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Idler's Rest Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Running trail in Moscow, Idaho · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Idler's Rest Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Forested hiking area with trails ranging from easy to challenging.
What runners say about Idler's Rest Nature Preserve
“Great hiking, large elevation rise for a good workout, well maintained trails, could use some better trail markers and maps along the way!”
“Beautiful to hike in the spring, great descriptive trail map at the parking lot and various levels of intensity for everyone to enjoy!”
“Great for anyone wanting an easy walk through some gorgeous scenery and woods.”
Well for a long time this was a pretty easy trail with not a lot of options. Recently they connected it with the rest of the trails on Moscow Mountain and let me just say now is so easy to get lost.
This is a great little nature hike (walk). There are some forks in the trail that could use some signage, so take a picture of the map before you head out, and that won't be a problem.
Fun little hiking spot, there are quite a few little loops that are perfect for an early afternoon hike. Be aware that there are game trails all around, but most are clearly marked.
Great hiking, large elevation rise for a good workout, well maintained trails, could use some better trail markers and maps along the way!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful to hike in the spring, great descriptive trail map at the parking lot and various levels of intensity for everyone to enjoy!”
“I'm visiting the area and decided to take my dog on a hike and somebody told me about that area and the trails.”
“Great hiking, large elevation rise for a good workout, well maintained trails, could use some better trail markers and maps along the way!”
“Beautiful to hike in the spring, great descriptive trail map at the parking lot and various levels of intensity for everyone to enjoy!”
Plan your run at Idler's Rest Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepalouselandtrust.org
- Phone(208) 596-4496
- Social Instagram
Running trails near Moscow
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Idler's Rest Creek Walking
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Mountain View Park
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