Polecat Gulch Loop

Singletrack loop in the hills, convenient to Boise and Meridian.

Trail Running Moderate

Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 261 m
Descent: 261 m
Duration: 1-2 hrs

Low Point: 917 m
High Point: 1.1 km
Gradient: 4˚

This trail loop is almost all singletrack, winding through the grassy foothills of the Boise Front. It goes gradually up the valley of Polecat Gulch to a panoramic ridgeline, then twists in and out of smaller canyons. It mostly contours the ridges, avoiding any super steep sections. One quick descent awaits at the end to return to the trailhead.

Description

The surface is mostly hardpack, but it has some significant sandy stretches. Much of the route is on north-facing slopes, so it can be good in summer when other places are too hot. The downside is that these trails are slower to dry than some others in the area, so they may be too muddy in the colder seasons. As mapped here, the loop starts from Polecat Gulch trailhead, but you could alternately start from the parking area on Cartwright Road.

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/