Quality:
Distance: Hidden Springs beginner loop, 2 miles; Redtail Ridge loop, 5.9 miles
Difficulty: Beginner, advanced intermediatehttp://www.swimba.org/graphics/star.gif
Riding time: 30 minutes-1.5 hours
Trail: 2WD dirt road, single track
Season: April-October
Watch out for: Hikers and joggers
Topo map: Cartwright Canyon

Getting there: Mileage for the Redtail Ridge Loop ride starts at the junction of Cartwright and Dry Creek roads. This junction can be reached via Cartwright Road from Bogus Basin Road (it's five miles to lower Dry Creek from Bogus Basin Road). Or, Hidden Springs can be reached via Seaman's Gulch Road (the road to the Ada County landfill). Take Seaman's over the top of the foothills to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and watch for Hidden Springs on the right.

The Rides: The two loops described here are the first two trails provided by the Grossman family as part of a new community called Hidden Springs. Public parking will be available in Hidden Springs as the community takes shape. The Redtail Ridge Loop Trail was created by SWIMBA and Hidden Springs volunteers, firefighters, and the Ridge-to-Rivers trail crew in 1997.

The Hidden Springs beginner trail: This two-mile loop is totally flat -- a rare thing in the Boise Front. It's a good trail for beginners, families and kids. Ride into the Hidden Springs development (the turnoff is signed). Proceed into the main driveway and follow trail signs to a two-track road next to Dry Creek. The trail bends to the right after a half mile and tours around the fringe of a farm field. Then it circles back to the public parking area and community center at mile 1.8.

Redtail Ridge Loop: This trail can be accessed from Hidden Springs, Dry Creek Road or Cartwright Road. The mileage for the ride begins at the junction of Dry Creek and Cartwright roads. Ride up Cartwright Road 1.2 miles to a steep 4WD road on the left. Bear left on the 4WD road and climb a half mile to Redtail Ridge, named for a pair of red-tailed hawks that nest nearby. Continue on the two-track road until a single-track trail bends off to the left at mile 2.2. It's a long downhill from here on the winding trail. You'll cross Current Creek at mile 3.3, and then climb a moderate grade to a set of hills overlooking Dry Creek Valley. Bear right at several junctions to stay with the longer trail. At mile 4.3, the trail drops down to Dry Creek road, or you can stay high and do a little loop around a knoll before dropping down to Dry Creek Road (mile 5.0). Turn left and head back to the junction of Cartwright and Dry Creek at mile 5.9.