Dry Creek - Shingle Creek Loop is a 13.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Boise, Idaho that features a great forest setting and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and backpacking. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
The trail was very slushy! I wore snowshoes and they kicked slush up into my boots and on my pants, which ended in a wet trip. I would recommend ankle height or higher waterproof boots and spikes for traction. We took our dogs off leash and they had a blast!
The trail was so beautiful, I went from like 12:30-5pm, really nice sunny day. would recommend keeping a pup leashed for the first part of the hike! Going up the Saddle Creek way was nice and dry until about a mile or two from the summit. Coming down the Dry Creek way was a whole other kettle of fish, deep-ish (calf high) snow for the initial descent and it was pretty snowy most of the way down. Some sketchy creek crossings on the Dry Creek side also. I didn't have snowshoes though, only boot spikes and I lived and had a great time.
Trail was in pretty good condition. Went last weekend of November, and there was some snow/ ice/ mud. Did not need snowshoes (although would recommend some traction if you have it). Could not complete full loop since creek flooded the trail (in both directions). Was able to complete about 10 of the 13miles. All in all great hike. If you have dogs, make sure to keep them on leash as some of the trail is steep and narrow.
Ohhh man amazingly hard - should have went up Shingle crk and down Dry Creek on bike.....amazing to get up in the forest from the desert!
This trail was a treat and a half! Definitely don't recommend to absolute beginners. I am in moderate shape (lil fit, lil fat) and have been hiking regularly the past few months- the incline in the first half was tough! Great exercise and trail to take your hiking game to the next level. I was wary about bringing my pup on the trail since a few reviewers said there was no shade. Most of the loop is actually shaded and you cross the creeks several times which gives your pup opportunities to cool off and get a drink. If they are used to long hikes it shouldn't be a major issue- just bring extra water for them in the sunny bits! I passed a few people but definitely not as busy as some of the other popular hikes closeby! There were also lots of grasshoppers.
Fun trail! We went up Shingle Creek and down Dry Creek. Recommended going early to avoid the Summer heat. Don't miss the view! We breezed past it by accident but will be back.
Amazing trail with beautiful scenery!! If you’re looking for a nice long beautiful trail that isn’t too difficult this is it!! Highly recommend and will definitely do this one again! We completed this trail in 90° weather in the middle of the day. Plenty of sun and plenty of shade! Next time I hike this trail I plan to start earlier in the day.
I would definitely recommend this hike. You walk along the creek most of the hike and it’s green and shady for a lot of it. And you get a pretty good view at the top
The Dry Creek portion is absolutely stunning; one of the prettiest trails in the valley, that's so close to Boise. A good portion of it is completely in a forest and is very shaded and green. It is rated hard, and I would say that's largely due to the uphill stretch on the Dry Creek portion of the loop, brutal but was very doable and absolutely worth it for the view at the top. Will definitely be doing this trail again. The Shingle Creek portion starts out very pretty, but ultimately turns very much into what the beginning of the loop looks like and is lackluster by comparison to what you just hiked through on the Dry Creek portion. Still very worth it and highly recommend this trail!