Best Backpacking Destinations in Boise, Idaho, United States
1. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
A winter resort turned summer adventure hub with hiking and backpacking trails for all skill levels.
- Diverse Terrain: Offers a variety of landscapes, from forested slopes to alpine meadows.
- Summer Activities: Includes scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking, and guided hikes.
- Proximity to Boise: Located just a short drive from downtown Boise, making it easily accessible.
2. Bojesievers Backcountry Byway
A remote and rugged backcountry route offering solitude and breathtaking views of the Boise National Forest.
- Solitude: Provides a unique opportunity for backpackers to escape the crowds.
- Scenic Views: Features panoramic vistas of mountain ranges and dense forests.
- Backcountry Camping: Allows for overnight stays in designated campsites throughout the byway.
3. Hulls Gulch Short Ridge Trail
A moderate to difficult trail with stunning vistas of the Boise foothills and a chance to spot wildlife.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
- Scenic Overlooks: Features multiple overlooks offering breathtaking views of the city below.
- Difficulty Level: Requires a moderate to difficult level of fitness, with steep inclines and uneven terrain.
4. Ponderosa State Park
A beautiful park offering backpacking opportunities, with access to the North Fork Payette River.
- River Access: Provides easy access to the North Fork Payette River for fishing and swimming.
- Campgrounds: Offers designated backpacking campgrounds throughout the park.
- Natural Hot Springs: Features natural hot springs for relaxation after a long day of hiking.
5. Hyatt Hidden Lakes Wilderness Study Area
A remote and pristine wilderness area with multiple lakes for fishing and camping.
- Remote Location: Offers a remote and untouched wilderness experience.
- Lake Fishing: Provides opportunities for fishing in secluded lakes.
- Camping Sites: Features several dispersed camping sites throughout the area.
6. Boulder Mountains
A remote and rugged mountain range offering challenging backpacking trails and stunning views.
- Challenging Terrain: Features steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high elevations.
- Solitude: Provides a unique opportunity for backpackers to escape the crowds.
- Scenic Views: Features panoramic vistas of mountain ranges and dense forests.
7. Central Canyonlands
A vast canyon system offering challenging backpacking trails, unique rock formations, and desert landscapes.
- Challenging Terrain: Features steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high elevations.
- Unique Landscapes: Offers a diverse range of landscapes, from canyons to desert washes.
- Solitude: Provides a unique opportunity for backpackers to escape the crowds.
8. Jug Mountain Ranch
A private ranch offering guided backpacking trips with stunning views of the Boise National Forest.
- Guided Trips: Provides guided backpacking trips for those seeking a more structured experience.
- Stunning Views: Features breathtaking views of the Boise National Forest and surrounding mountains.
- Private Ranch Access: Offers access to private ranch land for a more exclusive backpacking experience.
9. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
A beautiful and expansive wilderness area offering numerous backpacking trails and stunning alpine landscapes.
- Diverse Terrain: Offers a variety of landscapes, from forested slopes to alpine meadows.
- Backpacking Trails: Features numerous backpacking trails for all skill levels.
- Alpine Landscapes: Showcases stunning alpine landscapes, including countless alpine lakes.
10. White Clouds Wilderness Area
A remote and rugged wilderness area offering challenging backpacking trails and breathtaking views.
- Challenging Terrain: Features steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high elevations.
- Solitude: Provides a unique opportunity for backpackers to escape the crowds.
- Scenic Views: Features breathtaking views of mountain ranges and dense forests.
11. Boise National Forest
A vast forest offering numerous backpacking trails, with opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.
- Diverse Terrain: Offers a variety of landscapes, from forested slopes to alpine meadows.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe mule deer, coyotes, and various bird species.
- Campgrounds: Offers designated backpacking campgrounds throughout the forest.
12. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
A vast canyon system offering challenging backpacking trails, unique rock formations, and river rafting opportunities.
- Challenging Terrain: Features steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high elevations.
- River Rafting: Offers opportunities for white-water rafting on the Snake River.
- Scenic Views: Features breathtaking views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
13. Owyhee Canyonlands
A remote and rugged landscape offering challenging backpacking trails, unique geological formations, and desert landscapes.
- Challenging Terrain: Features steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high elevations.
- Unique Geology: Offers a diverse range of geological formations, including hoodoos and slot canyons.
- Solitude: Provides a unique opportunity for backpackers to escape the crowds.
14. Boise River Greenbelt
A paved trail system following the Boise River, perfect for day hikes and bike rides.
- Urban Setting: Located within the city of Boise, making it easily accessible.
- Day Hikes: Ideal for day hikes and bike rides, with numerous access points along the river.
- City Amenities: Proximity to restaurants, shops, and other city amenities.
15. Foothills Open Space Reserve
A series of open spaces offering hiking trails with stunning views of the Boise foothills and city.
- Stunning Views: Features breathtaking views of the Boise foothills and downtown Boise.
- Urban Setting: Located within the city of Boise, making it easily accessible.
- Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels.