Boise, Idaho
| Hull's Gulch Interpretive Trail (short loop)
Boise, Idaho |
|
|
Description: Hull's Gulch Interpretive Trail is
located high in the Boise foothills, and is an excellent short hike along the upper reaches of
Hull's Creek.
The loop starts along the unpaved extension of 8th Street above Boise at a small but clearly
marked parking area located along the road - the parking area is third parking area marked
as Interpretive Trail Parking, however it is the only labeled as "upper trailhead." From the
parking area the trail proceeds into Hull's Gulch.
At the bottom of the steep decent into Hull's Gulch along the "loop trail", the trail rejoins
the "main trail." The main trail parallels Hull's Creek. Turning left completes the loop by
climbing through the craggy origin of Hull's Gulch and and returning to the parking area.
About half-way through the return climb the trail passes the falls of Hull's Creek. The volume
of water is fairly small, however they are quite loud, and worth pausing to view. The remainder
of the hike follows the uppermost reaches of the gulch where impressive views back into the
gulch can be had. Location: Hull's Gulch Reserve is located along
the 8th Street Extension. The upper trailhead for the interpretive trail is located about 5.5
along the unpaved portion of the road. In winter (mid-September to mid-May) a gate across 8th
Street is locked and the upper trailhead can not be reached by car; however, the trail remains
open if not snow covered.
From the Boise connector (I-184) follow the
highway toward downtown. Take the 15th Street exit and follow the signs toward Bogus Basin Ski
Area. At the intersection with Fort Street turn right. Proceed to 8th Street and turn Left.
Follow 8th Street into the foothills. After the pavement ends and the road begins to climb,
continue for approximately 5.5 miles. The parking area is on the right just beyond a park
rest room. A sign for "Hull's Gulch Interpretive Trail Upper Trailhead" is in the parking area.
From downtown take 8th Street north through
the north end. After the pavement ends and the road begins to climb, continue for approximately
5.5 miles. The parking area is on the right just beyond a park rest room. A sign for "Hull's
Gulch Interpretive Trail Upper Trailhead" is in the parking area. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trail guide by mile marker:
| 0.0 | From the parking lot proceed on to Hull's Gulch Interpretive Trail. |
| 0.2 | A sign along the trail marks an intersection on the right. Follow the intersecting trail which is labeled "loop trail." |
| 0.6 | At the bottom of the descent the trail rejoins Trail 0. Turn left following the sign toward the "upper trailhead." |
| 1.6 | During the ascent along the wall of Hull's Gulch, the creek crashes down a rock outcrop. A viewing area along the falls provides a good view of the falling creek. |
| 2.4 | Continue straight at the sign marking the intersection the "loop trail" and "main trail." |
| 2.6 | Return to the parking area. |
After a short distance the trail divides. Either direction can be taken to complete the
loop. Circling counter-clockwise by turning right at the intersection onto the "loop trail" is
our recommendation. Completing the loop in this direction allows you to descend through the
steepest sections. If you are someone who loves climbing then you may want to go straight at
the intersection.