Ridge to Rivers Trail System

About

The Ridge to Rivers trail system stretches across the Boise Foothills, offering over 190 miles of trails through sagebrush-covered hills, rocky ridgelines, and shaded creek corridors. It's one of the most impressive urban trail networks in the American West, and it includes options for visitors of all ability levels.

The system is managed through a partnership between Ada County, the City of Boise, and the Bureau of Land Management. Trails range from gentle, compacted paths near trailheads to rugged singletrack climbing toward the peaks. For wheelchair users and others seeking accessible routes, the Cedar Butte area and select foothills trails near the Grove Trailhead provide some of the best options.

One standout accessible trail begins at the Grove Trailhead on 8th Street, just 1.3 miles from downtown Boise. This 0.75-mile route gains only 60 feet in elevation with a maximum grade of 8%, and the path is at least three feet wide with a compacted sand surface. It's open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, and leashed pets are welcome too.

The views are the real draw here. From the foothills, you'll look out over the Boise River valley, the city skyline, and on clear days, the Owyhee Mountains to the south. Spring brings wildflowers and green hillsides, while fall offers golden grasses and cooler temperatures perfect for an afternoon outing.

Ridge to Rivers is a year-round system, though conditions vary by season. Summer can be hot and exposed, so early morning visits are smart. Winter may bring snow and mud to higher trails, but lower-elevation paths often remain passable. The system's website and interactive map are helpful for checking current trail conditions and closures before you head out.

Whether you're looking for a quick accessible loop or planning a longer adventure through Idaho's high-desert foothills, Ridge to Rivers delivers an authentic outdoor experience right at the edge of the city.

Accessibility

The Ridge to Rivers system includes at least one documented wheelchair-accessible trail in the Boise Foothills. The route from the Grove Trailhead on 8th Street is 0.75 miles long with 60 feet of elevation gain and a maximum grade of 8%. The trail surface is compacted sand, and the path maintains a minimum width of three feet.

Parking at the Grove Trailhead is a large unpaved lot. Be aware that the lot has potholes and no designated ADA parking spaces. There are no restrooms, water fountains, or benches along this trail, so visitors should plan accordingly and bring their own water and any supplies they'll need.

The trail is shared-use, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, so expect some mixed traffic. Leashed pets are also permitted.

To reach the Grove Trailhead from downtown Boise, take North 8th Street for 1.3 miles. Continue straight when it becomes Mile High/Sunset Peak Road, then go another 0.3 miles to the parking area on the left.

For information about additional accessible trails within the system or current trail conditions, contact Ridge to Rivers directly at 208-493-2531. Their interactive online map can also help identify suitable routes. Trail conditions change with weather and seasons, so checking ahead is recommended, especially for wheelchair users who need firm, stable surfaces.

More accessible places in Idaho

• Discovery Center of Idaho (Boise)
• World Center for Birds of Prey (Boise)
• Boise Towne Square (Boise)
• Idaho Botanical Garden (Boise)
• Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area (Boise)
• Boise (Boise)