Boise, ID

Many, many years ago, Sherwood West-an older subdivision, was constructed above the west rim of it. The former gravel pit, supplied raw materials such as sand and gravel, to the ever growing communities being built on the Boise Bench. One reason I am familiar with it, is that my dad had built many homes in the same subdivision.

About four years ago, the wife and I moved into the area, just a few blocks away. I hadn’t seen the old gravel pit in years. On one of my first walks in our new neighborhood, I quickly rediscovered an old friend.

Even then, all I knew the 44 acre whole in the ground by, was the “Gravel Pit.“ It wasn’t until I started to write this review that I did a bit of research. Low and behold, I found the pit had a name-the “Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve.” In addition, I was astonished to see that the City of Boise had created a master plan in 2000, to develop the site into a park.

Today, it contains a 22 acre wetland of reeds and water and is a growing wildlife habitat. It has become one of my favorite walks, morning or evening. Although still pretty much undeveloped, it does contain a small bridge that spans a lower pond, near the Maplegrove Extension Road on the west end.

With water bottles in our back pockets and a digital camera in hand, my son and I took off from home and walked the four or so blocks towards the park. We turned east on McMillan, then crossed the street to the Sherwood West subdivision sign. We walked over a small narrow footbridge, which crossed the Settlers Canal, then turned east again and followed a dirt footpath towards a small chain link fence entrance.

At that point, we had several paths to consider. In realty one can circumvent the whole perimeter of the park. The trail to the east is narrow. It’s an easy walk until you reach the rim where it turns back north. The trail is both narrow and steep and extreme caution should be used. It’s a long way to the bottom should you slip! I would advise against it for the elderly or the really young. It’s a long way to the bottom, if you should slip or fall.

A better route is the main one, which parallels Sherwood West and heads north. We chose that trail instead. It’s pretty wide and good for both hikers and bikers. The only caution I have is when you reach the high earthen mounds near the east or walk towards the edges of the rim which overlook the ponds. I have seen more than one kid play along the rims and slip down the side, only to cry for help and a band aid or two!

A third trail, tails off the northwest and the proposed parking area, near the bottom of Maplegrove Extension. I haven’t been on that one, but it’s a pretty good hike from there, back to our house.

My son and I stopped and took a picture, then headed downhill towards the small green bridge. As we did, we spotted two youngsters-one sitting on the rail, the other swimming around on a boogie board. I jokingly asked the boys, if they had seen my pet alligator which had escaped last weekend. The youngest boys eyes grew large as saucers, until the other informed him, I was kidding. We all had a good laugh!

We concluded our hike, by exiting over the green bridge, walking down a small gravel path and coming out at the Maplegrove Extension. From there it was a long hike back up to McMillan and Maplegrove and a about the same hike back to our house.

*Note: Please be aware that this is still an undeveloped area at this time. Some trails are narrow and steep and there is lots of water. (Ponds below, and the Settlers canal above) Stay on the trails, and hang onto your kids or dogs. Like any area, watch out for doggy doo. A lot of trails are good for mountain biking and hiking, so keep an eye out! It’s a great place for taking pictures, especially at sunrise or sunset. Good hiking shoes would be recommended, as some parts of the trail are steep and slippery. Hang on to your partner when descending a trail. Ducks abound. I suspect some large beavers, as I have seen few trees almost chewed in half. Have fun and be safe if you go!