Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Reserve
Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Reserves provide a variety of hiking and mountain biking experiences for users of all abilities. In the early 1990s, a group of concerned residents, with the help of local and federal funding, saved Hulls Gulch Reserve from development. This paved the way for additional preservation of open space in and around Boise and continues to serve as a reminder of the incredible recreational benefits the foothills offer. Thank you for staying on designated trails and helping protect rare plants that grow in this area, including Aase's Onion and Arrowleaf Balsamroot.
Conditions
Curlew Connection Trail
As of 12/2/2024: Curlew Connection Trail will be closed for the remainder of the winter due to the soft conditions of the trail thread.
The new 2.9-mile Curlew Connection trail is completed. The Addition of this connection provides a long, mid-elevation trail experience linking Hulls Gulch Reserve trails to trails in the Rocky Canyon area when users combine it with Fat Tire Traverse #42 and Watchman Trail #3. The Curlew Connection is managed as a multiple use, non-motorized trail and is located on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Projects
Hulls Gulch Powerline Undergrounding Project
Idaho Power is working on a powerline undergrounding project in Hulls Gulch Reserve (starting from Camel's Back Trail through the Grove Trailhead, up to the Foothills Learning Center). The project entails removing the overhead powerline and replacing it with an underground line along Sunset Peak Road. The purpose of undergrounding powerlines is to reduce wildfire risk and improve safety.
Initial sitework and construction started the week of February 10, with the project anticipated to wrap up in May. Idaho Power will have signage on site, but all trail and Foothills Learning Center access will remain open. People should adhere to signage and drive with caution during construction on the road.
Idaho Power Project Information
Featured Trails
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Parking
This area can be reached from:
- 9th Street - 25 unpaved parking spots, 1 paved designated ADA space | Bus Route 16, N 9th Street and W Brumback Street
- The Grove - 24 unpaved parking spots, 1 paved designated ADA space | Bus Route 16, N 9th Street and W Brumback Street
- Hulls Gulch - 11 unpaved parking spots, 1 unpaved designated ADA space
Restrooms
Restroom available near Mile High Road, and Sunset Peak Road near Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center.
Trail notes
- Great views
- Native Grasses
- Short walk
- Easy hike/bike loop
- Riparian trees/shrubs
- Wildlife/waterfowl
The popular Camel's Back hill is a beloved local feature, but be prepared for a workout due to the steep grade and staircase leading to the viewpoint. Thank you for staying on the trail to prevent hillside erosion. Please note, trails in Camel's Back Reserve are designated pedestrian only and dogs must be on leash.
Families can enjoy a variety of routes and loops using these trails. Various kinds of birds, fox and deer are spotted on occasion. The Grove is an area of native and exotic trees providing a nice shad alternative to the hot sagebrush environment of the foothills. The Ponds Loop is a perfect short walk for small children and provides a great opportunity for bird watching. Start at Camel's Back parking area or the end of 9th Street.
This is a great loop that will give you a taste of the Boise Foothills. Expect a moderate climb up Kestrel, followed by a wide, flat traverse of Crestline and a rocky, somewhat technical descent along Lower Hulls Gulch. This is a very popular loop, and Lower Hulls Gulch has many blind corners. Please ride responsibly if you are on a mountain bike.
Special Trail Management Strategy is in place for this section.
Lower Hulls Gulch Trail #29 Odd/Even Separation of Use -
On odd numbered days of the month, the trail is open to downhill bike traffic and the trail is closed to all other users.
On even numbered days of the month, the trail is open to hikers and equestrians traveling in both directions and open to uphill mountain bike traffic (closed to downhill bike traffic).