Hiking the Boise Ridge to Rivers Trails with Kids

For the past two weeks, our family has been enjoying an unusual Boise "staycation." Instead of hitting up traditional tourist traps, we've been exploring the 130 miles of Boise's Ridge to Rivers trail system.

Hiking the foothill trails with the kids can be a great summer activity as long as you are well prepared before venturing out on a hike. Here's some tips to make the adventure of hiking the Foothills a memorable one for your kids.

Purchase a trail map before you go. Most Boiseans who regularly hike or walk the Ridge to Rivers system have a favorite trail or two they use all the time. What many people don't realize is that this trail system is made up of a network of 100-plus trails that crisscross the foothills. A trail map is the best way to find those trails, the length of each trail, where you can park, and how the trails interconnect in case you need to cut your hike short and return to the car quickly.

One especially nice bonus of having a trail map is that the kids themselves can participate in charting their hiking adventure. Trail maps are available at most area sporting stores and cycle shops.

Dress appropriately. If you plan to hike more than a mile, it's important to have your children dressed appropriately for summer hiking. Cargo shorts, cotton tee shirts, wide brimmed hat, sturdy walking or trail shoes and socks will keep them cool and comfortable.

Bring well stocked day packs. Boise enjoys a semi arid climate which means that hikers can quickly work up a thirst. To stay properly hydrated, both kids and parents should carry day packs filled with water and snacks. Other items our family also bring along when hiking include a camera, plant identification guide, sun screen, and a small first aid kit (complete with bug bite cream).

Chose trails of special interest to kids. Some trails are definitely more appealing than others for kids. The Ridge to Rivers web site offers up ten ideas; we've walked all ten of those trails and heartily agree with their picks of kid friendly hikes. Additional trails our family recommends includes:
--Table Rock Quarry Trail (17) which brings hikers behind Table Rock and through amazing limestone formations.
--The east leg of the Central Ridge (22) on through the Bucktail Trail (20a), a delightful loop that brings hikers through waist high wild grasses.
--Any trail that crosses a stream for kids and pets can cool off. Many of the hikes originating out of Hulls Gulch and the Military Reserve have streams, we've also discovered small streams along the Lower Hulls Gulch Trail (29) and 1/4 mile NE of the junction of Trails #26 and 5.

Start early. In the summer, the foothills can heat up in a hurry which is why an early start is important when hiking the Ridge to Rivers trails with kids. We hit the trail heads at about 8:00 am and try to wrap up our hikes by 11:00 am. Any later than that, the 90+ degree temps can zap the strength out of the youngsters.

Stay on the trails. The hardest part about hiking with kids is keeping them on the trails. Not only does stepping off trails kill vegetation and enlarge the path, your kids could run into rattlesnakes and poison ivy. To prevent your children from damaging the trails and meeting up with something that bites, it's best to keep them on the trail and in your sights at all time.

For more information about the Ridge to Rivers trail system, the Ridge to Rivers website is full of great tips, maps, detailed area descriptions, and other tips to help plan your family hiking adventure.