BOISE, Idaho — The constant freeze and thaw cycle this time of year creates constantly changing conditions for people who want to use the Boise foothills.
Ridge to Rivers reminds us that people can do damage to the trail system by using the trails when they are muddy.
“When you get this nice 44-degree day people have a tendency to think the trails are ok because the weather is ok," said Ranger Pete Ritter of Ridge to Rivers. "That’s not necessarily the case.”
Ridge to Rivers does provide a daily trails report on their websiteand on their Facebook page.
As of now Ridge to Rivers has closed the Table Rock trails, however, the sandier trails in the Hull's Gulch area and Camel's Back area remain open.
It is important for people to avoid muddy trails because doing so causes damage in the form of creating ruts and when people walk around the mud that widens the trail creating erosion.
"Unfortunately we don't have the luxury of having a lot of trees we have a lot of grasses," said Ritter. "Widening the trail destroys the vegetation and allows for invasive species like medusahead and cheatgrass to move in, which are much more fire prone than the native grasses."
Ridge to Rivers also has an interactive 3D map for people to use and that also shows which areas are closed, here's a linkto the map which was introduced in April of last year.
