13 Stunning Hiking Trails Around Boise You Can’t Miss This Year
Boise’s incredible landscape offers some of the best hiking opportunities in Idaho. From challenging mountain climbs to peaceful valley strolls, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic walk, these 13 trails showcase the natural beauty surrounding the City of Trees.
1. Table Rock Trail
Rising above Boise’s eastern skyline, Table Rock Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire valley. The 2.5-mile journey features a steady climb that gets your heart pumping while showcasing the changing landscape of sagebrush and wildflowers.
Morning hikers often catch spectacular sunrises painting the sky in brilliant colors, while evening trekkers enjoy golden hour lighting over the city. The large cross at the summit makes for perfect photo opportunities. Parking can fill quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot at the Old Penitentiary trailhead.
2. Stack Rock Trail
Nestled in the Boise National Forest, Stack Rock Trail leads adventurers through dense pine forests to a magnificent granite formation that seems to defy gravity. The 9.5-mile journey weaves through shaded sections where sunlight filters through towering trees, creating a magical atmosphere. Summer hikers enjoy cooler temperatures under the forest canopy, while winter explorers discover a snow-dusted wonderland.
The trail’s moderate difficulty makes it accessible for most hikers with reasonable fitness levels. Pack extra water and snacks – the final climb to the rock formation requires energy but delivers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Dry Creek Trail
Adventurous souls flock to Dry Creek Trail for its challenging 13.8-mile route through some of Boise’s most dramatic landscapes. The path winds between striking red sandstone cliffs that glow brilliantly during golden hour, creating a photographer’s paradise. Shaded valleys provide welcome relief during summer months, with several creek crossings adding refreshing moments to your journey.
Wildlife sightings are common here – keep eyes peeled for deer, foxes, and various bird species. The trail’s length and elevation changes make it perfect for experienced hikers seeking solitude away from more crowded paths. Fall brings spectacular color changes to the surrounding vegetation.
4. Harrison Hollow Trail
Harrison Hollow welcomes both two-legged and four-legged adventurers with its network of accessible trails just minutes from downtown. Local residents treasure this hidden gem for its perfect balance of challenging sections and casual pathways that wind through native grasslands. The ridge portions deliver spectacular views across the Treasure Valley, especially beautiful during early morning or late afternoon light.
Seasonal changes transform the landscape dramatically – spring brings vibrant wildflowers while winter offers peaceful solitude. Dog owners particularly appreciate the off-leash areas where their companions can explore freely. Multiple trail connections allow for customizing your adventure based on available time and energy levels.
5. Around the Mountain Loop
Starting from Bogus Basin’s recreation area, Around the Mountain Loop circles majestic Shafer Butte through ever-changing terrain. The 10-mile journey traverses alpine meadows bursting with colorful wildflowers during spring and summer months. Mountain bikers share this trail with hikers, creating a friendly community atmosphere as everyone pauses to appreciate spectacular valley views. Fall transforms the landscape into a canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows as aspens and underbrush change colors.
Several natural rest points along the route provide perfect opportunities to catch your breath while soaking in the mountain scenery. The higher elevation offers cooler temperatures, making this an ideal escape during Boise’s hottest summer days.
6. Lower Hulls Gulch Trail
Beginning at the popular Camel’s Back Park, Lower Hulls Gulch Trail offers an accessible adventure into one of Boise’s most beloved canyons. The gentle descent into the gulch creates an immediate sense of escape from urban surroundings despite being minutes from downtown. Seasonal creek crossings add refreshing moments to your journey, while shade from surrounding hills provides relief during hot summer days. Families appreciate the manageable terrain that still delivers authentic nature experiences for children.
Wildlife frequently appears along this trail – watch for rabbits darting between shrubs and hawks circling overhead. The return trip features a gradual uphill climb that provides excellent cardio without overwhelming less experienced hikers.
7. Polecat Reserve
Looping through 5.8 miles of rolling foothills, Polecat Reserve captures the essence of Boise’s natural landscape. Morning hikers often spot coyotes and deer while enjoying the first light illuminating the vast Treasure Valley spread out below. Unlike more heavily forested trails, Polecat’s open terrain showcases dramatic weather patterns – watch thunderstorms roll across the valley or witness spectacular cloud formations against blue skies. The moderate elevation changes provide excellent workout opportunities without extreme difficulty.
