I grew up in Boise, and every time I’ve gone home to visit over the last few years, I’ve been impressed with how Boise is blossoming as a city. Boise has become the kind of place where you can go mountain biking, hiking, or climbing within a quick drive of downtown and then finish off your day with local craft beer, delicious food, and live music.
If you’re visiting Boise in the summer, here are 9 of my favorite things to do outside with most of these activities being accessible right from the city. For those of you who want to get out and explore the rest of Idaho, here are some of my favorite Idaho road trip stops.
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1. Mountain Biking at Bogus
Make the 45-minute drive up to Bogus Basin, where you can rent a mountain bike, and hit the extensive trail system. I’m not a super experienced mountain biker, and I found the Around the Mountain Trail to be a great 10-mile loop with flowy singletrack and some fun features appropriate for intermediate mountain bikers.
Download the MTB project app for more detailed trail descriptions or pick up a trail map in the Bogus Summer Activity Office.
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2. Bike the Boise Greenbelt
The Boise Greenbelt is one of the best parts of Boise, in my opinion. It’s a 25-mie paved trail system (with lots of shade) that hugs the Boise River and goes from one end of town all the way out to Lukcy Peak Reservoir. It travels through some of Boise’s best parks including Esther Simplot Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Julia Davis Park – any of which are great places to stop and rest
My parents live out in Eagle (a suburb of Boise that’s right on the Greenbelt), and when I’m visiting, I love to ride my bike on the Greenbelt from Eagle to downtown Boise. I’ll grab lunch on the patio at the High Point Cafe or a yummy sandwich from Lemon Tree before cruising back.
3. Hike to Table Rock
Table Rock is my go-to hike when I’m back in Boise. The trailhead is only a few minutes from downtown and it’s the quickest hike that offers expansive views of the city from Boise’s most iconic lookout point.
It’s a 4-mile round trip hike and 1000 foot climb. This is a busy trail, so if you want solitude, you should plan to go very early. The added benefit of an early morning hike is that this trail gets very hot in mid-summer since there’s hardly any shade.
Last time I hike Table Rock, I took my mom with me. It took us 2 hours roundtrip including an unhurried stop at the top.
If you are feeling more adventurous and looking for somewhere quieter, Stack Rock is another one of my favorite local trails. It’s located near mile marker 13 on Bogus Basin Road.
4. Float the Boise River
Nothing takes me back to my childhood more than floating the Boise River. It’s a quintessential summer activity in Boise.
You can float the Boise River in a tube, raft, or even on a stand-up paddleboard. There’s a few small ripples and the current can be strong, but otherwise, it’s a pretty easy float. Even so, you’ll want a life jacket just to be safe.
Most people put in at Barber Park and take out at Ann Morrison. For a longer day (which I prefer), you can go all the way to the Whitewater Park & Quinn’s Pond with a small portage above the spillover in Ann Morrison (which you MUST walk around).
The river is dog-friendly. We took our pup Charlie (who also wore a life jacket) on our paddleboards, and he had a blast.
5. Visit the Old Penitentiary and Botanical Garden
I love strolling around the Idaho Botanical Garden. The grounds are gorgeous, and it’s a fun way to learn about Idaho’s native vegetation.
If you’re visiting Boise in summer, make sure to check out the calendar. The Botanical Garden hosts the Outlaw Field Summer Music Series that attracts pretty big acts. They let you bring food and non-alcoholic drinks in, so I like to pack a picnic to enjoy before the music.
Connected to the Botanical Gardens is the old Idaho State Penitentiary. The Penitentiary was home to some of the West’s most violent criminals from 1872-1973, and it’s remains feel pretty eerie if you ask me.
Most of the Penitentiary remains in its original form, and you can tour solitary confinement cells, female quarters, the death chamber, and other dark parts of the prison’s past.
6. Surf or Kayak at the Boise Whitewater Park
While river surfing and whitewater kayaking isn’t my cup of tea, every time I bike by the Boise Whitewater Park on the Greenbelt, everyone seems to be having a great time.
Located right next to Esther Simplot Park on the Boise River, the Whitewater Park has an adjustable wave that you can surf, river SUP, or kayak on. If you’re looking to expand your skillset in these sports, this is a safe, controlled environment to do so.
If flatwater is more your speed, neighboring Quinn’s Pond is a nice place to float around. Stop by Idaho River Sports next to Quinn’s Pond where you can inquire about the wave schedule and rental equipment.
7. Rock Climb at the Black Cliffs
I’ve driven by Boise’s Black Cliffs so many times, so I was excited to get out and do some climbing where there are dozens of different routes for climbers of all levels.
I have only rock climbed a handful of times, so I did a half-day tour with Idaho Mountain Guides. Owner Mat Erpelding got me all set up with the equipment and taught me some important basics. With his guidance, I was able to get to the top of some of the beginner-friendly routes where I had some great views of the Boise River.
8. Poke around downtown
Boise’s downtown is full of cool shops, fun bars, and outdoor patios and is worth spending an afternoon exploring.
Some of my favorite shops to check out are Banana Ink, which specializes in Idaho-inspired designs, and Mixed Greens, a cool boutique shop with tons of unique gifts. As a music lover, I also always swing into The Record Exchange.
If you didn’t stop here already on your Boise Greenbelt tour, take a stroll down Freak Alley, an incredible street art project in the heart of downtown.
Finally, on Wednesday nights, Alive After 5 is a free summer concert series at the Grove Plaza that is a fun place to hang out.
9. Swim at Lucky Peak State Park
While the Boise River offers a lot of places to take a dip, if you want to have a true beach day, you can drive 20 minutes from downtown to Lucky Peak State Park.
At Sandy Point, you’ll find a huge sandy beach, shaded picnic areas, a beach volleyball court, and a shallow swimming area. I’m looking forward to bringing my son here next time I’m home.
Have you been to Boise before? What are your favorite things to do outside?
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