Up, up and…. more up! This is an accurate description of Cervidae Peak, located just outside of Boise near Lucky Peak. This leg burning hike is only 5 miles in total but in the 2.5 miles up to the peak you climb over 1800 vertical feet. Even though Cervidae is one of the smaller of Boise’s Grand Slam Peaks, you better be in good shape to make it to the top.

Just a Hill

The trailhead begins across the street from a dirt pull off just past Spring Shores Marina near Lucky Peak. There are no trail signs but the path becomes obvious once you reach a little outdoor storage area full of various forest equipment. Speaking of equipment, make sure you bring your trekking poles for this one. You will thank us during your descent.

The trail starts out slow and lulls you into a false sense of security believing this peak will be easy and you’ll be home before lunch. But hold your judgments until you get to the top of that first hill. As you approach the rounding top, your hopes of a simple climb will quickly diminish.

Your eyes will widen as you now lay eyes upon the trail to the peak. But you have come this far so you might as well give it a go.  The scenery from the top is worth all the effort.

You did it!…Hopefully

As you huff and puff your way to the top of Cervidae Peak, the view from the summit will cease the shaking of your legs and your chest will swell with accomplishment. Gander below at Lucky Peak Reservoir, Arrowrock Reservoir and Mores Creek. Enjoy the foothills littered with purple and yellow wildflowers and bask in the warm sun while you celebrate making it to the peak.

Trail Tips

• Hit that stair climber at the gym before attempting this one
• This is a wildlife management area so keep dogs on leashes
• Bring your trekking poles

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.