Field guide
Running and hiking near Boise for active visitors
Find running and hiking trails in Boise. Information on the Boise River Greenbelt, Ridge to Rivers trail system, Camel's Back Park, and Table Rock.
For a paved, scenic path through the city, the Boise River Greenbelt offers 29 miles along the river. It is a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, with many access points through city parks.
For trail running and hiking, the Ridge to Rivers system in the Boise Foothills provides many options. Table Rock also has challenging trails with steep climbs, while Camel's Back Park has open play areas and a free outdoor gym.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise River Greenbelt | 29 miles | Sunrise to sunset each day | Not listed |
| Ridge to Rivers trail system | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Camel's Back Park | Not listed | sunrise to sunset | Bonded rubber surfacing for mobility device users |
| Table Rock | Not listed | Sunrise to sunset for pedestrian and bike access; Closed to all access at sunset | Old road, quite wide for the majority of its length |
Boise River Greenbelt
This 29-mile pathway follows the Boise River through the city, with access points in many parks. The path is shared with cyclists and offers views of the river and wildlife. The Greenbelt is open from sunrise to sunset, but walking and running are permitted at night.
- Type of place
- One of Boise's most beloved parks
- Location
- Follows the north and south sides of the Boise River through the heart of the city
- Extended pathway location
- Runs on the north and south sides of the Boise River from Lucky Peak all the way to Eagle
- Pathway length
- 29 miles
- Opening hours
- Sunrise to sunset each day
- Parking availability
- Many access points and parking lots located in Boise parks along the pathway
- Shared path access
- Pedestrian and cyclist access
- Smoking and vaping rules
- Prohibited within 20 feet of the Greenbelt, except in designated areas within Ann Morrison and Julia Davis Parks and city-owned golf courses
Source: Boise River Greenbelt (cityofboise.org). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Ridge to Rivers trail system
This trail system in the Boise Foothills is for hikers, runners, bikers, and other users. An interactive map is available to filter trails, and physical or digital maps are available for a fee. Users should stay off muddy trails and check trail condition reports before heading out.
- What it is
- Trail system
- Location
- Boise Foothills
- Map fees
- Fee and paid physical or digital maps
- Dog rules
- Specific 'On and Off Leash Trails' exist
- Allowed activities
- Hikers, runners, bikers, horse riders, motorcyclists, ATV users
- Muddy trail rule
- Stay off muddy trails; turn back if leaving tracks
- Winter trail use
- Ride or hike early in the morning when the trails are frozen
- Muddy stretch rule
- Ride or walk through short stretches of mud, do not leave the trail
Sources: Home (ridgetorivers.cityofboise.org), Interactive Map (ridgetorivers.cityofboise.org), Wet Weather and Winter Trail Use (ridgetorivers-test.cityofboise.org). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Camel's Back Park
This park provides open play areas, year-round restrooms, and an outdoor gym with 15 pieces of equipment that is free to the public. The park also has four tennis courts and a sand volleyball court. It is open from sunrise to sunset, and parking is available.
- Park amenities
- Open play areas, a playground, restrooms, tennis courts, reservable picnic area, sand volleyball court and outdoor gym.
- Park address
- 1200 W. Heron St., Boise
- Playground surfacing
- Bonded rubber surfacing for mobility device users
- Park hours
- sunrise to sunset
- Picnic area reservations
- Picnic area may be reserved
- Tennis court reservations
- May be reserved by contacting Boise Parks and Recreation at (208) 608-7680
- Outdoor gym use fee
- Free to the public
- Parking availability
- Available at Camel's Back Park
Sources: Camel's Back Reserve (cityofboise.org), Camel's Back Park (cityofboise.org). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Table Rock
Table Rock offers challenging hiking opportunities with views of the city. The most popular route, Trail #15, is a wide old road that climbs steeply. The primary access is from the Old Idaho Penitentiary parking lot. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset, but the mesa at the top closes at sunset. The area has high clay content and should be avoided when wet.
- Type of place
- Reserve offering challenging hiking and mountain biking opportunities
- Primary access point
- Old Idaho Penitentiary parking lot and trailhead
- Table Rock Trail #15 surface
- Old road, quite wide for the majority of its length
- Table Rock Trail #15 difficulty
- Climbs steeply
- Trails and trailheads hours
- Sunrise to sunset for pedestrian and bike access
- Table Rock mesa closing time
- Closed to all access at sunset
- Old Idaho Penitentiary parking
- 60 unpaved parking spots at 2421 Old Penitentiary Rd
- Warm Springs Golf Course parking
- 16 gravel parking spots, 1 accessible spot at 2495 Warm Springs Ave
Source: Table Rock Area (ridgetorivers.org). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Running and hiking the Table Rock trail in Boise
Before you go
- Most parks and trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Check specific hours before an early or late outing.
- The Ridge to Rivers system and Table Rock trails should be avoided when muddy. Check trail conditions before you go.
- The Boise River Greenbelt is a shared path with cyclists, and the Ridge to Rivers system is open to multiple user types.
- Parking is available at many access points, including Camel's Back Park and near the Table Rock trailhead.
- Restrooms are available at Camel's Back Park and near the Old Pen Trailhead for Table Rock.
- Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all City of Boise parks and within 20 feet of the Greenbelt, with some exceptions.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.