Cervidae Peak Hiking Guide
Cervidae Peak is where Boise goes to get humbled. The use trail above Lucky Peak Reservoir climbs nearly 2,000 feet in a little over two miles — grades that average around 15 percent and hit well over 30 in places — with loose footing and false summits along the way. Named for the deer and elk that winter on these slopes, it is short, brutal and hugely popular as a conditioning hike, especially when higher trails are snowed in.
The Climb
The out-and-back is about 4.6 miles with roughly 1,930 feet of gain on mapping apps, reaching a summit of about 4,987 feet. Trail Run Project calculates an average grade of 15 percent with a maximum near 37. It is an unmaintained use trail rather than a built path, with loose dirt and rock that is harder coming down than going up. Several false summits make the climb feel longer.
Getting There
The trailhead is an unsigned pull-off on Forest Service Road 269 (Middle Fork Boise River Road), about two miles past Spring Shores Marina off Highway 21. The trail starts across the road at a bar gate. An older approach directly from Highway 21 is no longer accessible because of a deer fence built along the highway.
Wildlife and Dogs
The slopes here are important winter range for deer and elk — hence the name, Cervidae being the deer family — and a wildlife overpass on Highway 21 nearby helps them cross. Mapping sources place the area within the Boise River Wildlife Management Area, where Idaho Fish and Game requires dogs to be leashed from November 16 to April 30. Follow any posted signs, and give wintering animals plenty of room.
Seasons
Cervidae is climbed year-round and is a favourite winter workout when trails at Bogus Basin are buried in snow. Summer is hot and dry on these south-facing slopes, with no water and no shade; go at dawn or not at all. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers but also mud after rain, which makes the loose descent even trickier.
Practicalities
No fee is posted at the roadside pull-off. Carry all your water. Trekking poles are a big help on the steep, loose descent, and shoes with aggressive tread are essential. Expect other hikers even on weekdays — this is one of the most-reviewed hikes in the Boise area. Be ready to turn around if conditions are icy.
Hiking tips for Cervidae Peak
- Bring trekking poles — the descent on loose dirt and rock is the hardest part.
- Start from the pull-off on FS 269; the old Highway 21 approach is blocked by a deer fence.
- Leash dogs from November 16 to April 30, when Boise River WMA rules apply.
- Go at dawn in summer; the south-facing slope has no shade and no water.
- Expect false summits and pace yourself — the grade barely lets up.
Nearby trails to explore
- Lucky Peak via Adelmann Mine
- Table Rock
- Freddy's Stack Rock Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Cervidae Peak is Boise's favourite suffer-fest, and climbs like this go better with a partner. Use TrailMates to find Boise hikers training for bigger peaks. Download the TrailMates app to connect.