In Boise, getting outside isn’t hard—it’s right in our backyard. We’re lucky to live in a place where you can hit the trails after work, catch a sunrise on a ridge, or knock out a weekend loop before brunch. A lot of our clients at Motivate Fitness love hiking—and we do too. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay active, get your steps in, and enjoy the wild beauty Idaho has to offer.
The cool part? Hiking isn’t just good for clearing your head—it’s also good for your health. According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), regular hiking improves heart health, builds lower-body strength, and supports joint mobility. It counts toward your weekly exercise goals (150 minutes of moderate-intensity movement per week), and it’s especially helpful for improving balance and stability as we age.
So whether you’re getting back into a routine or just looking for a reason to move more, these five Boise hikes are some of our favorites—for the views, the challenge, and the reward of getting outside.
Difficulty: Medium
Length: ~10 miles round trip
Traffic: High
This is one of those trails that feels like an escape, even though it’s just a few miles up from Bogus Basin. If you’re looking for tall trees, shaded paths, and a view that makes you stop in your tracks—this is it.
You start with a descent (heads-up: you’ll be climbing back up later), cross a small road, and from there it’s a mix of forest and open ridgeline with amazing views of the Treasure Valley. The trail ends at the iconic Stack Rock formation, and it’s worth budgeting time to explore the boulders at the top.
We recommend this hike in the summer when the valley’s baking—Stack Rock stays cooler thanks to the shade and higher elevation.
Fitness Benefit: This one’s a great longer endurance hike—helping improve cardiovascular fitness and build muscular endurance. According to ACSM, longer-duration aerobic activity like this supports heart health and increases overall aerobic capacity.
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 2-mile loop
Traffic: Low
This is our go-to quick hike when we want to get outside without a big time commitment. It’s close to downtown and a perfect sunset hike with a great view of the Boise skyline. In the summer, we’ve done it before or after dinner with family just to stretch the legs and soak up some evening light.
It’s also a solid option if you’re easing back into hiking—it’s short, not too steep, and still delivers that rewarding view. And if you want more, it connects right into the Table Rock trail system.
Fitness Benefit: Shorter hikes like this still count toward your weekly movement goals. They help improve daily step count, circulation, and mental well-being—especially if done consistently.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~15 miles round trip
Traffic: Low
If you’re up for a challenge, this one delivers. The trail starts out dry and exposed—classic Boise foothills—but don’t let that fool you. About a mile from the top, the landscape shifts and you’re suddenly in the trees, with streams and shade that feel worlds away from the trailhead.
Plan to start early—especially in the warmer months—and bring plenty of water. We’ve seen clients use this hike to prep for bigger mountain trips or as a benchmark for endurance training. And if you time it right, you might catch researchers at the Lucky Peak bird observatory near the summit. It’s a hidden gem.
Fitness Benefit: This is a full-body hike that taxes your legs, lungs, and grit. Steep inclines build strength and power in the glutes and hamstrings, and longer durations push your aerobic threshold—just like ACSM recommends for endurance and longevity.
Difficulty: Low
Length: ~2-mile loop
Traffic: Low to medium
Tucked inside Military Reserve, this trail is a great option when you want to move without overcommitting. It’s one of the few shaded hikes in town, and that makes it a favorite for morning or fall hiking.
You can loop it with Eagle Ridge for a bit more mileage, and you get a great view of the Capitol building and downtown Boise. In the fall, the aspens turn golden and the whole trail lights up. Just don’t go when it’s muddy—trail damage is real and hard to repair.
Fitness Benefit: Ideal for improving balance and coordination. Gentle, rolling terrain is great for building ankle stability and proprioception—important at any age, but especially helpful for older adults looking to stay mobile and reduce fall risk.
Difficulty: Medium
Length: ~4 miles round trip
Traffic: High
It’s the classic Boise hike, and for good reason. Starting from the Old Penitentiary, this trail climbs about 1,000 feet over two miles and delivers panoramic views at the top. You’ll see people of all ages and fitness levels tackling it, especially on weekends.
The trail is exposed, so bring water and sunscreen. And because there’s no longer a parking lot at the top, hiking is now the only way to earn that view.
Fitness Benefit: This is a great example of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise, especially with the elevation gain. It improves cardiovascular endurance and lower-body strength, and meets ACSM’s recommendation for multi-joint, weight-bearing activity to support bone health.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Boise, hiking is one of the best ways to stay active without overthinking it. You get fresh air, elevation, and real movement—and it all counts. Whether you’re working on weight loss, building strength, or just trying to feel better, hiking can be a natural part of your fitness journey.
We love these trails not just because they’re beautiful—but because they remind us why we train: to move well, feel capable, and enjoy the outdoors for years to come.
Want help building a routine that supports your life inside and outside the gym? Reach out to a coach at Motivate Fitness—we’ll help you get stronger for everything you love to do. Click here to learn more!
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