boise hikes

Take a Hike: 5 Family-Friendly Hikes to Cross Off Your Boise Bucket List

The City of Trees has incredible landscape for all levels of hiking. A popular question we receive is “what hiking trails to you suggest?” Whether you prefer hiking through trees, for beautiful landscapes, seeing wildlife , or easy stroll for fresh air, here is our list of 10 best hikes to cross off your #BoiseBucketList


1.

Table Rock Trail

Length: 1.59 miles

Path: From Old Penitentiary to the top of Table Rock

Click HERE for the interactive map

2

Hull’s Gulch Interpretive Loop

Distance: 0.61 miles

Click HERE for interactive map

3.

Camel’s Back

Distance: 1.38 miles

Dogs on leash permitted

Offers great tree top views of Boise’s north end

Click HERE an interactive map

4.

Cottonwood Creek

Distance: 0.88 miles

Dogs permitted on leash

Trail through the cottonwood stands and open sagebrush flats

Click HERE for an interactive map

5.

Crestline

Distance: 2.01 miles

No dogs permitted

Click HERE for an interactive map


About Ridge to Rivers

The Ridge to Rivers is an interconnected network of roads and trails courses through the hills, linking not only neighborhoods with public lands but also connecting people with the natural environment. With over 190 miles of trails, there is something for everyone.

Thanks to Ridge to Rivers, here is a overview of general etiquette when hiking along the trails:

Be mindful.

Every user on the trail is a fellow nature lover. Be mindful and expect to see other folks around every corner.

Don’t use wet trails.

If you are leaving prints (hoof, tire, or boot), the trail is too wet to use. If you encounter muddy stretches of trail, please turn around to prevent further damage. Keep up to date on current trail conditions by checking the Ridge to Rivers website or following Ridge to Rivers on Facebook.

Stay on the trail.

Do not go off trail (even to pass), create new trails, or cut switchbacks. Narrow trails mean less environmental impact and happier critters.

Be respectful.

It’s a simple concept: if you offer respect, you are more likely to receive it. All user groups have rights and responsibilities to Boise’s trails, and to each other.

Don’t block trails.

When taking a break, move to the side of the trail.

For more interactive maps, trails, etiquette tips and more, please visit www.ridgetorivers.org.

Where the Wild Things Grow: Best Boise Hikes to See Wildflowers

It’s pretty wild out there! Wildflowers, that is.

And Boise has plenty of wildflowers to see along its trails. Grab your hiking shoes, your camera, and get ready to be dazzled by Boise’s beautiful wildflowers. Here are a list of #BoiseBucketList worthy trails where you’ll find plenty of wildflowers








  • Military Reserve

    • Popular Wildflower: Arrowleaf Balsamroot

    • Details


Source: Ridge to Rivers

Source: Ridge to Rivers





  • Hulls Gulch

    • Popular Wildflower: yarrow; Wood’s rose

    • Details

  • Mesa Reserve

    • Popular wildflower: Penstemons

    • Details:

  • Homestead Trail: 



wildflowers stock.jpeg



  • Bob’s Trail

    • Popular Wildflower: Syringa; Nuttall’s cinquefoil

    • Details

  • Cottonwood Creek Trail

  • Chickadee Ridge Trail #36A

  • Polecat Reserve

    • Popular Wildflower: Idahoa; Aase’s onion; bisuitroots

    • Details:


wildflowers stock 2.jpeg





  • Hillside to Hollow Reserve

    • Popular Wildflower: Cusick’s primrose; arrowleaf balsamroot

    • Details

  • Oregon Trail Reserve

    • Popular Wildflower: arrowleaf balsamroot ; purple & white lupines

    • Details


wildflowers stock 3.jpeg







  • Cobb Trail

    • Popular Wildflower: wild violets and yellow orange scabland fleabane

    • Details:

  • Corrals Trail

    • Popular Wildflower: purple, pink and white lupines

    • Details

  • Elks Meadow Trail #94


Checkout City of Boise Foothills Learning Center to learn more about wildflowers.


TRAIL ETIQUETTE

  • Ridges to RIvers has an excellent guide to trial etiquette. Some tips include

    • Become familiar with who yield where on the trails

    • Continue practicing social distancing

    • When passing, make sure to do so in a single file line & be courteous to others in along the trails

  • Click HERE for general trail etiquette