Best Places to Hike in Boise, Idaho
If you’re looking for a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature, consider hiking near Boise City. There are plenty of great hiking trails near Boise City that offer something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker — there’s a trail waiting for you! All it takes is a little planning and preparation, and you’re ready to hit the trails. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best hiking trails near Boise City. We’ll also provide tips on how to prepare for your hike and what to bring with you. Let’s get started!
10 Hiking Trails in or Near Boise City
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. It’s also a great way to see some amazing views. If you’re looking for a great place to hike, Boise City is the perfect destination. There are plenty of trails to choose from, so you can find one that’s right for your skill level. Here are 10 of the best hiking trails in or near Boise City:
1. Camel’s Back Park

Length of Trail: 3.1 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 1200 Heron St, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-384-4240
Camel’s Back Park is one of the best places to spend an afternoon in Boise. It has everything you could want in a park — a playground for the kids, tennis courts, a picnic area, and even an outdoor gym. Plus, it’s right next to the foothills trails, so there’s plenty to do for adults, too.
The hiking and mountain biking trails are some of the best in the city, and there are trails for all people, regardless of their skill level in hiking. If you’re looking for something really special, try to climb the hill that’s located beside the park. From the top, you’ll get some of the best views of the downtown area of Boise and its surrounding areas.
2. Table Rock

Length of Trail: 3.7 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 15 Table Rock Trail Boise, ID 83712
Phone: 208-334-2844
Table Rock is a great way to get some exercise and take in some amazing views of the city. The hike is about 3.7 miles long, and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The trail is popular with both locals and visitors, and offers some stunning views of the city of Boise all throughout the journey. There are a few steep sections along the way, but the effort is well worth it when you reach the peak.
At the summit, you’ll find a cross and a sandstone quarry that’s fun to explore. The hill’s peak is also a great spot for taking photos since the Treasure Valley serves as a great backdrop. Keep in mind that you won’t find a lot of shade in this trail, which means that you would have to bring lots of sunscreen and water with you. Despite this, this trail is still one of the best ones you can hike.
3. Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve Trail

Length of Trail: 1.5 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 5301 N Maple Grove Rd, Boise, ID 83704
Phone: 208-608-7600
Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve is a great place to take a stroll and see some of Idaho’s amazing wildlife. The reserve is home to a variety of avian wildlife, so it’s a great place for bird watching. The trails are relatively easy to walk, with mostly sandy and gravel surfaces. Although you aren’t allowed to bring dogs in the park, it is still a great place to hike with kids. Overall, Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some fresh air.
4. Miller Gulch Trailhead

Length of Trail: 2.7 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 6753-6843 N Bogus Basin Rd, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-384-3300
The Miller Gulch Trailhead is an excellent starting point for your trail exploration in Boise. With a gravel parking lot, map kiosk, and vault toilets, it has everything you need for a day of hiking. You can access the 2.7-mile Miller Gulch Trailhead all year.
From here, you can choose a short loop or go on an all-day adventure on different Boise trails that you can access. By doing this, you will be rewarded with breathtaking downtown Boise views as well as enjoy a fresh breeze at the same time!
5. Shane’s Trail

Length of Trail: 3.2 miles
Cost: Free
Location: #26A Shane’s Trail, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: Not found
If you’re looking for a great trail near Boise with amazing views of the city, then Shane’s Trail is the perfect hike for you. The trail is narrow and made of dirt, so it’s ideal for running, hiking, and biking. There is one steep section for climbing, but other than that the trail is smooth. You may encounter some congestion from bikers on the trail since it isn’t very wide, but they will typically yield to hikers.
Shane’s Trail also links up easily with the Central Ridge Trail, Bucktail Trail, Rocky Canyon Road, and Three Bears Trail. If you’re looking for a great way to explore Idaho’s capital city, be sure to check out Shane’s Trail.
6. Harrison Hollow Loop

Length of Trail: 4.1 miles
Cost: Free
Location: N Harrison Hollow Ln, Boise, ID 83703
Phone: 208-493-2531
The Harrison Hollow Loop is a great trail for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of the foothills of Boise. The trailhead is easy to access as it’s beside the Harrison Hollow Restaurant. The trail itself is sandy and well-maintained, so it’s a great option even when all the other trails in the area are muddy.
The views from the trail are spectacular, and you’ll be able to see the foothills, Bogus Basin, and Boise from different vantage points. This is a popular place where you can let your dogs run off leash. Make sure to bring your furry friend along, so it can socialize with other dogs. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the Harrison Hollow Loop is definitely worth checking out!
7. Sweet Connie Trail #77

