Before the soaking rain showers come or the snow starts to fly, it’s time to go for a hike while the weather holds.

    And in southeast Idaho, you never know how long the weather will hold. Barring an early blizzard or torrential rain, it’s not too late to go for a nice hike on the City Creek Trails.

    The best thing about City Creek is that it’s right in town. The area is managed by the City of Pocatello, under the auspices of the Parks and Recreation Department. The 3000 acres of the system includes 52 miles of trails that include wooded areas, open hillsides and vistas looking down into Pocatello.

    You can also take a leisurely stroll along the Lower City Creek Trail, walking across the occasional bridges that cross the gurgling creek. This hike has easy inclines and winds through trees following the course of the creek, with no vehicular traffic allowed. It is easy enough to bring along older children and doable for active senior adults. This trail has ten small bridges where one can pause to listen to the stream tumble over rocks and foliage.

    Or you can go a little higher and farther for a more challenging hike by just heading up the trail. Various trails are open to hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, off road vehicles and dog-walkers, so users of the trail system should always be aware of what kind of traffic is allowed on a specific trail and obey those restrictions.   

    Lance Clark is with the Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department, and explained a change in the trail system this year concerning bikers on the trail.

    “The major thing people need to know is that City Creek Trail is uphill travel only for bikers between Bridges one and five,” he said. “Hikers and horses can go both directions. There are signs to let people know where that designation starts and stops. This is an extremely high traffic area and so far users have been very compliant and grateful.”

    Two parking lots on the area make the trail system easy and convenient to use. One parking area is located on City Creek Road, also called Kinport Road at that point. The gate to this upper parking area is locked Nov. 15. Another parking area is located at the bottom of the trail, on Grant Street. The gate to this lot remains open as long as the road is passable. However, access points are open to foot traffic year-round. A trail that connects the two parking areas is a little over a mile long, and gains about 1,000 feet in elevation from the Grant Street parking lot to the connection with City Creek Road.

    As is true whenever people venture out on the trails and the hills, hikers and other users of the trail should come prepared for the conditions. Use cautions on the trail, dress properly, watch for sudden weather changes and have some water on hand.

    The entire City Creek Management Area is a watershed designated as a conservation area. Wildlife in the area includes sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer and the occasional moose. Users should respect the wildlife and respect the trail. Please pack out whatever you bring in, and avoid damaging the trail in any way. As in a public park, other users would appreciate it if dog walkers clean up after their pets.

    The trail system is maintained and improved on each year by both the Parks and Recreation Department and by volunteers. This year, five bridges were replaced, the Bench Trail was rerouted and other improvements were made on the trails, including some fencing taken down. With the help of volunteers, a new entrance to Death Valley was installed and finishing touches were put on the Sterling Justice Trail that is on city property.

    Projects for next year include widening and smoothing City Creek Trail from the lower lot to Bridge one, replacing all remaining old bridges, building a new bridge over the swamp on Sap Tree, some minor trail reroutes and rehabbing the steepest hills on City Creek Trail.

    Use of the City Creek Management Area is free of charge and is open from sunrise to sunset all year long. You can download a PDF map of the trail system showing all trails, loops and traffic restrictions, parking areas and trail access points by going to the website of the City of Pocatello at www.pocatello.us. Also, Barrie’s Ski and Sports, The Raven’s Nest, and Ace Hardware stores in Pocatello usually have printed maps available.