Whether you crave canyon vistas, wildflower meadows, or the thrill of a summit climb, the trails around Boise have something for every hiker. From quick urban escapes to rugged, challenging treks, there is serious variety to explore just minutes from downtown.
Let’s get to it.
The Military Reserve
Spanning 734 acres on Boise’s northern edge, the Military Reserve features miles of well-maintained dirt trails that suit walkers, runners, and horseback riders alike. Gentle creek-side paths weave through cottonwood corridors, sagebrush flats, and wildflower patches in spring. For a challenge, choose routes with rocky sections and steeper climbs that total nearly ten miles of varied elevation.
Mountain bikers of all levels use the bike park, which offers easy loops and more technical lines. An on-site archery range provides another activity option. Dog owners can choose on-leash trails or head for the fenced off-leash area, complete with a water fountain and waste stations.
Access is spread along Mountain Cove Road to reduce congestion. Park crews keep signs clear and repair trails quickly after storms. Crowds seldom feel overwhelming, and weekday mornings often feel almost private. Whether you’re after a relaxed stroll or a high-energy ride, the Military Reserve delivers diverse terrain just minutes from downtown.
Hulls Gulch/Camel’s Back Reserve
Boise’s not-so-secret outdoor playground, Hulls Gulch/Camel’s Back Reserve offers trails for every level. At Lower Hulls Gulch, a 6.5-mile out-and-back route follows a dirt path beside a seasonal creek framed by pines. After rain you might spot a small waterfall. Shade is scarce and there’s no restroom past the trailhead. Upper Hulls Gulch adds steeper climbs and rewards you with sweeping views of the Boise foothills.
Camel’s Back Trails Loop is just under two miles on sandy tracks with a few short, steep pitches. Dogs are welcome on leash and interpretive panels describe local plants and wildlife. Parking is limited but free, filling early on weekends. You’ll share the path with many locals, so plan to arrive ahead of peak hours. Trailhead lots often reach capacity, so consider alternate access points if possible. Strollers will struggle on either trail, but hikers of moderate fitness will find terrain to match their pace.
Polecat Gulch-Collister Trailhead and Parking
For a simple yet scenic starting point, Polecat Gulch-Collister Trailhead sits at the northern end of Collister Road. A gravel lot holds about 15 cars, and it fills quickly on nice days. Facilities are minimal: a vault toilet stands alone, but there’s no water or benches. Bring everything you need and be ready to rough it.
Access here leads into the Polecat Reserve, where a roughly 6-mile loop of classic Boise foothills singletrack awaits. The moderate route includes short side loops that suit both beginners and more experienced riders or hikers. Trails are dirt and rock, sometimes narrow or rutted after rain, so they’re not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly. Spring wildflowers draw crowds and every off-leash dog in town—though pets must stay leashed or you’ll earn the regulars’ disapproval. Views span the Treasure Valley, and you might spot hawks or mule deer, and even the occasional albino deer. Seasonal trail signs manage traffic flow, and Ridge to Rivers volunteers keep maintenance solid. The lot closes at sunset, so plan to arrive early or scout parking on side streets.
Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail
Nestled in Boise’s foothills, the Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail runs 6.5 miles out-and-back, combining rocky sections with seasonal creek crossings. Several steel bridges span the creek after rain, and stands of juniper and pine offer limited cover. A vault restroom is available at the 8th Street Trailhead, but no facilities appear beyond that point.
Interpretive panels along the route explain local geology, plant communities, and wildlife habitats. The final ascent climbs about 1,100 feet, rewarding hikers with broad views of the Boise Valley and distant Owyhee Mountains. Spring and fall wildflowers draw extra visitors, especially on weekends.
The gravel access road to the trailhead can be rough on low-clearance vehicles. The narrow, uneven tread is not stroller-friendly, and dogs must remain on leash. Trail crews keep the path in solid condition, but expect some wear after heavy use. Peak-season crowds are moderate—if you prefer more space, choose a weekday visit.
