City Creek Trail
City Creek Trail is one of the classic hiking trails in Pocatello, Idaho, offering a pleasant creekside outing with moderate elevation gain, beautiful scenery, and a true foothills feel just outside town.
Route Overview
As the crown jewel of the City Creek Management Area, City Creek Trail is one of the most popular trails in Pocatello, and for good reason. This beautiful, well-maintained creekside hike sits just minutes from downtown and is a favorite among hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers alike. Seventeen bridges cross the creek, creating fun landmarks as you make your way up the canyon. Mountain bikers, in particular, will appreciate the many side trails that open the door to fresh loop options on nearly every visit. In autumn, the area comes alive with color, making it a favorite for photographers as well.
For an overview of the individual trails in the City Creek Area, visit the City Creek Management Area Trail Overview on page 405.
For more options, explore these featured hiking trails in Pocatello, Idaho.Why Hike City Creek Trail?
If you want something more meaningful than a short walk but are not up for a huge mountain day, City Creek Trail hits a sweet spot. Close to town, with cool foliage overhead and a bubbling creek beside the trail, it offers a relaxing setting with plenty to explore. Numerous side trails branch off from the main route, making it an ideal jumping-off point for bigger adventures.
What to Expect
The trail follows City Creek for much of the route, with several stream crossings and the constant sound of flowing water along the way. Numerous bridges and signs make for fun landmarks as you follow the creek. It is one of the most popular trails in the area, particularly in the first mile and a half, so expect company on the trail.
Who is This Trail Best For?
City Creek Trail is ideal for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who want a moderate outing that still feels worthwhile, with enough distance and climbing to satisfy without requiring the bigger commitment of a true mountain objective. Since you can turn around whenever you like, there is no pressure to continue all the way to the upper turnaround near Kinport Road. It also serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the wider City Creek Management Area. If you are looking for a more consistent climb with open views, the Wiggleworm Trail is another great option nearby.
Explore More with the Pocatello Trail Guide
Featured in the Pocatello Trail Guide, City Creek Trail is one of more than 300 miles of routes covered in the book, from easy local walks to bigger summit days.
- Detailed trail descriptions and directions
- Distance, elevation gain, and quick facts
- Ideas for hikers, runners, bikers, and skiers