Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Loop Hiking Guide
For many Boise residents, the foothills start at the end of their street, and nowhere is that truer than at Camel's Back Park in the North End. From the park lawns, a steep sandy hill rises to views over downtown, and behind it a web of trails leads into Hulls Gulch. This loop of about four miles ties the two together and is the most convenient real hike in the city.
The Loop
Mapping apps list the Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch loop at about 3.9 miles with roughly 465 feet of gain, linking Camel's Back to the Kestrel, Red Cliffs and Lower Hulls Gulch trails. The climb up Camel's Back hill is short and steep, including a staircase; the rest is rolling. Many variations are possible, so carry a Ridge to Rivers map or app.
Odd and Even Days
Lower Hulls Gulch Trail runs on an alternating schedule. On odd-numbered days it is downhill mountain bikes only and closed to everyone else; on even-numbered days it is open to hikers in both directions and to uphill bikes only. Check the date before you plan a route that uses it, and watch for bikes on blind corners either way.
Dogs
Dog rules change within this loop. The Camel's Back Reserve trails are pedestrian-only and dogs must be leashed. On Kestrel, Crestline, Red Cliffs and Lower Hulls Gulch, dogs are controlled off-leash: carry a leash, keep them within 30 feet and under voice control. Leash up whenever the signs say so.
After the Claremont Fire
The July 2026 Claremont Fire burned about 6,600 acres in the Boise foothills, including parts of the Upper Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail, Watchman and other trails farther up the drainage. Lower Hulls Gulch was not burned, and Ridge to Rivers reported no closures on this loop. Ridge to Rivers expects reconstruction of the burned trails to take years, so check its condition reports before heading higher.
Practicalities
Parking is free at Camel's Back Park on 9th Street, at The Grove lot and at the small Hulls Gulch trailhead, which has a restroom. The trails are exposed and hot in summer. In wet weather, follow the mud rule — if you are leaving tracks, turn back. Spring brings arrowleaf balsamroot on the slopes, along with rare Aase's onion.
Hiking tips for Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Loop
- Check the date before using Lower Hulls Gulch — odd days are downhill bikes only.
- Leash dogs in Camel's Back Reserve; other trails on the loop are controlled off-leash.
- Carry a Ridge to Rivers map — the trail web behind Camel's Back offers many variations.
- Check condition reports before heading higher; the Claremont Fire burned upper Hulls Gulch.
- Turn back in mud rather than rutting the trails.
Nearby trails to explore
- Table Rock
- Harrison Hollow
- Polecat Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Camel's Back is where Boise's foothills start, and an easy place to meet new hiking partners after work. Use TrailMates to find North End hikers. Download the TrailMates app to connect.