Exploring Mahalo Trail

Mahalo Trail Marker

Last weekend, I went to check out the Mahalo Trail, a trail built by the Southwest Idaho Mountain Bike Association. Check out Stueby's Outdoor Journal for more information about the trail's origin and dedication.

This trail can be accessed off of Bogus Basin Road and Forest Service Road 275 C.

Saturday was dreary and rainy in Boise, but up on Mahalo Trail, it was snowing! It was exciting to welcome what may have been the first snow of the winter. I did not hike the entire Mahalo to Boise Ridge Road Loop due to the snow and not being prepared for cold weather, but I would love to come back and mountain bike this loop.

Despite being cloudy and snowy, there were some beautiful views of the valley and I enjoyed walking alone the ridgeline. I'm curious if this would be a good trail to snowshoe in the coming months, once we get a solid base of snow on the ground.

View on a cold day

Ruby taking the lead

This bright lichen was a cheerful sight!

This captivating berry brightened the dreary day

Comments

Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Driving Tour

Driving tour of Birds of Prey National Conservation Area - click here to see the brochure and map A couple of weeks ago, I took a driving tour of the Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. The driving route outlines some notable geographic features of the area, as well as bringing birds to great spots above the Snake River for catching glimpses of birds of prey. Read more about the history of this unique area here . View of Initial Point Snake River at Celebration Park Helpful bird identification sign at Dedication Point This sign at the Kuna Visitors Center has great ideas for stops along the Western Heritage Historic Byway View from Dedication Point

Backpacking in the Sawtooth Wilderness

Sawtooth Wilderness boundary Looking toward the far side of Farley Lake - the first campsite This past weekend, I went backpacking on an iconic loop in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho. The Sawtooths are beloved and renowned for their dramatic sharp, rocky peaks that resemble the teeth on a saw. I had only been to the Sawtooths once before (six years ago when I was working a seasonal position in McCall), so I was looking forward to exploring more. I hiked the Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop , and spent two nights in the backcountry. This was the perfect amount of time to spend backpacking, since it's been several years since I've hit the trail and done backcountry camping. My back and legs were achy and tired by the end of the weekend, but this trip itinerary allowed The fire smoke that has been looming over Boise was present in Stanley (a small river town close to the Sawtooths) and the views of the mountains took on a dreamlike, mystical quality w...

Quarantine Driving Tour of Boise

Map of the Boise Driving Tour to go along with this guide. Find the map here . We're all still under the statewide Stay at Home order here in Idaho, but many of us are itching to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather we've been having. Luckily, outdoor recreation is still permissible and encouraged, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed. Another great way to shake things up and enjoy the beauty of this time to year is to take a scenic drive around Boise. I put together a guide of some significant parts of Boise Here is a map with directions between each stop on the driving tour: Boise Driving Tour Map 1. Start at the Idaho State Capitol Building in downtown Boise. Did you know it's the only capitol building in the U.S. that is heated with geothermal water? check out this online tour of the Capitol and this fact page on the Capitol . 2. Cruise through downtown and stretch your legs at Freak Alley Gallery , an a...

Boise By Nature

Search This Blog