Trail Etiquette
The Ridge to Rivers Trail System is an incredible amenity for residents and visitors to the Treasure Valley, however their location next to Idaho's largest city makes for unique challenges as the trails receive significant use year-round. Due to the popularity of the trail system, it is imperative that trail users know the rules of trail etiquette and practice them. This will ensure everyone has a good experience while recreating in the Boise Foothills and preserve them for future generations to enjoy.
Priorities for All - Preservation + Politeness
Don't use wet trails.
If you are leaving prints (hoof, tire, or boot), the trail is too wet to use. When approaching short muddy spots, go through the center of the mud to keep the trail narrow, Keep up to date on current trail conditions by viewing the interactive map, viewing the Conditions Report Log, or connecting with us.
Stay on the trail.
Do not go off trail (even to pass), create new trails, or cut switchbacks. Narrow trails mean less environmental impact and happier wildlife.
Be respectful.
It's a simple concept: if you offer respect, you are more likely to receive it. All user groups have rights and responsibilities to Boise's trails, and to each other.
Don't block trails.
When taking a break, please move to the side of the trail.
Smile, greet and nod.
Every user on the trail is a fellow nature lover. Be friendly and expect to see other folks around every corner.
Be mindful, be kind, take the Happy Trails Pledge
Know Before You Go
Dogs are welcome on Ridge to Rivers trails!
Here are a few ways you and your dog can be good trail stewards:
- Know the leash restrictions for the trails that you are traveling on. Failure to comply with leash restrictions may result in a fine.
- Always pick up your pet's waste and deposit in trash cans - it's up to all of us to take care of the trails we love.
- Always pack plenty of water for you and your pet.
- Recognize the critical times of year for wildlife - winter through early summer - and be overly cautious with your pets. A dog's urge to hunt vulnerable wildlife can be strong. Be aware that coyotes den in the foothills and you could encounter them on the trail.
- Keep pets from "hunting" birds on hillsides. Ground-nesting birds will leave a nest if disturbed and dogs will kill young birds not capable of escape.
- Controlling your pet means keeping it from interfering with other trail users or causing erosion by digging on hillsides or along stream banks.
Controlled Off-Leash Trails
In "controlled off-leash" areas, dog owners must still carry a leash and waste bag with them, and their dogs should not be farther than 30 feet away at any time. Common sense and respect for others will go a long way in keeping this option available to you and your pet.
- Keep pets leashed on busy trails to protect them and other trail users.
- Carry a grocery bag or mutt mitt to pick up your pet's waste and deposit in trash cans - no one will do this for you.
- Become involved with groups who support being a responsible pet owner.
Learn more trail tips regarding dogs on trails and review a full list of dog on and off-leash trails.
E-bike use on the Ridge to Rivers trail network is restricted to trails and roads that currently allow motorized use. Federal agency partners prohibit E-bikes and other motorized devices on all trails that cross Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land. Approximately 52 miles of motorized trails and primitive roads are accessible for E-bikes in the Boise Foothills. Thank you for following all posted signage and respecting trail users.
Trails and roads open to E-bikes:
- 8th Street Extension
- 8th Street Motorcycle Trail #4
- Boise Ridge Road
- East Highland Valley Road
- Femrite's Patrol Trail #6
- Heroes Trail #8
- Hulls Ridge Trail #4A
- Rocky Canyon Road
- Lucky Peak Road #8
ADA Accommodation Information
The City of Boise does provide an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals with a mobility disability to ride an E-bike as defined by the City of Boise on certain city-owned property with Ridge to Rivers trails. Users are asked to visit either the Boise Parks and Recreation Admin Office (1104 Royal Blvd.) or the Fort Boise Community Center (700 Robbins Rd.) to complete the accommodation process. Please bring the following:
- A valid state-issued disability parking placard or other state-issued proof of disability
- Documentation from your E-bike purchase that outlines the power output of your E-bike motor (must be no more than 750 watts with a top speed of 20 m.p.h.)
