Which Outdoor Activities Boise Lacks
Boise, Idaho, is a city known for its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. With its picturesque mountains, rivers, and forests, there is no shortage of activities to do in the great outdoors. However, there are still some outdoor activities that are not present in Boise.
One activity that is not available in Boise is surfing. Due to the city’s location inland and its lack of access to the ocean, there are no opportunities for surfing. Another activity that is not present in Boise is white-water rafting. While there are plenty of rivers in the area, the rapids are not intense enough to provide a thrilling white-water rafting experience.
An Overview of Boise’s Outdoor Scene
Boise is a city that prides itself on its outdoor recreation opportunities. With over 190 parks, 25 miles of greenbelt, and 130 miles of trails, there is no shortage of places to explore. The city is surrounded by mountains, including the Boise Foothills, which offer stunning views and great hiking trails. The Boise River also provides a variety of water-based activities, including fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
For those who prefer to stay in the city, there are plenty of parks and trails to explore. Boise’s Greenbelt is a popular spot for walking, running, and biking, while parks like Julia Davis and Ann Morrison offer opportunities for picnicking and playing sports. Overall, Boise’s outdoor scene is a major draw for residents and visitors alike.
Exploring the Outdoors in the City
Boise is a city that makes it easy to explore the outdoors without leaving town. The Boise River runs through the city, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved trail, winds along the river and through parks, offering a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.
In addition to the river and the Greenbelt, there are plenty of parks in the city where you can enjoy the outdoors. Ann Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park are both popular spots for picnicking, playing sports, and attending concerts and festivals. And for those looking for a more challenging hike, the Boise Foothills offer stunning views and plenty of trails to explore.
Water Sports Opportunities in Boise
Boise is a city that offers plenty of opportunities for water sports. The Boise River runs through the city, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also several lakes in the surrounding area, including Lucky Peak Reservoir and Lake Lowell, which offer boating and fishing opportunities.
For those looking for a more adrenaline-filled experience, whitewater rafting is available on the Payette River, which is about an hour’s drive from Boise. And during the summer, you can even go surfing on the Boise River’s standing wave.
Hiking and Biking in the Area
Boise is surrounded by mountains, including the Boise Foothills, which offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. The Foothills boast over 190 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The area is also home to several parks with hiking and biking trails, including Camel’s Back Park and Hulls Gulch Reserve.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the nearby Sawtooth Mountains offer stunning views and plenty of trails to explore. And for bikers, the Boise Greenbelt provides a scenic and relatively flat route through the city.
Unique Outdoor Adventures Near Boise
While there are plenty of outdoor activities to do in Boise itself, there are also several unique adventures to be had in the surrounding area. For example, the Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park, about two hours south of Boise, offers the opportunity to sandboard down the largest single-structured sand dune in North America.
Meanwhile, the Silver City Ghost Town, about an hour and a half southwest of Boise, provides a fascinating glimpse into Idaho’s history. And for those interested in stargazing, the nearby Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to one of the darkest night skies in the country.
Winter Sports in the City
While Boise is known for its outdoor activities in the warmer months, it also offers plenty of opportunities for winter sports. Just 16 miles outside the city, Bogus Basin Mountain Resort provides skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities. The resort offers 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and is open from November to April.
For those looking for a more low-key winter activity, ice skating is available at several locations in the city, including The Village at Meridian and Idaho IceWorld.
Hunting and Fishing in the Surrounding Area
Boise is surrounded by forests, rivers, and lakes, making it a great spot for hunting and fishing. The area is home to a variety of game, including deer, elk, and upland birds. Several rivers in the area, including the Boise River and the South Fork of the Payette River, offer excellent fishing opportunities.
For those who prefer to hunt or fish on private land, there are several outfitters in the area who offer guided trips. And for those who are new to hunting or fishing, there are several classes and workshops available to learn the basics.
Rock Climbing and Mountaineering Near Boise
The nearby mountains offer plenty of opportunities for rock climbing and mountaineering. The City of Rocks National Reserve, about two hours southeast of Boise, offers world-class granite climbing. Meanwhile, the Sawtooth Mountains and the surrounding area provide plenty of mountaineering opportunities, including summiting Idaho’s highest peak, Borah Peak.
For those who prefer indoor climbing, there are several climbing gyms in the city, including Urban Ascent and the YMCA climbing wall.
Where to Find Extreme Sports in Idaho
For those looking for extreme sports, Idaho offers plenty of opportunities. The state is home to several world-class white-water rafting rivers, including the Salmon River and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Meanwhile, the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls is a popular spot for BASE jumping and other extreme sports.
Idaho is also home to several ski resorts, including Sun Valley and Tamarack Resort, which offer skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Ecotourism Activities in and Around Boise
Boise is a city that values sustainability and environmental stewardship, and there are several ecotourism activities in and around the city. The World Center for Birds of Prey, located just outside of Boise, offers the opportunity to learn about and see birds of prey up close. Meanwhile, the Idaho Botanical Garden showcases the state’s diverse flora and fauna.
For those interested in sustainable agriculture, there are several farms in the area that offer tours and workshops. And for those who want to get involved in local conservation efforts, there are several volunteer opportunities available through organizations like the Boise River Volunteers and the Idaho Conservation League.
Exploring the Great Outdoors Beyond Boise
While Boise itself offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, there are also several great spots to explore beyond the city. The nearby Sawtooth Mountains offer stunning views and plenty of hiking trails, while the Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park provides opportunities for sandboarding and stargazing.
Further afield, the state of Idaho offers a vast array of outdoor activities, from rafting the Salmon River to skiing at Sun Valley. And for those looking to explore beyond the state’s borders, Idaho is located in close proximity to several other great outdoor recreation destinations, including Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons.
