Mores Mountain Hiking Guide
Mores Mountain is how Boise hikers cheat the summer heat. Twenty miles up Bogus Basin Road, past the ski area and onto gravel, a short interpretive loop circles a summit at around 7,000 feet, where the air is cool, the wildflowers bloom in July and the view stretches from the Sawtooths in the east to Oregon's Blue Mountains in the west. It is easy enough for families and dramatic enough for everyone.
Permit: Boise National Forest day-use fee of $5 per vehicle at Shafer Butte, paid at the on-site fee box
The Loop
The Mores Mountain Interpretive Trail is about 2.1 miles with roughly 510 feet of gain, starting from the Shafer Butte Campground and picnic area. It is pedestrian-only; mountain bikers have a separate trail nearby. A short spur leads to the rocky summit, which some sources include for about 2.3 to 2.7 miles in total. Interpretive signs line the route.
Season and Gate Closure
Mores Mountain is a summer hike. The Forest Service opens Shafer Butte Campground around mid-June and closes the campground gate on October 1, which ends vehicle access to the trailhead for the season. Snow covers the area from late autumn into early summer. Plan your visit for the window between mid-June and the end of September.
Getting There
Drive about 20 miles up Bogus Basin Road from Boise, past the ski area; the last few miles are on gravel. Allow plenty of time for the winding drive. Temperatures at the top are usually much cooler than in town, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer, so bring a layer and keep an eye on the sky on the exposed summit.
Fee and Facilities
There is a $5-per-vehicle day-use fee, paid at the fee box on site. There are vault toilets but no drinking water, so bring your own. The campground and picnic area make this a good family outing with a picnic afterwards.
Practicalities
Ridge to Rivers lists the trail as controlled off-leash for dogs: carry a leash and keep your dog within 30 feet and under voice control. Wildflowers peak in July. Stay on the trail — the high-elevation plants are slow to recover from trampling. Late-summer smoke from regional wildfires can obscure the long views.
Hiking tips for Mores Mountain
- Plan for mid-June through September — the Shafer Butte gate closes on October 1.
- Bring $5 cash for the day-use fee box.
- Carry your own water — there is none at the trailhead.
- Come in July for the best wildflowers at around 7,000 feet.
- Pack a layer; it is far cooler here than in Boise.
Nearby trails to explore
- Freddy's Stack Rock Trail
- Harrison Hollow
- Table Rock
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Mores Mountain is Boise's easiest high-country escape, and a perfect summer outing with new friends. Use TrailMates to find Boise hikers heading up Bogus Basin. Download the TrailMates app to connect.