Boise is known for legendary summers. Game on. 

Pack as many of these activities into your trip as you can. We dare you. 

There’s nothing like summer in Boise—the city comes alive as more and more Boiseans hang out outdoors. Warm afternoons are sandwiched between cooler mornings and evenings, thanks to the high desert climate. Boise weather practically begs you to spend time outside.

Ride in the mountains or on the Greenbelt
If you love mountain biking, you’ve come to the right place. Boise and the surrounding area have hundreds of miles of trails for all skill levels. The views are stunning on the Ridge to Rivers system, which is a trail network of more than 190 miles of trails that loop through the Boise hills. Go to AllTrails for a list of the locals’ favorite rides.

Road biking is also huge in Boise. In fact, the city is considered one of America’s top cycling towns. Part of that honor belongs to the city’s 25-mile, tree-lined Greenbelt that follows the Boise River. It’s beloved by all ages and skill levels and connects cyclists to Boise’s major parks.

Locals and visitors alike also love that the Greenbelt provides access to brewery locations like Payette Brewing Co., The Ram, Lost Grove and Barbarian, all within a few miles of one another. It also offers easy access to Green Acres Food Truck Park, a culinary treasure right in the heart of the city. Stop by for delicious food, drinks, desserts, live music and yard games. The food trucks rotate every day.

If you need to rent bikes while you’re in town, Boise has road, mountain and electric bike rental locations close to downtown—try George’s Cycles or Idaho Mountain Touring. During summer, mountain bikes are also available for rent directly at Bogus Basin.

We dare you to bike the full 25 miles of the Greenbelt from end to end.  

Hit the links

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a beginner, Boise has a course for your skill level. Choose from 15 different courses that see 200 days of sunshine every year. Learn more about our golf courses here.

We dare you to golf Boise Ranch’s Hole #13. At 634 feet, it’s one of the longest par 5’s in Idaho. 

Get some elevation
Nothing attracts rock climbers like Boise’s Black Cliffs. Rising high above the river below, these towering columns of lava rock are the perfect place for adventurous climbers. Didn’t bring your own gear? No problem. You can rent everything you need at local rental shops like Idaho Mountain Touring.

If you’d rather ascend actual mountains than cliff faces, try one of the four peaks in the Boise area known as the “Grand Slam.” They are loved by hikers of all ages and just a short drive from Boise. Each different and challenging in its own way, the peaks are Cervidae, Kepros Mountain, Shaw Mountain/Lucky Peak and Mount Heinen.

We dare you to hike all four of the Grand Slam peaks.

Spend time on the water
As the weather heats up in Boise, the Boise River is one of the best ways to keep your cool. The float starts at Barber Park, goes through the city and ends at Ann Morrison Park two or three hours later. It’s a leisurely float for the most part, and you can rent tubes and rafts at Barber Park. Call ahead to make sure they haven’t sold out. A shuttle service can take you back to your vehicle from Ann Morrison. Learn more about floating the river here.

Another favorite Boise watering hole is Quinn’s Pond, a large 22-acre area with beaches, fishing spots and sheltered picnic pavilions. Be sure to bring a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or canoe. Nearby is the city’s famous Whitewater Park located between 34th and 36th streets. It has an adjustable wave used by kayakers and surfers — that’s right, you can surf in Boise!

If you want to fish while you’re in town, Boise offers amazing urban fishing in its ponds, reservoirs and rivers. You can catch native trout in most bodies of water, as well as other species. Anyone 14 or older must have a fishing license, which you can get online through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game or at a Fish and Game field office, outdoor sports retailers like Bass Pro Shop or other local angling shops like Idaho Angler. If you need to rent gear, some angling shops offer rentals for rods, reels, boots, waders and float tubes.

We dare you to grab a board and surf at the Whitewater Park.

Enjoy music in the Great Outdoors
Take live music to new heights by heading up to Bogus Basin for their free concert series. At an elevation of about 7,000 feet, the only thing better than the tunes you’ll hear are the views. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blanket. If you’d rather catch a show in town, try the Idaho Botanical Garden’s summer outdoor music series on the historic Outlaw Field. These concerts regularly feature internationally known stars directly under the night stars. See who’s playing at Outlaw Field here. 

We dare you to score the front row in GA at a show at Outlaw Field.

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