Length of Trail: 6.3 miles
Cost: Free
Location: Near N Bogus Basin Rd Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: Not found
Looking for a beautiful, challenging hike near Boise? Sweet Connie Trail #77 is a great option. This 6-mile trail features rolling hills, stunning views of the Treasure Valley, and a steep grade as you climb up the mountain from the Boise foothills. You can hike as far as you’d like before turning around, and the average grade of 7% will keep your heart rate up. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous workout, Sweet Connie Trail #77 is worth checking out.
8. #23A Elephant Rock Loop

Length of Trail: 0.9 miles
Cost: Free
Location: #23A Elephant Rock Loop Boise, ID 83702
Phone: Not found
Elephant Rock Loop is a great family-friendly hike in Boise. The trail is named after the elephant-shaped rock at the top. All in all, this is an easy and short hike that even kids will enjoy. They will surely be entertained as they explore the area and climb up on the rock to take pictures or just enjoy the scenery.
However, it can be hard to find the entrance. It’s on the left, just before you reach the cemetery if you are going to use the fire road. Once you find it, though, you’re in for a treat! This is a great hike for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re looking for a quick jaunt or a longer trek, Elephant Rock Loop is sure to please. Head on out and enjoy all that this wonderful trail has to offer!
9. Bruneau Dunes State Park

Length of Trail: 6 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604
Phone: 208-366-7919
Bruneau Dunes State Park is one of the best places to explore near Boise. It has the tallest sand dune in all of North America, and it’s really fun to climb. There’s also a beautiful lake that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can park your car near the sand dunes, so you can start exploring from there. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Boise if you’re looking to get outside and have some fun!
10. Celebration Park

Length of Trail: 1.2 miles
Cost: Free
Location: 5000 Victory Ln, Melba, ID 83641
Phone: 208-495-2745
Celebration Park is a great place to spend a day if you’re looking for something different to do. It’s about a 50-minute drive southwest of Boise, Idaho, and has amazing views of the Snake River. The park is full of history and offers a lot of informational tours all year.
One of the highlights for the family is the Guffey Railroad Bridge. It’s fun for the kids to explore. Kids can also throw rocks down in the river if they want to. The uphill hike is daunting but worth it for the views at the top. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a fish or two! If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day, Celebration Park is definitely worth checking out!
A Guide To Hiking
While hiking is a great way to get some exercise, it can also be a great way to see some amazing scenery. However, hiking is not something that you should take lightly. There are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go on a hike, like the following tips.
1. Make Sure That You Are Properly Equipped for the Hike
The first thing that you need to do is make sure that you have the proper equipment for the hike. This includes things like a good pair of hiking boots, plenty of water, and some snacks. You should also dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Plus, sunscreen is always a good idea, no matter what time of year it is.
If you are not properly equipped, then you may find yourself in a difficult situation. For example, if you are not wearing the proper shoes, then you may end up with blisters.
If you are going to bring your kids with you, then you need to make sure that they are properly equipped as well. This includes having them wear the proper shoes and clothing. You should make sure to bring along some snacks and drinks for them, too.
If you are properly equipped for the hike, then you will be much more likely to enjoy it. Plus, you will be less likely to get hurt while on the trail.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
It’s also very important to be aware of your surroundings when hiking. This means being aware of the terrain and weather conditions as well as any potential hazards.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to terrain:
- Know your own abilities and limits: If a hike is too challenging physically, it’s not worth risking an injury.
- Be aware of the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on: Some trails are more difficult than others, and it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Pay attention to the weather conditions: If it’s been raining recently, the trail might be slippery and dangerous.
As far as potential hazards go, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Wildlife: In some areas, there might be bears or other dangerous animals. It’s important to know what to do if you encounter one of these animals.
- Cliffs and drop-offs: If the trail is near a steep cliff, be extra careful not to get too close to the edge.
- Rivers and streams: If you’re hiking near a river or stream, be aware of the potential for flash floods.
By being aware of your surroundings, you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable hike.
3. Stick to the Trail
When hiking, it’s important to stick to the trail. This helps to prevent erosion and protects the environment. It also helps you stay safe by making sure that you don’t get lost.
If you do decide to leave the trail, be sure to tell someone where you’re going. Avoid going too far off the trail. It’s easy to get turned around in the woods, and it’s not worth risking getting lost.
Staying on the trail is also a good way to avoid potential hazards, such as cliffs and drop-offs.
Recap
Hiking is a challenging, yet rewarding, activity. However, you need to be well-prepared to have a safe and enjoyable hike. Make sure that you are properly equipped for the hike, and be aware of your surroundings. Stick to the trail, and you will be sure to have a great time.
There are plenty of great hiking trails in and around Boise City, so be sure to get out and explore them! You can bring your friends and family, and make some great memories. Hiking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, so get out there and explore!