Weekly Send: Hawkins Loop
Ride the full Hawkins Loop for big foothills views, mellow flow, and a steady endurance-building climb. This upper beginner-friendly loop near Bogus Basin is perfect for sunset spins in May when the hills are green and the temps are just right.
The Full Tour of Hawkins Loop
Welcome back to The Weekly Send! Your go-to spot for scenic loops and laid-back rides around Boise. This week, we’re heading to the upper foothills for “The Full Tour” of Hawkins Loop. A complete ride of both the inner and outer loops that offers just the right mix of views, flow, and effort.
Location: Upper Boise Foothills off Bogus Basin Road
Distance: 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Type: Directional loop
Rider Level: Upper Beginner to Lower Intermediate
Hawkins Loop is one of two directional loops in the Boise foothills, and it’s nicely tucked away from the more connected trail systems. There’s a designated parking lot, bathroom, and once you roll out, we're in it for the full tour.
What to Expect
Hawkins doesn’t offer much in terms of technical riding, but that’s part of the charm. It’s open, scenic, and mellow. You’ll cruise along flowing singletrack, pass some exposed hillsides that add just enough spice for newer riders, and enjoy wide views of the foothills. I especially love riding out here in May, when the landscape is green and the temps are just right. The sunset views out here are amazing.
To ride the full tour, you’ll kick things off on Hawkins Loop, easing into a mellow warm-up as you make your way down to Harrow Trail. Remember it's directional, so there is only one way to go. The inner loop clocks in at just under 2 miles with less than 200 feet of climbing. It doesn’t see a lot of traffic, so don’t be surprised if it feels a bit overgrown in spots.
The inner loop is a fun and quiet way to warm up for the outer loop. Once you reconnect with Hawkins Loop, you’ll get a little teaser of the climb back to the parking lot. From the Harrow junction to the top, it’s a short 0.65-mile climb gaining about 100 feet at a smooth 3.5% grade. This climb is just enough to get your legs ready for what’s ahead.
Now it's time for the outer loop. At the Harrow junction stay to the right on Hawkins Loop trail. From here you’ll encounter some short uphills, but the majority of the ride to the lower gate is classic, flowy XC Boise fun. The cattle gates out here are fun to hop over, just watch your knuckles as you pass through. This stretch is one of my favorites, with sweeping views, natural rock formations, and a couple of playful switchbacks.
GoPro of a Portion of the downhill section to the Gate
Just after the final gate, keep your eyes up for a small uphill rock roller. It can surprise you if you’re not expecting it. The first time I rode out here, it caught me off guard and I had to hop off and walk it. It’s a fun little feature to session if you’re feeling playful. From there, you’ll begin the steady climb back to the top.
The Climb Back
Don’t let the numbers fool you. Once you hit the lower gate, the trail flips the switch to climbing. The final two-mile climb back to the parking lot is sustained and steady. The grades average around 3%, which sounds mild on paper, but for riders still building endurance, this can feel like a grind. Fortunately, the climb is well-built and never punishing. It really is a perfect route for leveling up your stamina without blowing up your legs.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a quiet trail with big views and a manageable challenge, Hawkins Loop delivers. It’s a great spot for newer riders wanting to push a little further or intermediates looking for a peaceful spin. Bring a snack, time it for golden hour, and enjoy the best May has to offer in the Boise foothills.
Thanks for joining me on the full tour of Hawkins Loop! This area has become one of my favorite after-work session spots, especially when the foothills are glowing green and the temps are just right. If you enjoyed this breakdown, be sure to explore the rest of the blog posts over on the FilthyCasualMTB.com
Not every ride makes it into the newsletter, and I’ve recently started posting GoPro footage and vlog-style ride content there as well. If you follow me on Strava and ever wonder what those rides actually look like, chances are I’ve turned a few of them into vlogs and they're up on YouTube and embedded directly on the blog.
Forever two wheels!
-Myles