If you have questions on the process please call or email the Boise Parks and Recreation team at 208-608-7600 or BPR@cityofboise.org.
Preserve our single track trails
Please help us keep our single track trails from widening by doing the following:
- Walk or run single file, rather than side-by-side. Walking or running two across kills trailside vegetation and widens our trails.
- When yielding on the trail, step toward the side, stop and wait for the other use to pass. Continuing to run off-trail leads to trail braiding and widening.
- When other users yield to you, stay on the trail. Don't walk or run off-trail to get around them.
What can you expect?
Faster trail users along the trail. Bikers, runners and equestrians approaching from behind will often say, "on your left." please always offer friendly communication to let the rider know when it's safe to pass: give a verbal acknowledgement, step to the side of the trail or wave the rider by on wider trails. It is the responsibility of cyclists to pass at a safe speed and distance.
When traveling in opposite directions, bikers yield to hikers.
What is your responsibility?
Share the trail. When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering hikers, bikers and horses.
Don't tune out. If you are using headphones or earbuds, keep the volume down or only wear one earbud so you can hear other trail users attempting to ask if they can pass you without being startled.
Keep a short leash on your dog when passing (or being passed by) horses, cyclists, or other hikers. Remember that other trail users may be frightened by dogs or be unsure how to pass safely.
Yield to horses
- Stay downhill. Spooked horses go uphill.
- Greet the rider. Horses can perceive hikers wearing tall backpacks as dangerous predators. Your voice establishes your humanity.
- Ask how to proceed. If hiking with a child, hold their hand when passing.
Group Hiking/Running
The Ridge to Rivers trail system is a wonderful place to hike or run by yourself or with friends. The trails get a tremendous amount of use and it can become quite congested at times. If you hike with, or are organizing a group hike or run, please consider adopting the following recommendations to help minimize your impact on other riders and hikers using the trails:
- Hike or run in groups no larger than 10 or 12.
- If you have a larger number in your group, please consider splitting up your group, leaving at different times in smaller groups, or using different loops.
While the number of riders that use the Ridge to Rivers trail system is smaller relative to other users, there are still some important things to remember if you are saddling up in the foothills. Thank you for respecting everyone who uses the trails.
Please help preserve the integrity of Boise's trails by riding only when conditions are firm and dry.
- Horse hooves create deep "pock" marks in new or wet trails, making for an uncomfortable experience fo mountian bikers and trail runners.
Ride only on designated Ridge to Rivers trails.
- Riding cross country can lead to vegetation loss and eventual erosion.
What can you expect?
Inexperienced trail users. While all trail users yield to horses, many users are intimidated by large horses, or they just don't know what to do.
What is your responsibility?
Manage your horse. Don't school green horses on high-traffic or shared-use trails. Familiarize horses with expected trail encounters including cyclists, dogs, backpack-wearing hikers, etc.
Negotiate safe passes
- Greet users early. Hikers and bikers yield to horses, but many novice trail-users are unsure what to do, or may be intimidated by horses.
- Guide trail users to move downhill of the trail.
- Continue communication until the pass is complete.
- Expect the unexpected. Small children, animals and the elderly can be unpredictable or easily frightened by horses.
Trailer Parking
While most Ridge to Rivers trailheads offer somewhat limited parking, there are a few where it is relatively easy to park a trailer to enjoy trails on horseback:
- Bogus Basin Ski Area Trailhead {LINKS?}
- Cartwrights Road Equestrian Access to Peggy's Trail
- Dry Creek Trailhead at Hidden Springs
- Frontier Point Nordic Lodge at Bogus Basin
- Hawkins Range Reserve (May 1 - November 30)
- Idaho Penitentiary Trailhead
- Miller Gulch Trailhead
- Seamans Gulch Trailhead
Please help us preserve the integrity of these trails by riding only when they are firm and dry.
Motorcycles, ATVs, and wet trails don't mix well - the trail ends up losing - prevent the trails from becoming a series of large ruts.
