Guest Post: Best Day Hikes Near Boise

Best Day Hikes Near Boise

Guest Post by Lettie Stratton

There’s a reason Boise is the fastest growing city in America. Actually, there are several reasons, but I’ll bet one of them is the city’s extremely easy access to the outdoors. Exercise is one of Boise’s favorite ways to enjoy nature while reducing stress in the process. And while there is undoubtedly stunning hiking in the Sawtooths (Idaho’s crown jewel), there are plenty of incredible hikes to be done within an hour of Boise. Less car time means more hiking time! One note about hiking in Boise: It gets very, very hot during the summer (oftentimes above 100℉), and many of these trails are very exposed to the elements. Be sure to adequately prepare for an emergency by bringing plenty of water, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and an energizing snack. You’ll be glad you did!

Let’s take a look at five great day hikes near Boise:

1. Cervidae Peak

If you don’t want to brave Mount Borah (the highest point in Idaho) but still want killer views and a great workout, look no further than Cervidae Peak. This hike is approximately 4.5 miles out-and-back with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain and a summit that sits just shy of 5,000 feet. The trailhead is just 17 miles from the heart of Boise, making it easy to get to on a weekend or even a great option for an early-evening hike after work. Because of the steepness of the trail, it’s generally not heavily trafficked. While the trail is extremely steep and will definitely get your heart thumping, the 360-degree views of Lucky Peak Lake and the surrounding hills and mountains make the hard work totally worth it. Bring LOTS of water for this one.

2. Around the Mountain

The Around the Mountain trail at Bogus Basin is often considered the best trail in Boise. From downtown Boise, you can be at Bogus Basin in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weekend adventure. Around the Mountain is exactly what it sounds like — a ~10-mile loop that goes, uh, around the mountain. The hike boasts expansive views of the Treasure Valley (and even the Sawtooths on a clear day) that will make you feel like you’re in a National Park instead of less than an hour from a major city. While the trail is very popular with mountain bikers and includes some biker-specific trail features (like berms), hikers, too, will enjoy the varied terrain. Getting up to a higher elevation at Bogus Basin for a hike is really nice when temperatures are high in town.

3. Stack Rock

While Stanley, ID might be home to one of the best hikes in the state, Boise residents or visitors needn’t look further than Stack Rock if they want a great hike closer to home. This hike is a roughly 8-mile loop with 1,400 feet of elevation gain and a peak that sits at nearly 6,000 feet. About 30 minutes from Boise, Stack Rock is a great option if you want to feel like you’re out in deep the wilderness but don’t want to drive very far to get there. The terrain is mostly moderate with one steep section toward the end. If you’re brave and possess adequate climbing skills, you can climb all the way to the topmost point of Stack Rock to better your vantage point.

4. Sweet Connie’s

If you want to be immersed in the vastness of the Boise foothills, Sweet Connie’s is the hike for you. The trail is six miles long, so if you’re not up for a 12-mile round trip hike, you can hike out on the trail however far you want and turn around when you feel like it. Hiking Sweet Connie’s can make it seem like the foothills go on forever. You might pass cattle grazing on the moderate to difficult terrain, depending on how far out you get. The trail is very exposed with little to no shade for much of the hike, so it’s best to go early and avoid the hottest part of the day if possible. Watch out for rattlesnakes!

5. Table Rock

When you want a short yet satisfying hike, Table Rock is a good place to go — especially if you also want to experience Boise like a local. This 3.7-mile round trip hike is heavily trafficked and popular with families, dogs, and people of all ages and hiking abilities. Many small trails shoot off of the main one, giving you several options for getting up and down. Your destination is the giant cross at the top of the hill. The wide trail is steep toward the end, but you’ll be rewarded with big rocky outcrops on which to sit and look out over the Treasure Valley. Table Rock is a great place to watch the sunset like a local.

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Lettie Stratton is a writer and urban farmer in Boise, ID. A Vermont native, she is a lover of travel, tea, bicycles, plants, cooperative board games, and the outdoors. She’s still waiting for a letter from Hogwarts.