Boise is quickly becoming a large metropolitan city, but it will never forget its nature and love of the outdoors. There are still a number of walks or hikes in Boise, within city limits, for everyone. Whether you want an easy walk to see nature or a more strenuous uphill hike, there are a number of options for some of the best hikes in Boise, Idaho.
Click the links below to skip to any of the following sections:
Boise Greenbelt
Camel’s Back Park
Table Rock
Hulls Gulch
Shane’s Trail & Three Bears
Bob’s Trail
Harrison Hollow Trail
Bethine Church River Trail
The Dry Creek Trail
Boise Greenbelt
The Boise Greenbelt is an easy walk for all levels, whether you want to run 20 miles or walk one mile. The greenbelt passes through Boise and Garden City, along the Boise River most of the time. It spans nearly all the way from Meridian to Lucky Peak Reservoir outside of town.
You can join up with the Boise Greenbelt at the Boise Whitewater Park, Veterans Memorial Parkway, near Ann Morrison Park, at Boise State University — or at a number of other prominent places in Boise. If you are just looking to get outside in a peaceful environment without any elevation gain, the Boise Greenbelt is always a reliable and safe option.
Walking, running, or bicycling the Boise Greenbelt (map)
Camel’s Back Park
Camel’s Back Park in Boise is a fun park for kids and adults alike. With a playground, plenty of open grass space, and a giant hill (its namesake) rising above everything.
Camel’s Back has taken a number of different looks over the years, at one point even having two levels of playgrounds separated by a giant concrete wall stairs. After that wall was removed, the park returned to a more natural look. In the 2010s, a stairway was built up the hill, making the climb up slightly safer.
You can climb up the stairs or slightly easier switchbacks, and once you get to the top, there are miles and miles of trails — each with beautiful views of the entire city.
Camel’s Back is a family-friendly hike in Boise, and a fun day for all levels of hikers.
Camel’s Back Park in Boise: Things to see and do
Table Rock
Table Rock is an easy hike to one of the best views in Boise. Starting near the Old Idaho Penitentiary, the Table Rock hike is a steep incline of nearly 900 feet with a few switchbacks to the top.
Although the Table Rock hike is a quick rise to the top of the city, it is less than two miles to the top, making it a quick hike.
You can see the entire city of Boise before you make your way back down to the bottom.
Driving to or hiking Table Rock Boise, Idaho [MAP]
Hulls Gulch
Hulls Gulch is vast area just outside the Northend of Boise, behind Camels Back Park, and has a number of options. Upper Hulls Gulch is great for both runners and hikers, and even has a waterfall along the way. This Boise hike also has an amazing view of the city.
There are hundreds of miles of trails in Hulls Gulch, and if you want to go out hiking without seeing another human being, this may be your best option within the city limits of Boise.
Shane’s Trail & Three Bears
Shane’s Trail is only about 10 minutes from downtown Boise and has a number of options for hiking in Boise. Shane’s Loop is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers.
You can also try the loop from Three Bears to Shane’s Trail, which is a loop.
Bob’s Trail
Bob’s Trail is just outside of Hulls Gulch but still in Boise. The trail runs along a creek, and is also used by hikers and bicyclists.
Although the trail is a popular one in Boise, it has a number of rocks, making the trail a less smooth walk than others — including a rock step-down at one point. The trail is 1.6 miles long, but is not a loop.
Harrison Hollow Trail
The Harrison Hollow Trail is an easy hike in Boise. The trail is used by hikers, dogs, and only a few mountain bikers. Although the Harrison Hollow Trail itself is only 0.9 miles, there are more than 10 miles of trails in the area, depending on the direction you go.
Harrison Hollow Trailhead is especially beautiful in Spring and Summer, when it becomes really green and blooming with bachelor button, wild sage, and sunflowers.
Bethine Church River Trail
The Bethine Church River Trail in Boise is a 1.6 mile walk along the Boise River in Boise.
The trail is located within a 24-acre preserve area, and extends from Parkcenter Boulevard to the East Parkcenter Bridge. It offers not only a great, easy walk, but also many opportunities to view wildlife on your way.
Pets are allowed on the trail, but they must be on a leash. Bikes and e-scooters are not allowed on the trail.
The Dry Creek Trail
The Dry Creek Trail is near other hikes like Hulls Gulch and Shane’s Trail, and is another local favorite.
The trail runs along Dry and Shingle Creeks, and is different from the other Boise foothills hikes because it has plenty of green all year, due to the proximity to the creeks. You will be able to see willows, cottonwood tree, elderberry, and evergreens.
The Dry Creek Trail runs about seven miles each way, but at two miles Dry Creek and Shingle Creek meet, which makes a good round trip distance.
