The beautiful city of Boise, Idaho has some of the best access to outdoor recreation for a capital city in the US. Within 1 hour, you can be hiking, skiing, kayaking or soaking in natural hot springs. It also is one of the most bike friendly cities in the US, with the Boise River Greenbelt having over 25 miles of trails! So, with this many options, what should you do while visiting? Here is your guide to outdoor activities and awesome adventures around Boise.

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Outdoor Activities and Awesome Adventures around Boise

Most of the outdoor recreation opportunities listed in this guide are within 1 hour of Boise. There are hiking options, unique activities and also scenic drives included.

1. SPEND A DAY AT LUCKY PEAK STATE PARK

This state park is about 20 minutes from downtown Boise. You can hike, swim at the “beach”, picnic and also rent boats/kayaks. For boat rentals, head to the Spring Shores Marina, which is on the north end of the lake. If you go this way, also stop at the Mores Creek Bridge, which offers a great view of the state park. Best hiking trails include:

• Adelmann Mine Trail – This is a moderate 4.7 mile trail that takes you to an abandoned mine. It also has great views of the hills that surround the state park.

• Cervidae Peak – This hike may be one of the best in the Boise area. It is a 4.4 mile difficult trail (nearly 2000 feet of elevation gain) but the views of the lake are worth the effort. Visit in May when the spring flowers are in full bloom.

2. RENT BIKES AND EXPLORE THE CITY

Boise has one of the best bike pathway systems in the whole United States. In addition to designated bike lanes in almost every part of the city, the Boise River Greenbelt also has over 25 miles of trails. You can rent bikes from several places in the city, including Pedego Electric Bikes Boise and George’s Cycles.

Alternatively, you can also take a guided Boise Bicycle Tour. The owners of this company are lifetime Boise residents and provide a great experience as well as local recommendations. There are a couple of options, which include a craft brewery bike tour and also a best of Boise tour.

3. WATCH THE SUNSET ALONG BOGUS BASIN ROAD

The Bogus Basin Road is the long road that winds north out of Boise to the Bogus Basin Recreation Area. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset because the higher elevations provide you with great views of the surrounding hills and city. You’ll also find several hiking trails along the road that have spectacular springtime wildflowers, which add to the beauty of the sunsets here. Great sunset spots include:

• Miller Gulch Trailhead
• Sweet Connie Trailhead

4. TAKE A GOAT YOGA CLASS

Certainly one of the most unique “outdoor” experiences you can have, a Boise Goat Yoga class is a must do activity here. Emily, the owner and yoga teacher, provides a wonderful experience in her yard filled with lovely trees and hilarious little goats. The goats freely roam around during the class, so you can interact with them as much as you want. Afterwards, you also have an opportunity to pet and feed the goats!

5. DRIVE ALONG THE WILDLIFE CANYON SCENIC BYWAY

The Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway begins about an hour north of Boise in Banks, Idaho. The road is 35 miles in length and takes around 1 hour to drive (without stops.) However, you’ll definitely want to plan for at least half a day of exploration, as there as many wonderful places to visit. Highlights on this scenic drive include:

• Payette River views (and rafting)
• Charming and historical town of Crouch
• The Mud Room Coffee Shop
• Idaho City
• Pine Flats Hot Springs

6. HIKE TO TABLE ROCK

Table Rock is a terrific hiking area only 10 minutes from downtown Boise. While this seems close to the city, you’ll quickly realize how easily you can access the outdoors here. While there are several hiking trails that surround this iconic area, the best views are found from the aptly named Table Rock Trail. Visit at sunset or during the spring (April/May) when the wildflowers are at their peak.

7. VOLUNTEER WITH A LOCAL OUTDOOR ORGANIZATION

Volunteering when traveling is a great way to give back to the local community as well as getting outside. Boise has several organizations that you can support during your visit:

• Idaho Rivers United – river clean up projects
• Idaho Trails Association – trail maintenance and conservation

If you can’t find an opportunity available during your visit, you can always care for the outdoors by picking up trash while out exploring! Also known as “plogging“, this is something that everyone can do that directly helps local communities.

8. SOAK IN A HOT SPRING

There are several natural (and free) hot springs located near Boise. The places around here are especially wonderful, as most of them are located along a river with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Springs to explore around Boise include:

• Pine Flat Hot Springs – 1.5 hours from Boise, requires a small hike (10 minutes) and waterfall like setting with small pools. You have to pay to park in the summer.

• Kirkham Hot Springs – 1.5 hours from Boise and along the Payette River with a waterfall setting. These springs also require a parking fee.

• Bonneville Hot Springs – 2 hours from Boise, requires a short hike (15 minutes) as well as paid parking. Most of the pools are extremely hot, so be careful when choosing which to enter (find the comfortable ones!) There is also a unique bathtub style hot spring here too.

You can access all of these hot springs either by Highway 55 & the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway or Highway 21, which also leaves north from Boise.

9. PADDLE BOAT AT JULIA DAVIS PARK

Last, but not least, is renting a paddle boat at Julia Davis park. This is a fun outdoor activity for a warm summer day or evening and you can rent by the half hour or hour. Bring a picnic, your dog (they are allowed on the boats!) and enjoy a lazy ride around this beautifully green area.

– Responsible Travel Tips –

Please be respectful of the natural environment whenever exploring the outdoors. Don’t litter, stay on designated roads/trails and leave wildlife alone. It always helps to pick up a piece of trash or two as well! 🙂

Additionally, try to support small businesses in the places you are visiting. Boise and the surrounding area is full of incredible locally owned restaurants, shops and hotels!

Enjoy these outdoor activities and adventures around Boise!

Caroline & Jonathan