Boise hiking trails: the best hikes in the foothills and beyond

Where do you hike in Boise?

Most Boise hikes are in the foothills along the north and east edges of the city. The Ridge to Rivers partnership, made up of the City of Boise, Ada County, and federal and state agencies, manages more than 220 miles of trails there. Many trailheads are a few minutes' drive from downtown, and some neighborhoods can walk to one.

What are the best hikes in Boise?

• Table Rock: Table Rock Trail #15 climbs from the trailhead by the Old Idaho Penitentiary to the mesa above the city, with views across the Treasure Valley. The mesa closes to all access at sunset.
• Camel's Back hill: a short, steep climb with a staircase to a viewpoint over the North End and downtown. Trails in Camel's Back Reserve are for hikers only, and dogs must be on a leash.
• Hulls Gulch: family-friendly options like Red Fox and Owl's Roost are short walks for small children. The Kestrel, Crestline, and Lower Hulls Gulch loop is a moderate climb with a flat stretch across Crestline.
• Military Reserve: 734 acres a few minutes from downtown. Central Ridge Trail has views of downtown, and Cottonwood Creek Trail runs through shady trees.
• Polecat Gulch Reserve: more than 7 miles of singletrack in northwest Boise, including the 5.8-mile Polecat Loop. The loop is directional, and everyone travels clockwise through 2026.
• Hawkins Range Reserve: about 7 miles up Bogus Basin Road, with a 5.7-mile loop trail.

What hikes are up Bogus Basin Road?

When the valley gets hot, head up Bogus Basin Road to cooler trails in the pines:

• Stack Rock: the trailhead is about 13 miles up Bogus Basin Road. It's an intermediate day hike with lots of shade in the pines, ending at a granite tower with 360-degree views of the Treasure Valley and beyond.
• Mores Mountain: about 20 miles north of Boise, at 6,600 feet. The Mores Mountain Nature Trail is 1 mile, with a 2-mile loop around the mountain. Wildflowers bloom from mid-June through August.

Can you bring your dog hiking in Boise?

Yes, on most trails. Much of the Ridge to Rivers system is controlled off-leash, which means:

• Carry a leash with you at all times.
• Keep your dog within 30 feet and under sight and voice control.
• Don't let your dog approach other people, wildlife, or other pets, and always pick up after it.

Some areas require a leash at all times, including Camel's Back Reserve and Polecat Gulch Reserve, where leashes protect a threatened plant and wildlife. On City of Boise land, breaking a leash rule can bring an $81.50 fine.

When is the best time to hike in Boise?

Spring and fall are the favorites. In summer, go early in the morning or head up Bogus Basin Road to cooler trails. In winter and early spring, trails can turn to mud. Ridge to Rivers asks hikers to stay off muddy trails: if you are leaving tracks, turn back. Check the daily trail conditions on the Ridge to Rivers website before you go.

Where should hikers live in Boise?

If you want to walk or take a short drive to a trailhead:

• Close to Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch: the North End
• Close to Table Rock and Military Reserve: the East End
• Trails close to home, and Bogus Basin Road for summer hikes: the Boise Foothills
• Close to Polecat Gulch: Northwest Boise

Tell me which trails you'd hike most, and I'll send you homes close to them.