The Hiker’s Guide to Wildflower Season: Boise Edition

Spring in Boise means one thing: wildflowers. Idaho is home to over 50 varieties of wildflowers unique to the state, and at the heart of it all is Boise. There’s nothing like catching a glimpse of the fleeting wildflower blooms. We’ve compiled a list of the best hikes to view wildflowers in the Treasure Valley.

Important Reminders

Always stay on the trail. Wildflowers are fragile; watch your step. Speaking of watching your step, spring rain can create wet, muddy conditions. Using trails in these conditions leads to damage. Before heading out, check the trail report posted on the Ridge to Rivers homepage to avoid muddy trails. Ridge to Rivers is a city org that manages and maintains over 200 miles of trails in the Boise foothills. And remember, the best place for wildflowers to be is in nature, for all to enjoy–so take photos, not flowers.

Camel’s Back Park

The perfect place to start is Camel’s Back Park–the gateway to exploring the Boise foothills. Easily accessible from downtown, Camel’s Back is a certified Boise fave. In early spring, these popular trails are lined with native plants and wildflowers. See the protected Arrowleaf Balsamroot, a bright yellow-orange member of the Sunflower family.

Table Rock

If you’re up for a bit of a hike, Table Rock is a must. This iconic Boise landmark offers panoramic views of the city, but it’s the lower trails that provide views of meadows dotted with wildflower blooms. Expect to see the striking magenta of Lewis’s flax and the soft white petals of yarrow. Views of the valley covered in blooming wildflowers are worth every step.

Hillside to Hollow Reserve

Located near Boise’s North End neighborhood, Hillside to Hollow Reserve hosts numerous trails perfect for a wildflower enthusiast. Walk alongside butterflies and honey bees as you see a variety of wildflower species, including camas, buttercups and violets. And, if you’re lucky, catch sight of the rare Aese’s Onion, a wildflower species unique to the foothills of the North West.

Military Reserve

The sprawling Military Reserve is 700 acres of trailheads, bike paths and dog parks just minutes from downtown Boise. Lining the lower paths of the hills, find gold meadows of Arrowleaf balsamroot, sweet-smelling Lupine and delicate purple and pink Fleaban. We can’t forget the Bachelor’s Button, and neither will you. Head to the Military Reserve to see fields hued blue and purple, populated with delicate Cornflower.

Hull’s Gulch 

Head to Hull’s Gulch Reserve if you want to venture deep into the Boise foothills. This trail winds through sagebrush and grasses, with patches of pink wild geraniums, bluebells and the occasional cluster of bitterroot. The further you go into the hillside, as the noises of the city fade away, you’ll understand why Boise is the perfect combination of nature and urban.

Boise Grand Slam Hikes

Are you up for a challenge? Cervidae Peak, Mount Heinen, Kepros Mountain and Shaw Mountain are what we call the “Grand Slam” peaks. These trails have certainly earned their difficulty status and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. What’s so special about these hikes is more than the challenge; it’s the distance and elevation gain. Heinen, Kepros and Shaw are all around 10 miles long. For hours, you become immersed in nature, surrounded by meadows of wildflowers. Visit the AllTrails Boise Grand Slam page for guides, directions and recent reviews on the four peaks.


Happy wildflower viewing!