Harrison Hollow Trailhead and Parking
Located at the western edge of Boise’s foothills, Harrison Hollow Trailhead offers quick access to two compact loops. The main trail is a one-mile out-and-back with an incline under 5 percent, ideal for families or a brisk walk. The surface of compacted sand and gravel stays firm even after light rain.
A connecting ridge loop extends the outing to nearly two miles, adding about 300 feet of elevation gain. Hikers on the main line see roughly 120 feet of change. Amenities include an ADA-compliant parking lot, flush toilets, a drinking fountain, and a dog-water station. Off-leash areas are clearly marked, while most paths require leashes.
Views on the trails feature the Boise skyline one way and the Owyhee Mountains the other. Shrubland and songbirds line the route, and park staff close native-surface loops when they get too muddy. Weekend traffic remains moderate, making parking and trail access straightforward.
Table Rock
Rising above downtown Boise, Table Rock presents a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail with an 882-foot climb. The route begins at the Old Idaho Penitentiary parking lot, which has about 16 free gravel spaces that fill fast on weekend mornings. From there you follow a mix of packed dirt and gravel; rocky sections demand careful footing.
Shade is practically nonexistent, so pack a hat and plenty of water. Wildflowers bloom in spring, and a 60-foot illuminated cross marks the summit. From the top you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Boise Valley, distant peaks, and quarry remnants near the crest. Dogs on leash are welcome but note there are no restrooms along the trail.
Sunrise and sunset draw the largest crowds, especially on weekends. For fewer hikers, visit midweek between March and November. Trail closures are rare but worth checking before you head out.
Five Mile Gulch #2 Trailhead
When you want to test your endurance, Five Mile Gulch #2 Trailhead serves as the primary access point to the Ridge-to-Rivers Five Mile Gulch Trail. This 6.6-mile out-and-back route climbs over 2,000 feet, making it a solid workout rather than a gentle stroll. Early in the hike, mature cottonwoods and locust stands line Five Mile Creek, offering plenty of spring wildflowers like balsamroot and sego lily, along with songbirds flitting overhead.
The parking area off Rocky Canyon Road is small and free, so it fills fast on weekends. There are no restrooms or benches, but dogs on leash are welcome. The singletrack trail stays narrow, with enough dirt and rock to keep ankles attentive, and wet sections can become soft or muddy after rain. At the top, a wide overlook gives a clear view of the valley below, rewarding the climb. Lower sections see more traffic, but mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter. Keep an eye out for elk, deer, coyotes, and fellow hikers. Wildflowers peak between March and July, after which the sun dries the hills to brown.
Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
Boise’s Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve offers a convenient, family-friendly park experience. A 1.4-mile loop of gravel and dirt paths winds around ponds and through wetlands with minimal elevation change. The trail width accommodates double strollers and most all-terrain wheelchairs. Regular wheelchairs should manage fine unless heavy rain leaves muddy patches.
Viewing platforms and benches are scattered along the route, perfect for birdwatching or a quick rest. Boise Parks & Rec maintains clear signage and well-groomed paths, so nothing feels overgrown. Restrooms remain open year-round, and the paved parking lot fills moderately on weekends. Dogs are not allowed unless they qualify as service animals. Open from sunrise to sunset, this reserve gives city visitors a reliable nature escape without steep climbs or rough terrain.
Bethine Church River Trail
Amid Boise’s river corridor, Bethine Church River Trail provides an easy, unpaved 2.7-mile out-and-back path. The first 1.6 miles run through woods and wetlands beside the Boise River on a mostly flat dirt surface. While not ideal for strollers, the even grade suits most walkers and casual runners.
Expect to see herons, ducks, and seasonal bald eagles, along with riparian vegetation framing river viewpoints and small side ponds. Benches line the route at regular intervals for resting or birdwatching. Parking is available near trailheads, with Marianne Williams Park serving as a common access point. There are no bathrooms mid-trail, so plan accordingly. Dogs are welcome on leash, and local users—walkers, runners, and bird enthusiasts—help keep the path tidy. Regular brush trimming and clear signs ensure the trail never feels like a jungle expedition. Check ahead during high water for occasional flood closures.
