Winter in Boise, Idaho, is a wonderful time of year, offering plenty of activities to partake in with family and friends. Some of the best things to do in Boise center around the beautiful nature found within, and just outside, the city. Hiking local scenic trails, for instance, offers a fun and healthy pastime that the whole family can enjoy.

Preparing for Winter Hiking in Boise

You don’t want to find yourself unprepared outside, especially in the winter, and that’s doubly so when hiking. That said, to prepare for a winter hike in Boise, make sure to dress accordingly. The best advice is to dress in layers, and ensure your hands and feet are protected with suitable gloves, socks, and boots.

Additionally, before heading out, check trail conditions to ensure that you have your sights set on a safe route. While many trails throughout Boise are well maintained during the winter, you might face difficulty heading out right after snowfall.

Last, but certainly not least, always let someone know when and where you’ll be hiking, and carry essentials—such as water, snacks, and a well-charged phone—with you at all times.

Exploring Boise’s Scenic Trails in a Winter Wonderland

There are plenty of wonderful things to do in Boise this winter, many of which include opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. With that said, some of the best spots to take a hike or a brisk family stroll during the season include the following.

Ridge to Rivers Trail System

Offering a remarkable network of trails through the Boise Foothills, the Ridge to Rivers Trail System allows hikers to enjoy a variety of serene paths, including the Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail, known for its ambiance and winter wildlife sightings. There’s also the Table Rock Loop, which offers exceptional panoramic city views during winter in Boise.

These trails are maintained year-round, so you can take in the crisp winter air and enjoy the snowy sights during a refreshing hike.

Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt tree-lined path lets you take in the best of Boise’s nature and passes through a variety of riverside parks. You’ll find plenty of wildlife, including ducks and geese dotting the river.

During winter in Boise, the trail provides a peaceful and picturesque experience, with the calming sound of flowing water accompanied by snow blanketing the riverbanks. The trail is perfect for any outing, whether a leisurely stroll or a vigorous jog.

Camel’s Back Park

Well known among locals for its wavy terrain, Camel’s Back Park provides a unique backdrop during the winter months, and its higher elevations allow you to take in stunning views of the entire Boise winter landscape.

A variety of trails are suited for hikers of any experience level, providing everyone with things to do in Boise. The park’s serene, snowy trails offer a calm and leisurely outing that solo hikers and families are all sure to enjoy.

Hulls Gulch Nature Preserve

The Hulls Gulch Nature Preserve is an excellent spot to visit during any season, and that remains true during winter in Boise. The frozen creek beds and snow-covered sagebrush offer a wonderful backdrop for any winter outing and for photo opportunities.

You’ll also find plenty of wildlife tracks dotting the trails and will likely encounter some of those animals relatively up close. There are also the distant calls of winter birds to be heard, providing a unique sensory experience.

Bogus Basin Trails

The Bogus Basin Trails provide a variety of hiking opportunities, circling around and going up the Blue Ridge Mountains that lead to Shafer Butte. The climb can make for an invigorating experience, but the considerable ascent isn’t necessarily for everyone. Still, the variety of the other loops’ lengths and difficulties means that a refreshing outing shouldn’t be hard to find for hikers of any experience level.

Tips for Winter Hiking Success

To make your winter hike a success, you should carefully consider the right time of day to set out. You don’t want to find yourself caught in the dark, which may come earlier than you expect, so look up the local sunset time before heading out and leave yourself a considerable margin of error.

You’ll also want to check the weather forecast ahead of time as well. The last thing you want is to find yourself stuck on a trail during heavy snowfall or trying to drive home from a remote location in poor conditions.

Take steps to safeguard your health this winter in Boise.

Winter activities like hiking can help support your overall health with fun and refreshing exercise. Still, there are, of course, other important areas of your health to keep in mind as well. One thing you might overlook during the holiday hustle and bustle is your oral health, so consider this your reminder to keep up with routine appointments no matter how busy you might get.

Staley Dental is your family dentist in Boise, ID, for all types of dental care. Come by for your routine dental check-ups and teeth cleaning to achieve lasting oral health, and find the cosmetic and restorative treatments to transform your smile. Reach out today to book your next appointment.