+ 77
Polecat Gulch Loop
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
6.38 mi
837 ft
A locals' go-to loop in the foothills, close to Eagle and Meridian.
This trail loop is almost all singletrack, winding through the scenic Boise Foothills. It goes gradually up the valley of Polecat Gulch to a panoramic ridgeline, then twists in and out of smaller canyons. It mostly contours the ridges, avoiding any super steep sections. One quick descent awaits at the end to return to the trailhead.
The surface is mostly smooth hardpack, but has some significant sandy stretches and some rocks to keep things interesting. Much of the route is on north-facing slopes, so it can be good in summer when other places are too hot. The downside is that these trails are slower to dry than some others in the area, so they may be too muddy in the colder seasons. As mapped here, the loop starts from Polecat Gulch trailhead, but you could alternately start from the parking area on Cartwright Road.
Note: As of 2021, all users are required to travel counter-clockwise on this loop (may not apply in the winter).
Source:
Written by Jesse Weber
This trail loop is almost all singletrack, winding through the scenic Boise Foothills. It goes gradually up the valley of Polecat Gulch to a panoramic ridgeline, then twists in and out of smaller canyons. It mostly contours the ridges, avoiding any super steep sections. One quick descent awaits at the end to return to the trailhead.
The surface is mostly smooth hardpack, but has some significant sandy stretches and some rocks to keep things interesting. Much of the route is on north-facing slopes, so it can be good in summer when other places are too hot. The downside is that these trails are slower to dry than some others in the area, so they may be too muddy in the colder seasons. As mapped here, the loop starts from Polecat Gulch trailhead, but you could alternately start from the parking area on Cartwright Road.
Note: As of 2021, all users are required to travel counter-clockwise on this loop (may not apply in the winter).
Source:
Written by Jesse Weber
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pole Cat Loop (CCW) | 0.89 mi | 331 ft | 7.0% |
| Upper Pole Cat Climb | 0.42 mi | 161 ft | 7.2% |
| Isn't there a left coming up? | 0.22 mi | -118 ft | -9.5% |
| Motorcycle Club Grunt | 0.21 mi | 118 ft | 10.4% |
| CCW Polecat Grunt to Peggy's Cut-Off | 1.00 mi | 89 ft | 1.4% |
| polecat to collister | 4.05 mi | -482 ft | -1.6% |
| Polecat CCW 1st climb | 0.46 mi | 128 ft | 5.2% |
| Polecat Contours | 2.17 mi | 121 ft | 0.9% |
| PoleCat DH | 0.82 mi | -341 ft | -7.9% |
| Polecat Sketchy Side Hill DH | 0.74 mi | -328 ft | -8.4% |
| Turkey Carver | 0.40 mi | -180 ft | -8.5% |
| Old Spice Down | 0.18 mi | -66 ft | -6.5% |