The best of Boise, Idaho

11.01.2025 - 20:25 / lonelyplanet.com

Jan 11, 2025 • 9 min read

Natural playgrounds and all-season outdoor recreation define the 'City of Trees.' Boise's 160 miles of trails, picturesque river, community ski hill, unique urban parks and pedestrian greenbelt practically demand adventure.

Though Boise might feel a little more lived-in than touristy, its laid-back, friendly demeanor is refreshing; want to stop at the brewery in your bike shorts? No problem! But if you fancy a proper clean-up before partaking in the finer arts of history and culture, you’re in luck; Boise fancies that, too.

You haven't truly experienced Boise until you've walked, biked or scootered some part of the Greenbelt. For over 50 years, this paved, 30-mile trail has been Boise's central artery. It stretches from Lucky Peak Reservoir in the east to Veteran's Park (and beyond) in the west and includes more than 15 park-and-ride access points. The city parks along the Greenbelt are referred to as the 'Ribbon of Jewels,' but some locals prefer to call those parks the 'Queens of Boise' since they are named after prominent women who helped shape Boise's community.

Besides green space and beachy river pull-offs, other points of interest include the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, MK Nature Center and Bethine Church River Trail, which features some of the state’s top bird-watching spots.

Bring a swimsuit to enjoy a visit to Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Park, which could easily last all day. Swimming, fishing, paddling and waterside-lounging with on-site watercraft rentals from Idaho River Sports are refreshing on a hot summer afternoon. A playground, covered shelter, bathrooms and wetland walking trails round out the experience.

Planning tip: After a swim, throw a sun dress or shirt over your suit and explore the restaurants and wine-tasting rooms of Surel Mitchell Live-Work-Create District, named after Boise artist Surel Mitchell, who championed the idea of a community living space that would both support and inspire artists.

Whether it’s a family hike, marathon-training trail run, or undulating mountain bike loop, this network of dirt paths linking public and private lands in the city’s foothills never fails to provide a moment of solitude and appreciation for nature. In the fall, the yellow blooms of rabbit brush and purple aster vibrantly paint the hills. In spring, the pink petals of the mariposa lily and sunny yellow blooms of arrowleaf balsamroot bring cheer to an otherwise monochrome landscape. Very few fragrances beat the smell of sagebrush after a rare desert rain.

Trailheads at Camel’s Back Park, Hull’s Gulch and the Military Reserve are popular for their variety of distances and cityscape vistas. Be sure to check signs for pedestrian or bike-only routes as well