Watchman
Fun
Tech
Views
Traffic
Shade
Usage
Biking, Hiking
Dogs Friendly?
Yes
Length
3.5 mimiles
ElvElevation
912'
Rating
Watchman is a high quality trail–so good that it forms the centerpiece of one of our most recommended mountain bike rides in Boise. This modern, hardpacked singletrack traverses the hillsides of the upper foothills, with excellent views and lots of flow. Don’t get too distracted–the trail is narrow and there’s a bit of exposure on the steep hillsides. The Watchman wildflowers in spring are famously spectacular. Bikers typically loop Watchman with 5 Mile Gulch and Three Bears; hikers typically park at 5 Mile Gulch for a shorter loop.
Recent Trail Reports
April 27, 2023 at 12:17 pmPerfect conditions, no snow or mud. 3 Bears is perfect too
June 25, 2021 at 2:52 pmLost a nite rider lumina 750 micro around 10:30 AM June 25. Last place I remember having it is just before dropping down to three bears after junction with Femrite. Let me know if you stumble across it thanks!
May 14, 2020 at 10:09 amThis trail has become VERY busy. With a lot that only holds a few vehicles, there were 28 cars parked up and down the road the other day. If you want to avoid people, this is not the trail for you.
April 24, 2020 at 7:49 pmThe trail is in great condition.
February 24, 2020 at 8:57 amKind of all over the place, given the multiple directions the hills face. Sometimes deep snow, sometimes ice, sometimes mud, sometimes perfect. I'd avoid (unless frozen) for a couple more weeks.
December 23, 2019 at 11:11 amWalked this yesterday 12/22/2019 and it was in great condition. Just a few very small puddles that are easy to go through.
Perfect conditions, no snow or mud. 3 Bears is perfect too
Lost a nite rider lumina 750 micro around 10:30 AM June 25. Last place I remember having it is just before dropping down to three bears after junction with Femrite. Let me know if you stumble across it thanks!
The ‘gut check’ section seems to have had some work done? It’s not nearly as loose and gravelly as it used to be. Either way, the whole loop is in great shape
This trail has become VERY busy. With a lot that only holds a few vehicles, there were 28 cars parked up and down the road the other day. If you want to avoid people, this is not the trail for you.
The trail is in great condition.
Kind of all over the place, given the multiple directions the hills face. Sometimes deep snow, sometimes ice, sometimes mud, sometimes perfect. I’d avoid (unless frozen) for a couple more weeks.
Walked this yesterday 12/22/2019 and it was in great condition. Just a few very small puddles that are easy to go through.
The recent rain event did wonders for Watchman/Five Mile. Get it while the gettin’s good
Snow is gone. The only mud is at the usual spots just past the first creek crossing. A few puddles. The creek crossings are high but passable. Lots of loose rocks.
March 10, 2019: So much snow. February’s storms have left at least a foot over most of the trail, much deeper in drifts or shaded pockets. It’s going to be a very late start to the season for Watchman this year. The sandy soil will drain well as snow comes off but there are a few sections with more clay that will really take a beating if ridden when wet. Wait for things to really dry out to avoid damage to this gem of a trail as it transitions out of winter.
Some dry sections but still plenty of snow and ice.
Excellent is an understatement for today, despite the poor guy getting Life Flighted out with what appeared to be a broken arm from a motorcycle wreck.
Just a few puddles on Watchman, dry in between. Fewer puddles than Shane’s right now.
Sheep are grazing at the top of watchman, looks like they just finished going through the top of 3 bears.
Good news. I found the owner on Craigslist and returned the lost Garmin.
I found a Garmin cycling device in the middle of the trail coming down Watchman/Three Bears yesterday, 4/22, around 1 p.m. I’m pretty sure it came off a bicycle mount. If you lost one contact me at randallph ‘at’ gmail with a description/device info and I’ll get it back to you.
Great shape. Get some!
5 mile gulch and Watchmans loop are in good shape now. A few puddles, and a few short snow patches in the shade, but totally rideable, and not muddy.
Has alot of snow and icy patches. One of the north facing stretches has a foot of snow still. Rode it early this morning with lower Five Mile. Watchman was firm but would likely be miserable when warm, at least for the next week or so.
Primo
Watchman and Five mile Gulch still has a few packed/snow patches, a couple of puddles, lots of wet sand, very little mud.
Definitely rideable.