Boise is a year-round adult playground! With its prime location and proximity to the foothills and several mountain ranges, Boise has hiking trails for novices and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re looking for an easy outdoor stroll or a hike that pushes you to put in some extra leg work, we have compiled a list of the best Boise hikes with help from Boise Trails.
Table Rock (3.2 miles)
Probably the most classic and popular hike in Boise is Table Rock. Giving you the iconic view of downtown Boise, Table Rock is easily accessible and the perfect length for the average hiker.
https://boisetrails.com/trail/table-rock-trail/
Lower Hulls Gulch (4.4 miles)
Hull Gulch is easy to follow and well marked. Start at the Foothills Learning Center and follow the peaceful creek along the trail. It is a great hike for all experience levels!
https://boisetrails.com/trail/hulls-gulch-lower/
Best Uncrowded Hikes
Five Mile Gulch (7 miles)
A scenic hike with great views! Hike along the creek and cross over it a few times till you reach the fork, giving you the option to continue or turn back to the beginning. Just be aware, there are sections of big inclines!
https://boisetrails.com/trail/five-mile-gulch/
Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail (7 miles)
You don’t need to drive far from town to experience nature and the peaceful outdoors. The Hulls Gulch Interpretive trail is only open to foot traffic, following the creek high into the foothills.
https://boisetrails.com/trail/hulls-gulch-upper/
Best Kid Hikes
Castle Rock (2 miles)
The Castle Rock loop (aka Shoshone-Bannock tribes loop) is a nice short hike for kids. Beginning at the Old Penitentiary off Warm Springs Road, it’s a quick, punchy climb up to a cool overlook allowing kids to climb the rocks on the way up.
https://boisetrails.com/trail/shoshone-bannock-tribes-castle-rock-trail/
Elephant Rock (.5 miles)
Elephant Rock is a great kid hike because it’s not too steep, not too long, and it leads to a specific destination: a unique, rounded sandstone boulder that resembles an elephant.
https://boisetrails.com/trail/elephant-rock/
Best Longer Hikes
Dry Creek Trail (up to 14 miles)
Dry Creek trails are your go-to summer hikes! The train begins by hugging the foothills and leads to the shaded forests.The numerous creek crossings provide ample opportunities to dunk your head and cool off.
https://boisetrails.com/trail/dry-creek/
Stack Rock Trail (9 miles)
The Stack Rock trail is an awesome intermediate-level day hike with lots of shade. Beginning from the trailhead about 12 miles up Bogus Basin Road (look for “Trail Crossing” signs after a big S curve in the road), the Stack Rock trail traverses along the tree line with stunning views of the valley to your south. With proper gear you can enjoy this hike year-round!
https://boisetrails.com/trail/stack-rock-trail/
But Wait, There’s More
Love the list but still itching for a few more hikes to keep you busy? Check out our page on the Boise Ridge to Rivers Trails. Ridge to Rivers is committed to providing quality trail opportunities for Boise and the greater Treasure Valley.
Ridge to Rivers