Spring transforms the reserve into a wildflower paradise, with arrowleaf balsamroot creating fields of bright yellow blooms. Multiple access points allow hikers to customize their experience based on time constraints or physical abilities.
8. Lucky Peak Loop
Ambitious hikers seeking a true challenge find their match in Lucky Peak Loop’s demanding 15-mile circuit. The trail rewards determined adventurers with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain and some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the region. Strategic rest points along the journey offer opportunities to catch your breath while gazing across multiple mountain ranges stretching to the horizon.
Wildlife sightings increase at higher elevations – eagles soaring overhead and occasional mountain goats navigating rocky outcroppings. Experienced hikers recommend tackling this trail in spring or fall when temperatures remain moderate. The physical demands of this route make proper preparation essential – bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, and appropriate layered clothing.
9. Eagle Rock Loop
Perfect for hikers seeking big rewards without committing to an all-day adventure, Eagle Rock Loop packs stunning scenery into its compact 2-mile circuit. The trail offers unique perspectives of Table Rock and downtown Boise that even longtime residents find surprising and fresh. Rocky sections add interesting texture to the journey while natural benches formed from outcroppings provide perfect resting spots.
Sunset hikers particularly appreciate the golden light washing across the foothills, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the landscape’s contours. Families with young children enjoy this trail’s manageable distance while still experiencing authentic Boise wilderness. Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers that transforms the otherwise rugged terrain into a colorful garden.
10. Mores Mountain Loop
Escape summer heat on Mores Mountain Loop, where higher elevations create a refreshing retreat just an hour from downtown. The 4.4-mile journey through Boise National Forest showcases the region’s ecological diversity with dense pine forests opening to sweeping mountain meadows. Wildflower enthusiasts mark their calendars for July excursions when alpine blooms create spectacular rainbow displays across open areas.
The relatively gentle terrain makes this trail accessible for most fitness levels while still providing authentic mountain experiences. Several natural viewpoints along the route frame perfect photos of surrounding peaks and valleys. Early morning hikers often find themselves alone on the trail, experiencing the peaceful awakening of the mountain ecosystem.
11. Camel’s Back Park Trails
Urban convenience meets natural beauty on Camel’s Back Park’s network of interconnected trails. Located in Boise’s vibrant North End neighborhood, these paths provide perfect quick-escape options for busy weekdays when time doesn’t permit longer adventures. The iconic hump-shaped hill gives the park its name and offers surprising elevation gain for its urban setting. Reaching the summit rewards hikers with panoramic views of downtown’s skyline against the mountain backdrop.
Families appreciate the playground facilities that allow combining hiking with traditional park activities. The park’s central location makes it perfect for sunrise workouts before heading to the office or sunset strolls to decompress after busy days.
12. Five Mile Gulch Trail
Five Mile Gulch surprises first-time visitors with its remarkable diversity packed into a moderate 4.5-mile journey. The trail follows an ancient water path that carved this distinctive gulch, creating unique rock formations and microhabitats supporting varied plant communities. Several creek crossings add refreshing moments during warmer months, while shade from the gulch walls provides welcome relief from summer sun.
Bird enthusiasts bring binoculars to spot the impressive variety of species that make their homes in different elevation zones along the route. The trail’s proximity to residential areas makes it perfect for after-work adventures that still deliver authentic wilderness experiences. Spring hikers enjoy the seasonal creek at its most vibrant, creating small waterfalls after rain showers.
13. Shingle Creek Trail
Meandering alongside its namesake waterway, Shingle Creek Trail offers one of the most peaceful hiking experiences in the Boise area. The gentle 3.5-mile path follows the creek’s natural contours through a picturesque canyon where the sound of running water creates a naturally meditative soundtrack. Tall cottonwoods and willows create dappled shade along the route, making this trail enjoyable even during warmer months.
The moderate incline happens so gradually that many hikers barely notice they’re climbing until turning around for the return journey. Wildlife thrives in this riparian environment – watch for great blue herons fishing in quiet pools and listen for the distinctive calls of kingfishers. Families particularly enjoy the trail’s gentle nature and the creek’s shallow areas perfect for cooling tired feet.
