Take a short drive past Hyde Park on Boise’s North End, right up 13th Street and on the right hand side at the corner of Heron Street you’ll find Camel’s Back Park.
The park itself has what you would expect. There is a wonderful lawn, tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, a playground, and even an outdoor adult "gym" donated by Bodybuilding.com.
The park is also the gateway —or perhaps stairway— to the Camel’s Back and Hulls Gulch Reserves, which, ultimately, provide access to hundreds of miles of trails for walking, hiking, or biking.
Taken together the Camel’s Back and Hulls Gulch Reserves comprise more than 350 acres of land in Boise.
Camel’s Back became a park and reserve in the 1930s. The adjacent Hulls Gulch Reserve was established as part of a citizen-driven effort in the 1990s.
A Short Hike Or Ride
The reserves contain plenty of trails for day hikes and mountain biking. For example, there is the 1.6-mile Camel’s Back Trails Loop. It has a few climbs and offers a great view of Boise, but it is easy enough for most families, even one’s with relatively small children.
For a longer hike or ride consider taking the Camel’s Back Trail north to the Red Fox Trail #36. From there make your way northeast along a ridge. You will, again, be able to enjoy great views of both Boise and the interior of Hulls Gulch. Before long, you’ll cross the 8th Street Extension and catch #39A the Kestrel Trail following it southeast to a “Y” intersection. Here you will choose the right fork and start heading back toward Camel’s Back Park on the Owl’s Roost Trail #37. You’ll cross the 8th Street Extension a second time, transferring to the GoldFinch Trail #35 as you finish a basic loop. The journey will be a few miles, depending on how much you meander.
Miles Of Trails
The Camel’s Back and Hull Gulch Reserves also connect to some of the 180 miles of Ridge to Rivers trail system in the foothills, making it possible to travel as far as Shafer Butte to the northeast. Thus, there is plenty of adventure within reach.
