Harrison Hollow Hiking Guide
Ridge to Rivers calls Harrison Hollow a mecca for dogs, and on any given morning the trailhead proves it. Just off Bogus Basin Road, a gravel trail climbs a small valley into the foothills, and short loops lead back down with views across the city. It is quick, it is close, and because the main climb is surfaced with gravel, it is one of the few Boise foothills trails you can use when everything else is mud.
The Loop
The popular loop pairs the Harrison Hollow Trail with the Who Now Loop for about 2.5 miles and roughly 410 feet of gain. Most of the climbing comes in the first half mile. For something longer, a loop via the Quail trails runs about 4.3 miles with around 800 feet of gain. The trails are well signed at junctions.
All-Weather Climb
The Harrison Hollow Trail itself has a sand-and-gravel surface, which makes it usable when native-dirt trails are too muddy. The return loops on Who Now and the neighbouring trails are dirt, so in wet weather walk out and back on the gravel section rather than completing the loop. Ridge to Rivers' rule applies: if you are leaving tracks, turn back.
Dogs
Dogs are controlled off-leash on the main Harrison Hollow, Who Now and neighbouring trails — carry a leash and keep them within 30 feet and under voice control. The Harrison Hollow Loop section is on-leash to let vegetation recover, and dogs must be leashed in the trailhead lot. There is a dog watering station at the trailhead.
Trailhead
The trailhead on North Harrison Hollow Lane, off Bogus Basin Road near Hill Road, has about 25 paved spaces plus accessible parking, restrooms and a drinking fountain, and is served by bus route 10. It fills on weekend mornings. Parking is free.
Practicalities
The foothills here are open and exposed, so summer hikes are best at dawn or dusk. Rattlesnakes are active in warm weather — keep dogs close. Winter mornings, when the ground is frozen, are a good time for the full loop. Mountain bikers share the trails, so stay alert on descents.
Hiking tips for Harrison Hollow
- Use the gravel Harrison Hollow Trail in wet weather and skip the dirt return loops.
- Leash dogs on the Harrison Hollow Loop section and in the trailhead lot.
- Front-load your effort — most of the climb comes in the first half mile.
- Hike at dawn or dusk in summer; there is little shade.
- Try the Quail loop for a longer 4.3-mile outing from the same trailhead.
Nearby trails to explore
- Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Loop
- Polecat Loop
- Table Rock
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Harrison Hollow is Boise's favourite quick dog hike. Use TrailMates to find Boise hikers and dog owners for a morning loop. Download the TrailMates app to connect.