Boise Ride Guide: Shanes Loop
Shane’s Loop is a classic Boise foothills ride. This guide starts from Ridgecrest trailhead in Military Reserve and guides you on a 4.8-mile loop with 700 feet of climbing and plenty of views.
Ride Overview: Shane’s Loop from Ridgecrest
If you’ve spent any amount of time riding in the Boise Foothills, chances are you’ve heard about Shane’s Loop. It’s one of those classic Boise rides that locals keep coming back to in the Military Reserve. It's not too long, not too challenging, and just the right amount of flow to keep it fun.
That said, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all smooth sailing. This loop throws 4 steep, punchy climbs at you. To be honest, I’ve walked 3 of the 4 every time I've done this loop. Riding clockwise makes the climbing a little easier (grade wise), but also makes the climbing longer (and I usually do it that way myself). The more popular choice is to ride it counter-clockwise, this direction gives more downhill flow after the climbing is done. That’s the direction this guide will cover.
We’ll start and finish at the Ridgecrest parking lot in Military Reserve, and the stats below reflect that starting point:
- Total Distance: 4.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: ~750 feet
- Estimated Moving Time: ~1 hour to 90 minutes
This loop is approachable for riders working on their climbing legs, but even seasoned locals still respect those quick, steep grinds. There are 3 climbs on this loop with grades over 15%. Newer riders may hate that about this loop, but it is a satisfying loop to complete for newer and advanced rides.
Overview of the Ride
From the parking lot, you’ll start climbing #20 Ridge Crest Trail, which hits you right away with the first punchy climb of the route. From there, hang a left onto #22 Central Ridge Trail. This section is a pretty chill climb that works its way up to the start of #26A Shane’s Loop. It also has some amazing views at sunset!
Once you hit Shane’s, get ready, here comes your second punchy climb, with two more waiting before you connect with #26 3 Bears. This section of Shanes loop is a flowly XC ride and I really enjoy this section. It works its way above Rocky Canyon Road and then turns and climbs up to 3 Bears. When you see the junction for of Shanes and Shanes, stay left and start your climb. The trail to the right goes down to Rocky Canyon Road. As you finish the last climb you'll find yourself a the junction with 3 Bears and this is a perfect spot to catch your breath and regroup before descending back to the parking lot.
From here, point it downhill on #26 3 Bears and enjoy the flow down to #26A Shanes. This trail is going to work its way back to the start of Shanes and from here we're going to jump onto #20A Bucktail. Bucktail is a one-way, downhill-only trail, so you can let off the brakes and enjoy without worrying about uphill traffic. As Bucktail ends you'll ride down to where you started, making a right back onto #20 Ridge Crest Trail for a quick return to the parking lot.
Walking up Shanes Loop
That’s it for this loop! Shane’s is one of those Boise classics that always delivers, whether you’re chasing fitness or just out for a casual spin. If you’ve got any questions about the route, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’m always happy to help new riders get their bearings.
You can also check out my Strava ride for this loop to see the stats and route in action. And if you’re still figuring out where all the trailheads are around town, don’t miss the Boise MTB Google Guide I put together. It has every local trailhead pinned in one spot for easy reference.
Forever two wheels!
-Myles