Polecat Gulch Loop

Polecat Trail is 6.4 miles of singletrack located in Boise's northwest foothills. From draw to draw you can enjoy new views of the Sawtooth Range, Owyhee Range, Shafer Butte, downtown Boise and the valley beyond. If you're looking for more distance, make a web on Polecat using Quick Draw and Doe Ridge trails and weave around the mountain. Cross Cartwright Road at the Cartwright Trailhead to access Peggy's Trail and the rest of the ridges to the River Trail system.  

This trail is known to get, and stay, muddy. Police your own impact on the trail, and consider that if you are leaving prints of any sort, the trail is too wet to use. Visit www.ridgetorivers.org or Boise Foothills Trail Conditions Facebook page to view current trail conditions.

The trail is accessible from two trailheads. Closest to Boise is the Polecat Trailhead. From Hill Road turn north on Collister. When the road ends, continue on the gravel road to the trailhead. A vault toilet is available. The parking lot does fill up. If so, consider using the Cartwright Trailhead. To access from the Cartwright Trailhead, turn north on Pierce Park from Hill Road and travel 2.7 miles. Turn right on Cartwright Road for an additional 0.4 miles. The trailhead, with ample parking, is on the right. No services are available at Cartwright.