Trails open to motorized use:
- 8th St. Motorcycle Trail #4
- East Highland Valley Road
- Femrite's Patrol Trail #6
- Lucky Peak Road #8
- Shaw Mountain Road - E
Please ride slowly on mixed use trails - especially the section of 8th Street Motorcycle Trail #4 between the 8th Street Motorcycle Parking Lot and the Fat-Tire Traverse Trail #4c junction as this area is heavily used by hikers, runners and mountain bikers as well.
Please follow the International Mountain Bike Association guidelines when riding in the Boise Foothills. Thank you for being kind, mindful and helping us to preserve the trail experiences we all know and love.
Mountain Biking Rules and Etiquette
- Yield to oncoming hikers, runners and horseback riders.
- Downhill bikers yield to uphill bikers.
- Yield with one foot on the ground and two wheels on the trail when yielding to hikers, runners and bikers. Do not ride parallel to the trail.
- When encountering another use from behind, slow down, announce your presence and ask to pass. Thank you for saying, "on your left!"
- Promote a good trail ethic - always slow down and say hello when encountering other users.
Control Your Speed
- Ride, don't slide. Do not skid.
- Don't cut corners or curves.
- Stay on the trail.
Blind Corners
Trails in the foothills often have limited visibility, especially for distance. It is imperative that you slow down when approaching any blind corners to avoid collisions with hikers, equestrians and other riders.
What can you expect?
Surprised trail users. Fast moving users can startle others, especially when approaching from behind. Always ride under control, anticipate users around blind corners, and be exceedingly friendly and communicative.
What is your responsibility?
Mountain bikers yield to hikers, horses and uphill traffic. See additional rules and etiquette above.
Passing Hikers or Cyclists from Behind
- Give a friendly hello.
- Slow down.
- Pass slowly when the other party steps to the side of the trail.
Good Reminders
Slow down when approaching blind corners and expect to encounter others. These can be dangerous situations and will ensure safe passing for all including horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers.
Encountering Horses on the Trail
Horses are a part of Idaho's heritage, and equestrians are welcome on Ridge to Rivers trails. This can sometimes be a scary proposition for the equestrian rider sharing a narrow trail with a fast-moving mountain bike. If you encounter a horseback rider:
- Slow down and give a friendly hello.
- From behind - remain at least 25 feet behind the rider until they have an opportunity to allow you to pass safely. They may request that you dismount and walk your bike to pass.
- Oncoming - stop at least 50 feet away and step to the downhill side of the trail so the horse can pass safely by, and give a friendly hello. Why the downhill side? Horses tend to want to move uphill when spooked, so this ensures safety for you, the equestrian and the horse.
E-Bikes
E-bike use on Ridge to Rivers trail network is restricted to trails and roads that currently allow motorized use. Federal agency partners prohibit E-bikes and other motorized devices on all trails that cross BLM and USFS land. Approximately 52, miles of motorized trails and primitive roads are accessible for E-bikes.
High School Mountain Biking League Information
In cooperation with NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) and the Interscholastic Idaho Cycling League, a calendar has been created to highlight when/where high school mountain bike teams will be practicing. This resource allows other users to see upcoming practices in order to avoid those times and locations if they prefer.
Group Mountain Ride Etiquette
The Ridge to Rivers Trail System is popular and use increases in the warmer months of the year. If you ride with, or are organizing a group ride, please consider adopting the following recommendations to help minimize your impact on other riders and hikers using the trails:
- Ride in groups no larger than 10 to 12.
- If you have a larger number of riders, please consider splitting your group up and either leaving at different times, or riding different loops.
- Standard mountain bike etiquette is for the downhill rider to yield to the uphill rider. However, imagine how many times a downhill rider will need to stop if they come across a large group of uphill riders. When you are riding as part of a large group, factor in other users' experience. Consider having your group yield to downhill riders, and remember to always yield to walkers and runners.