Corrals Loop

High in the hills above Boise, this undulating trail loop takes hikers, bikers, and runners for a grueling and rewarding workout. It covers panoramic ridgetops, shady canyons, and steep hillsides in between, on quality trail that is mostly singletrack. The loop utilizes Corrals Trail for much of its distance, plus a couple others in the Ridge to Rivers network.

There are a few different places you can begin the loop. The start of Corrals Trail is at a pullout along Bogus Basin Road. Parking there can be difficult, so instead you might go just up the road and park where there’s a designated lot, complete with trailhead signage and a toilet. From there you’ll take Corrals Connector to start the loop. Alternative trailheads, which access different points along the loop, are at Hull’s Gulch and on Hearthstone Drive.

From the trailhead on Bogus Basin Road, the trail goes uphill right away, but not too steeply, providing a nice warm up. Views waste no time in getting good, either. You’ll look down to the city and up to the mountains around Bogus Basin. Soon the trail contours into a canyon and continues to ascend, in shade that is welcome in summer and frigid in winter. A sharp incline curves out of the canyon and onto a ridgeline. Soon after, the loop meets its highpoint, marked by a big rock stack. From there, it makes a steep and winding descent through the hilly terrain to reach a junction with Bob’s Trail.

Corrals Trail is mostly smooth, with some gravelly sections but very few larger rocks. Bob’s gets a bit more technical, however, with bigger rocks and even some ledges. The downhill direction its still fast, and the maneuvers make it more fun. Bob’s connects with the small trailhead on Hearthstone Drive, and the loop continues on Highland Trail.

Hopefully you didn’t think you were through with the uphill, because Highland Trail is almost all climbing. It makes a very twisty ascent through particularly steep drainages, on good trail. If you look up from your feet now and then, you’ll see expanding views of the neighborhoods and city below. Before you know it you’ll reach the junction with Corrals, and the trailhead is just a jaunt away.

Like all trails in the Boise Foothills, this one should be avoided during muddy conditions. Because this loop covers so much distance and variety of terrain, conditions are likely to change substantially throughout. Be prepared to alter your route or turn around if necessary.