Work trips turned fun are always the best way to explore new cities and states. That exactly what I did when I explored Boise National Forest in September! After getting a few recommendations from co-workers, I settled on the trail to Tripod Lookout, located on Tripod Peak in the Boise National Forest.
Tripod Lookout Trail – Boise National Forest
The trail is approximately 7 miles round trip, including an additional half mile to get to the fire lookout on Tripod Peak during the summer months! The hike is a moderately difficult, with the most elevation change near the trail head and the last half mile on the way up to Tripod Peak where the fire lookout is located. Round trip the trail took about 3.5 hours, including a half hour stop to meet the staffer at the lookout. *the fire lookouts are typically staffed through labor day weekend, afterwards they begin to pull staff.
For the entire hike I could see the lookout on Tripod Peak, taunting me as I got closer. The first half of the trail was well defined with gorgeous views looking down at Blue Lake. As the trail continued, cattle trails and the actual trail began to blend together. Boise National Forest has lots of free range cattle, a few of which I ran into; they nearly gave me a heart attack! Having a map of the trail really helped, and I referenced it a few times during the hike.
The views from the fire lookout were amazing and well worth the hike. As someone from the flat state of Texas, it is not something we get often. I enjoyed the views so much I forgot to take photos! But I like to think it was better that way. Aside from the cattle and the staff at the lookout, I was the only person on the trail, which made for a great solo hike.
Solo Hiking
Always remember that safety is essential when hiking alone. When hiking alone, especially on trails that are not heavily trafficked, the risk of taking a wrong turn or getting injured is real. A few key reminders: make sure someone knows
- where you are,
- what trail you are on,
- how long the trail is,
- and when you started the hike.
And don’t forget to check-in with them when you finish! As always, make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks.
Before you go
This trail is a bit off the beaten path and is not heavily trafficked. A big plus is the restroom at the Blue Lake trail head, another great hike that is about 5 minutes from the Tripod Lookout trail head. It is a great addition to the end of your day, and their are campsites across the forest service road if you want to extend your day into a weekend.
From Boise you’ll drive north on ID-55 for about an hour and half before turning on to Cabarton Road, which eventually turns into an unpaved Forest Service Road that goes up the mountain. When you’re using GPS, enter the point for Blue Lake Trail Head or Granite Peak. Tripod Lookout trail head and parking area is directly across from Granite Peak. In total it took me about 2 hours to get from Boise to the trail head, much longer than I expected.
Leave No Trace
The environmental activist in me comes out at the end of every post. If we want to keep being able to enjoy the great outdoors, we have to take care of it! I have a bag to put all my trash in that I carry in my day pack. Using a refillable and reusable water bottle or camelbak instead of using a plastic bottle from the convenience store is a must.
Look for more posts about hiking in Houston and around Texas here. For more dog friendly hiking and camping, check out my blogs on the All Things Winter page.
nice article… I wanna go one day.
It was gorgeous there! I can’t wait to go back and do more hiking!
2atlantic