Watchman Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Downhill · Flow · Technical

Let's get the less exciting part out of the way: the first 2 miles of this loop are on a road leading up to Five Mile Gulch. While it might be a bit dusty and uneventful, it serves as a perfect warmup for the adventure ahead.

Five Mile Gulch Trail kicks things off with a steady 1.5-mile climb, setting the stage for the real fun. Once you reach Watchman Trail, you're in for a treat. This trail is stunning in the spring when sunflowers bloom and equally mesmerizing during summer evenings as the sun sets over Boise. The trail offers a delightful mix of flowy sections and creek crossings, making your way to the 3 Bears Trail.

Upon reaching 3 Bears, the pace picks up as you embark on a thrilling descent, dropping over 1,000 feet back to your vehicle. This trail serves up a mix of technical loose rocks, exhilarating flowy ridgelines, and playful washcuts that double as fun little booters for those looking to catch some air.

Overall, this loop is a dynamic showcase of the Boise Foothills, offering a perfect blend of challenge, scenery, and pure mountain biking fun.

This thrilling 10-mile loop in the Boise Foothills offers an adventure packed with diverse terrain, scenic views, and exhilarating descents. With around 1,500 feet of climbing, most of the elevation gain happens within the first 4 miles, so make sure your legs and lungs are up for the challenge. While the average grade is 6%, there are sections that spike at 21%, which might require a bit of bike-hiking. Save some energy for the toughest part of the climb right after connecting to Watchman Trail.

Your journey begins on Shaw Mountain Road, a popular route shared with dirt bikers, side-by-sides, horses, and cars. Stay alert for descending traffic and be prepared to share the road, especially in the narrower sections. The road climb is 1.84 miles with a 520-foot elevation gain, bringing you to the Five Mile Gulch trailhead, where you'll likely see cars from hikers.

From the trailhead, you'll ride another 1.8 miles and climb 750 feet. This section features a mix of open terrain and shaded spots with trees and small bridges. The tall ridges on both sides create a sense of seclusion despite the open landscape. At the junction with Watchman Trail, stay left and continue up the draw. For those looking for an extra challenge, Five Mile Gulch extends all the way to the ridge road, but today's adventure takes you to Watchman, the last big climb before the fun begins.

As you pedal through the blooming sunflowers in spring, be cautious of the loose granite rock and narrow singletrack. You'll cross two creeks before a short climb to the ridge, marking the start of your main descent. Follow Watchman and 3 Bears trails, which will eventually have a new connector trail called Curlew Connector in 2025, leading to Freestone Ridge.

The descent from Watchman and 3 Bears trails spans over 5 miles and drops 1,000 feet, offering a mix of technical rock sections and flowy ridgelines. Ride in control and watch your speed, as some corners can sneak up on you. As you approach the Shane's Loop connector, take a left and descend back to your vehicle on Shaw Mountain Road.

This loop is a dynamic showcase of the Boise Foothills, blending challenge, beauty, and excitement. Whether you're conquering steep climbs, enjoying breathtaking views of the Treasure Valley, or navigating thrilling descents, this route promises a nice climb and a rewarding descent.