Home › Idaho › Pocatello › Kinney Creek Trailhead
Kinney Creek Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Pocatello, Idaho · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Kinney Creek Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Kinney Creek Trailhead
“Although it was beautiful and the path was easy to stay on, the climb up mountain was difficult.”
Trail begins at a small parking lot just off the Bannock Highway near the Caribou-Targhee national forest boundary. Be careful, the exit from the parking lot to the highway is nearly blind.
This was an okay there-and-back trail to go on. It kind of reminds me of walking through a pasture, but with lots of shade. There’s a lot of manure and cows on this trail. The distance there and back was 4.2 miles if you go to the top, past the gate. The elevation gain is just over 900 feet at the end.
Plenty of gentle danger noodles. Also found a deer leg so that’s cool. And um nice trail. Low incline, nice trail, beautiful flowers.
Our American Heritage Girls walked this trail for an outdoor adventure and geocaching badge. Although it was beautiful and the path was easy to stay on, the climb up mountain was difficult. I am not an avid hiker so the speed the girls moved combined with the increase elevation was strenuous.
Trail conditions & character
“It can be difficult for some vehicles to get up the hill in the winter or early spring when there is ice and/or mud.”
“Although it was beautiful and the path was easy to stay on, the climb up mountain was difficult.”
“Trail begins at a small parking lot just off the Bannock Highway near the Caribou-Targhee national forest boundary.”
“Part of the trail was muddy and slippery so be warned when you adventure out.”
Plan your run at Kinney Creek Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 208-524-7500
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Pocatello
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cherry Springs Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 333 reviews
Nature trail with opportunities to see wildlife, plus a creek and picnic tables.
Gibson Jack Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 180 reviews
Trail-laced nature area offering hikes, mountain biking and horseback riding.
West Fork Mink Creek Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 65 reviews
Popular hiking and mountain biking destination with a trail that's narrow in some spots.
Edson Fichter Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 218 reviews
Area with trails, a pond, and a designated dog swimming area.
Scout Mountain Nature Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
Benches, picnic tables, barbecue grills and nature trails amidst scenic views.
