Home › Idaho › Boise › Upper Hulls Trailhead
Upper Hulls Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Running trail in Boise, Idaho · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Upper Hulls 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.
Scenic, well-maintained trail offering hiking and biking routes, plus creek and waterfall sightings.
What runners say about Upper Hulls Trailhead
“Nothing too extreme or arduous here: well-maintained trail system consisting of an out-and-back with a loop (sort of like a melted lollipop).”
“Well maintained loop with great views to keep it interesting, and enough elevation to keep your heart rate moving.”
“5 mile loop from the upper parking lot with ~1200 ft elevation gain, perfect for a good run or hike.”
Great access to the Foothills above Boise. Good parking. Great views of the valley. Trails for everyone including motorized, mountain bike, hiking. Access all the way up to the Boise ridge
Beautiful single track pedestrian trail. It's a fairly easy hike until you get to the loop then you just have a moderate incline for a short period of time. It's best to take the loop counterclockwise because it might be slippery one the descent because it's sandy.
Nothing too extreme or arduous here: well-maintained trail system consisting of an out-and-back with a loop (sort of like a melted lollipop). Normally it's dry and hot in June, but the creek was still flowing and the hills were lush and cool.
This is a favorite hike due to the vegetation, bridges, and waterfall. There is poison ivy along the trail so I recommend long pants. Also, there can be snakes on this trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Spring offers a flowing creek and waterfall at the top, fall has amazing tree colors and all seasons can include wildlife and usually few other people.”
“Nothing too extreme or arduous here: well-maintained trail system consisting of an out-and-back with a loop (sort of like a melted lollipop).”
“5 mile loop from the upper parking lot with ~1200 ft elevation gain, perfect for a good run or hike.”
“It's a fairly easy hike until you get to the loop then you just have a moderate incline for a short period of time.”
“For winter, be careful to hike in the morning while it's still frozen, as while the upper trail is mostly sandy, it can still get a little muddy when it's wet and thawed.”
Plan your run at Upper Hulls Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Boise
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bob's Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 50 reviews
Hiking area offering a mix of hilly and road-side trails that's good for dogs and kids.
Shane's Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 33 reviews
Bikers' and runners' multi-use trail with views of the city.
Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 217 reviews
Dog-friendly foothills area popular for hiking, biking, running and horseback riding.
Hulls Gulch/Camel's Back Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,160 reviews
Sizable reserve known for its native grasses, wildlife viewing, steep climbs & multi-use trails.
The Military Reserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 690 reviews
Rustic natural-terrain park with trails, an archery range, a military cemetery & off-leash dog area.