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Mores Mountain Interpretive Trail
Mores Mountain Interpretive Trail is a beautiful walk and an easy get away from Boise. Located 21 miles north of Boise, past Bogus Basin Ski Area and within the Shafer Butte Recreation Area. Near the trail there are 7 overnight camping spots and one group site.
The Mores Mountain Loop takes off from Shafer Butte Picnic Area and is a singletrack of 4.25 miles. The hike is moderate to streneous with a vertical gain of 1,000 feet. The loop is great for the entire family!
Print out the brochure learn more about this beautiful area!
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | The trail and campground are behind a gate and opened every year when the snow melts. Usually around June 15, the area is opened for public use. You may call the Mountain Home District for an update on conditions. The number is 208-587-7961. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made for camping in the Shafer Butte Campground with www.recreation.gov. |
| Rentals & Guides: | Join Forest employees and Master Gardeners this year for guided nature walks. |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Best Season: | Spring/Summer/Fall |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Closest Towns: | Boise, Idaho |
| Water: | yes |
| Restroom: | yes |
| Passes: | Day use fee for parking. |
General Information
Directions:From Boise, Idaho, travel along Bogus Basin Road, (Forest Service (FS) Road 297) for approximately 20 miles.
Continue past the ski area and Nordic Ski Center.
The final three miles are on a gravel road.
Turn right (east) at the campground sign and travel just over a mile to the Shafer Butte Campground and picnic area.
Mores Mountain Interpretive Trail can be accessed from the campground.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Mores Mountain Loop - This 4.3 mile trail works well for advanced beginners. Mores Mountain, located 20 miles north of Boise, is 6,600 feet in elevation. To get there from Boise, drive up Bogus Basin Road for 16 miles to the Bogus Basin Ski Resort. Go past the resort and follow Boise Ridge Road for 3.3 miles to a junction for Shafer Butte Picnic Area/Campground. The Mores Mountain trailhead is near the entrance to the campground.
The single-track trail follows the east slope of Mores Mountain for 1.5 miles and provides remarkable views of the Forest and Sawtooth Mountains in the distance. When the trail ends at the Boise Ridge Road, go left and ride uphill 1.6 miles to the picnic area access road, then go another 1.2 miles back to the picnic area. Vehicle access to the Mores Mountain trailhead is generally permitted from June to October, depending on weather and snow conditions.
In winter, the road from Bogus Basin’s Nordic Center to the Shafer Butte recreation area is groomed for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, and is not accessible to vehicles or snowmobiles. Fun facts: The Mores Mountain Interpretive Trail was built by the Beaver Creek Youth Conservation Corps in 1971. Mores Mountain is named for J. Marion More, one of the miners who first discovered gold in the Boise Basin in the early 1860’s.
Day Hiking
Mores mountain Interpretive Trail is open to hiking and use of mountain bikes. It is an easy three mile loop trail in a beautiful alpine setting complete with summer wildflowers, wildlife, buterflies and scenic views of Boise, Idaho.