Park at the lower trailhead at Military Reserve, and start by riding Toll Road. This is a wide trail that makes an easy warmup. You’ll look at red sandstone cliffs on one side and a foliated creek valley on the other. Then you’ll turn onto Ridge Crest trail for the climb, and it’s a steep one. A smooth bench cut twists its way up a hillside, with the track doubling over in some scenic switchbacks. In springtime, this section really shows off with a burst of yellow flowers.

Grunt your way up and you’ll eventually pop out on Central Ridge. There’s a bit more climbing to the top, but big views over downtown Boise and the foothills are enough to distract from the work, and next comes the downhill reward. Central Ridge turns and tips straight down, in a series of water bars and rollovers that can grant some air time. This trail is popular with walkers and also uphill riders, however, so you might not be able to hold all the speed you want. It could be worth waiting for a gap in traffic to really let it rip. After that, you’ll finish the ride with any of the spur trails that make the final drop to the trailhead.