easy
- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 143 m
- Descent
- 143 m
- Duration
- 1-2 hrs
- Low Point
- 884 m
- High Point
- 1 km
- Gradient
- 4˚
This is one loop in the popular Hulls Gulch trail network, just outside of downtown Boise. Though it's only one possibility of many here for a short hike or jog, this loop with Red Cliffs and Kestrel trails is particularly good. It has just the right amount of elevation gain and distance to make a quick workout, but there's also plenty of scenery you could choose to slow down and enjoy.
Description
The Red Cliffs trail goes up a little canyon between two strikingly red outcrops of sandstone. This is a visibly soft rock layer, eroding into sand that partially covers the trail. From there, Red Cliffs climbs onto a ridge with scattered sagebrush bushes, and excellent views over the city. A flatter section curves along the ridge crest before descending quickly on Kestrel trail and returning to the parking lot.
Difficulty
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Picturesque
- Dog friendly
- Wild flowers
- Water features
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
840 m away
Camel's Back East Side Loop
Scenic loop with steep hills and shady forest in the North End of Boise.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.3 km
- Ascent
- 69 m
- Descent
- 70 m
852 m away
The Grove and Chickadee Ridge
A short loop with a lot of variety, and different sights for every season.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.2 km
- Ascent
- 46 m
- Descent
- 47 m
1.9 km away
Harrison Hollow and Kemper's Ridge
A scenic jaunt close to downtown, in a network of many popular trails.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 121 m
- Descent
- 121 m
2.5 km away
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
2.5 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
2.5 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
3.2 km away
Hull's Gulch Interpretive Trail
A hiker-only trail with gorgeous views and lessons on nature in the Boise Foothills.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 342 m
- Descent
- 342 m
4.7 km away
Quarry Trail and Eagle Rock Loop
Quick hike in the foothills near downtown, with striking geology and sweeping views of the city.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3 km
- Ascent
- 111 m
- Descent
- 111 m
4.7 km away
Table Rock Loop
Boise's #1 hike, plus bonus scenery by making the loop.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.2 km
- Ascent
- 275 m
- Descent
- 275 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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