Boise’s New Curlew Connection Trail—What You Need to Know
Boise’s newest trail, Curlew Connection, is here—and it’s a solid addition to the foothills network. This high-elevation trail links Fat Tire Traverse to Watchman and Three Bears, opening up new loop possibilities.
Curlew Connector Is A Solid Addition to the Boise Foothills
Boise just got a new trail in the upper foothills, and it’s one I’ve been hoping for years would exist. The new Curlew Connection links Fat Tire Traverse with Watchman and Three Bears, finally opening up a whole new set of loop possibilities that were previously just wishful thinking. I’m especially excited to use it as a descent from Five Mile Gulch all the way down to Lower Hulls—a route I’ve wanted to ride forever, and now it’s finally on the table.
Now, if you’ve been around for a while, you know I haven’t exactly been Ridge to Rivers’ biggest fan. Their role in shutting down bike shuttles still stings, and their tendency to build fences more than trails or line the trails with boulders the moment an alternate line shows up hasn’t helped. That being said—I do believe your praise should be as loud as your criticism. And with this trail? They got it right. Curlew Connector is a smart, well-built addition to the network, and I genuinely hope it’s a sign of more like it to come.
My POV
I climbed Curlew Connection the last weekend of March, and let me tell you—it’s a steady grind. Not brutal, but definitely enough to make you earn it. Going in, I expected something like an extended version of Fat Tire Traverse, but Curlew Connection stands on its own. It feels like a hybrid between Fat Tire and Watchman: flowy in spots, but with enough elevation change to keep your legs honest.
I haven’t descended it yet, but as I was climbing, all I could think was: “This is going to be fast.” The grade, the turns, the way it’s cut into the hillside—it just feels built for speed on the way down. Personally, I plan to make it my descent option when riding my Five Mile Gulch to Watchman loop, skipping the usual drop down Three Bears. Even better, it opens up a long-time dream route of mine: descending into Lower Hulls Gulch straight from Five Mile. That’s been on my list for a while, and this trail finally makes it possible.
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Check out the photo gallery below for a look at the trail. I’ll be heading back up soon to get some GoPro footage of the descent, but for now, the photos will have to do.
I’m curious to hear what you think. Have you had a chance to ride Curlew Connector yet? What was your experience—climbing, descending, or both? And more importantly, what other connector trails do you think Boise needs? I know I’ve got a few dream routes still bouncing around in my head, and if this trail is any indication, maybe they’re not so far off. Drop a comment below and share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your ideal trail connections or feedback on this new addition to the foothills.
Forever Two Wheels.
-Myles
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