Overview
The Dry Creek to Shingle Creek Loop is one of the more accessible long-day routes from Boise, combining desert riparian canyon at the lower trailhead with genuine pine and fir backcountry at higher elevations. The loop covers 13.6 miles with 2,217 feet of gain, making it a genuine all-day effort for most hikers. The route is in Boise National Forest and follows multi-use trails shared by hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers.
The defining character of this loop is the transition it offers. The lower sections of Dry Creek run through open high-desert terrain with sagebrush, rock, and a seasonal creek. As the trail climbs toward the ridge and descends on the Shingle Creek side, the vegetation shifts to ponderosa pine and mixed conifer, and the terrain takes on the feel of the mountain forests that make up most of Boise National Forest's interior. The views from the upper sections of the loop extend across the Boise Front and into the central Idaho mountain ranges.
Multiple creek crossings on the Shingle Creek descent are a defining feature of this route in spring and early summer. By midsummer the crossings are manageable, but spring hikers should expect wet feet.
The Route
Miles 0 to 4: Dry Creek Trailhead to the Ridge. From the Dry Creek Trailhead, the trail follows the Dry Creek drainage upward through open canyon terrain. The grade is sustained but not extremely steep in the lower sections. As the trail gains elevation, the vegetation shifts progressively from sagebrush and bitterbrush to ponderosa pine and then to mixed conifer. The upper section of the climb reaches the ridge separating the Dry Creek and Shingle Creek drainages, with views opening in both directions.
Miles 4 to 9: Ridge to Shingle Creek. From the ridge, the trail descends into the Shingle Creek drainage on the opposite side. This section runs through denser forest with better shade and several creek crossings as the route follows Shingle Creek downstream. The crossings range from simple rock-hops in late season to wet-foot crossings in spring runoff.
Miles 9 to 13.6: Shingle Creek to Trailhead. The lower section of the loop follows the trail system back toward the Dry Creek Trailhead, completing the circuit. The terrain returns to the more open character of the Boise Front. The final miles on the return are generally downhill.
When to Visit
May through November is the main season. June through October offers the most reliable conditions: trails are dry, creek crossings are manageable, and wildflowers are present in early summer. July and August are warm in the lower sections; starting early avoids the worst heat.
Spring (late March through May) is when the lower canyon is often at its most scenic with green vegetation and flowing water, but mud can make the upper trail sections soft and prone to damage. Many hikers and the Idaho Trails Association recommend waiting until late May or June to let the trail dry.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this route carry:
- Sufficient water for a full day (creek water is available but requires filtration; the lower Dry Creek section may be dry by midsummer)
- Trail snacks and lunch (this is an all-day route with no services)
- Waterproof footwear or gaiters if visiting in spring when creek crossings run high
- Trekking poles (helpful for the sustained climb and the creek crossings)
- Sunscreen for the exposed lower sections
Dogs are welcome on leash. The creek crossings require care with dogs in high water.
Practical Details
No permit or fee is required to hike this trail (as of 2026). The trail is managed by the Idaho City Ranger District of Boise National Forest. The trailhead parking area is free.
Check current trail conditions with the Idaho City Ranger District or recent user reports before visiting, particularly for spring mud closures or snow at upper elevations.
The America the Beautiful Pass covers fees at developed Boise National Forest sites. Veterans may qualify for free passes; see the veteran benefits guide.
Getting There
The Dry Creek Trailhead is east of Boise on Dry Creek Road. From downtown Boise, follow directions to the east Boise foothills trailhead area via Bogus Basin Road and Dry Creek Road. Navigation apps provide the most reliable current directions to the trailhead; download offline maps before departing as cell service is limited near the trailhead.
From the Boise area, the drive to the trailhead takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The trailhead fills quickly on summer and fall weekends; arriving by 8 a.m. is advisable.