If You Only Ride One Boise Trail, Make It Dry Creek
Looking for the best mountain bike trail in Boise? Dry Creek has been my favorite for years.
If you asked me to pick the best downhill trail in Boise, without a doubt I'd say it is Dry Creek. Not "one of the best." Not "pretty good." Just the best.
Sure, there are faster descents (sweet connie). There are steeper descents (hard guy). There are probably trails with bigger features. But when it comes to pure fun, nothing in the Boise foothills beats Dry Creek.
What makes Dry Creek trail stand out is that it actually feels like a mountain bike trail. It's one of the few trails around here with features that are actively maintained by the trail crews. Now, that being said don't expect bike park-sized jumps or anything crazy. It's just skinnies over the creek, a few rock features, and little touches that make the trail feel built for riding instead of just existing.
The trail drops off Boise Ridge Road and follows Dry Creek as it works its way down the draw, crossing the creek over and over again. Every corner seems to lead into another fun section. The flow is ridiculous. Seriously, this trail will put a smile on your face and you won't want the fun to end.
My first year riding mountain bikes, a friend took me down Dry Creek for the first time. I still remember that first descent. That ride is probably the reason I'm here writing about mountain bikes today. Up until that point, mountain biking was just something I was trying out. That first descent down Dry Creek was the ride that made this spot I something I love.
The video below won't fully capture what makes this trail special. GoPro footage never really does. It flattens everything out and somehow removes about 50% of the fun. But it'll give you an idea of what the descent looks like.
If you get the chance, go ride it yourself.
The biggest challenge with Dry Creek isn't the trail itself, it's getting there. A lot of riders climb Shingle Creek (2,200' of climbing) and descend Dry Creek. That's a solid option if you got the lungs for it and you're looking to earn your descent. Another option is to park at Bogus Basin and climb up Deer Point to the Ridge Road. Below is a strava link to the last time I did this (note I rode Mahalo as well)
I always try to shuttle it, if I can manage it. The ridge road ride to the trail is fun, and if you want to add on Mahalo Trail, it's right there off the ridge road (see strava link above)
Park just off the Ridge Road east of Bogus Basin right where Around the Mountain trail crosses the ridge road. From here just ride along the ridge to the top of the dry creek trail. It's about 3.50 miles of road riding, but it lets you spend more time enjoying the descent and less time questioning your life choices halfway through a climb.
Timing matters with this trail, too.
Right now is about as good as it gets. Spring and early summer bring hero dirt, green hillsides, and a trail that feels alive. By the middle of summer, Dry Creek has been hammered with traffic, it dries out, and loses some of its magic. Just a little, it's still an amazing ride.
Fall is the other sweet spot. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and fewer people make for an incredible ride. So if you've got a free day in the next few weeks, go ride it. And if you miss the window, put it on your list for fall.
Either way, if you enjoy descending, you owe yourself a trip down Dry Creek.
Enjoy the GoPro footage.
Forever Two Wheels!
-Myles