Boise is one of the best cities in America for hiking, with trails that start right at the edge of downtown and stretch all the way into the Boise National Forest. Totally Boise is your local guide to getting outside, and the Totally Boise app keeps you up to date on outdoor events, trail conditions, and everything worth doing in the City of Trees.
Boise Is a Hiker's City
Sitting at 2,730 feet in a high desert valley with the Boise Foothills rising directly to the north, Boise has immediate access to over 190 miles of trails through the Ridge to Rivers trail system alone. You can lace up your boots at Camel's Back Park and be deep into the foothills in 20 minutes, or drive 25 minutes up Bogus Basin Road to reach trails that feel a world away from the city. Whether you're chasing views, exploring canyons, or just getting your steps in after work, Boise hiking trails have something for every skill level and schedule.
Best Easy Hikes Near Boise
Owls Roost Trail
Owls Roost is a wide, tree-lined trail connecting Camel's Back Park in the North End to the Hulls Gulch trail complex. It follows a small creek with several pools that dogs and kids love to play in, and a short pedestrian-only offshoot called The Grove leads to the Foothills Learning Center. A great intro to the foothills trail system with no serious elevation gain and plenty of shade. Distance: 2 miles. Difficulty: Easy.
Cottonwood Creek Trail
One of the rare shaded trails in the Boise Foothills, Cottonwood Creek runs through the Military Reserve and is popular with joggers, hikers, and bikers throughout the day. In fall, it's one of the most colorful trails near Boise thanks to the aspen trees lining the canyon. You can extend it into the Eagle Ridge Loop for views of the State Capitol. Distance: 2 miles. Difficulty: Easy.
Harrison Hollow Trail
A short, accessible trail off Bogus Basin Road with lovely views of the foothills, Bogus Basin, and downtown Boise. Wildflowers are abundant in the warmer months, and the sandy surface makes it a good option when nearby trails are muddy. It's also a popular off-leash dog area, so bring yours along. Distance: 0.9 miles. Difficulty: Easy.
Best Moderate Hikes Near Boise
Table Rock Trail
Table Rock is arguably Boise's most iconic hike. Starting behind the Old Idaho Penitentiary in the East End neighborhood, the trail climbs steadily through open meadows and sagebrush to a giant white cross and panoramic views of the entire Treasure Valley. It's a steady incline the whole way up, but manageable for most fitness levels. Go at sunset for one of the best views in the city. Distance: 3.4 miles. Elevation gain: 994 feet. Difficulty: Moderate.
Polecat Loop
A popular loop in the foothills north of Boise, accessible from either the end of North Collister Drive or North Cartwright Road. The trail circles Polecat Gulch through rolling sagebrush terrain, offering great views of the Treasure Valley, and the gently sloping switchbacks make it manageable without being boring. A favorite among runners and mountain bikers. Distance: 6 miles. Difficulty: Moderate.
Dry Creek Trail
Located in the Boise National Forest, Dry Creek follows a winding creek through narrow canyons, open meadows, and shaded forests. Unlike most foothill trails, it has actual greenery thanks to the year-round creek, making it one of the most scenic hikes near Boise. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes in late spring and summer. Distance: Up to 7 miles one way. Difficulty: Moderate.
Hulls Gulch Nature Trail
One of the few Boise foothills trails where mountain bikes are not allowed, making it a peaceful option for hikers who want to avoid trail traffic. The trail crosses rolling hills covered in grassland and boulders, with interpretive signage throughout and footbridges across the gulch. Distance: 12.6 miles full loop, though most people do a shorter out-and-back. Difficulty: Moderate to Hard, depending on distance.
Best Hard Hikes Near Boise
Stack Rock Trail
Stack Rock is the most rewarding hard hike in the Boise area. Located about 25 minutes up Bogus Basin Road, the trail passes through shaded pine forests, open sagebrush terrain with panoramic views of the Treasure Valley, and massive granite boulder outcrops at the summit. It's a longer day, but the gradual elevation gain makes it challenging without being brutal. The shaded forest makes it a great option in summer when the valley gets too hot. Distance: 11.7 miles from the main trailhead. Elevation gain: 994 feet. Difficulty: Hard.
Upper Hulls Gulch
For those who want to push beyond the moderate Hulls Gulch lower section, the upper trail offers serious elevation gain and solitude, as it's restricted to foot traffic only. The payoff at the summit is an incredible view of Boise and the Treasure Valley. Get an early start and bring plenty of water. Elevation gain: 2,246 feet. Difficulty: Hard.
Kepros Mountain Trail
A strenuous summit hike that rewards with a 360-degree panorama of the Trinity Mountains, Boise, the Boise National Forest, Lucky Peak Reservoir, and Bogus Basin. The trail winds through rugged terrain, with pine forests offering breaks from the steep climb, before reaching the peak. One of Boise's four Grand Slam peaks. Difficulty: Hard.
Best Hikes for Views Near Boise
- Table Rock — the classic Boise panorama, best at sunset
- Stack Rock — sweeping Treasure Valley views from a granite summit
- Kepros Mountain — 360-degree views, including Lucky Peak and the Sawtooths, on a clear day
- Crestline Trail — dramatic foothills scenery accessible from the Foothills Learning Center on 8th Street
- Miller Gulch — beautiful views of downtown Boise, accessible year-round, with good facilities at the trailhead
Tips for Hiking Near Boise
Best Seasons
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for Boise hiking. Trails are green, temperatures are comfortable, and crowds are manageable. Summer hiking is doable early in the morning before the heat sets in, but mid-day hikes in July and August on exposed foothills trails can be brutal. Many trails are accessible year-round, though muddy conditions in winter and spring can cause serious erosion, so stay off wet trails when conditions are poor.
What to Bring
- Water, and more than you think you need
- Sunscreen and a hat, even on cloudy days
- Layers, since foothills temperatures can swing quickly
- A trail map or the AllTrails app, since many Boise trails interconnect, and it's easy to end up on a longer route than planned
Trail Etiquette
Boise trails are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians. Hikers yield to horses, bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to horses. Stay on marked trails, keep dogs leashed where required, and pack out everything you bring in.
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