If you’re looking for outdoor fun and adventure, consider spending a weekend in Boise. From skiing to golfing to inland surfing, the City of Trees offers outdoor activities to satisfy travelers of all ages. Here are four great ways to get outside in the Idahoan capital.
Ski at Bogus Basin
Situated in Boise National Forest, Bogus Basin is a prime destination for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. The Bogus Mountain Recreation Area has a top vertical rise of 1,800 feet and offers 2,600 acres for day skiing. This includes 53 groomed runs, the longest of which is 1.5 miles long. Beginners can take private or group lessons, while experienced rippers can test their skills with the Mountain Dew Terrain Park’s rails and jumps.
Bogus Basin also offers an 800-foot tubing hill and 23 miles of Nordic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, you can explore hiking and biking trails or try rock climbing or gold panning. For a unique ride any time of year, check out the Glade Runner, a scenic, exhilarating mountain coaster that rises over 40 feet and lets you cruise through the trees at up to 25 mph.
Golf at Boise Ranch
Boise Ranch Golf Course is a friendly spot for golfers of all experience levels. For a peaceful yet challenging 18 holes, try hitting the par 71 on Boise Ranch’s spacious fairways. Bordered by willow trees and dotted with eight lakes and ponds, the course features 6,611 yards of greens with just enough elevation to make for a fun contest. Boise Ranch also offers a driving range, a putting green, lessons for beginners, and occasional tournaments. Children are welcome, making Boise Ranch Golf Course an enjoyable outdoor outing for families.
Surf at Boise Whitewater Park
If thrilling water sports are your thing, consider visiting Boise Whitewater Park. Using Wave Shaper technology, the park shapes the Boise River’s flow to create waves of varying intensity. The setup is perfect for river surfing, kayaking, and standup paddling. For more leisurely visits, Esther Simplot Park features a serene pond where you can paddle and kayak at your own pace. The park even offers classes — adventurous travelers can try standup paddleboard yoga!
Pick Your Hotel Wisely
A great hotel can augment your outdoor fun in Boise. Downtown, the Safari Inn offers an outdoor pool and is within walking distance of Zoo Boise and Julia Davis Park. To the south, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boise ParkCenter is near the Idaho Botanical Garden and Table Rock. If you’re interested in learning about local wildlife or trying an underwater viewing window, the Holiday Inn Express is a 15-minute walk from the MK Nature Center.
Boise provides a plethora of opportunities for outdoor fun. If you’re only in town for a short time, though, you can’t go wrong with any of these suggestions. Whether you snowshoe at Bogus Basin or kayak in Boise Whitewater Park, you’ll certainly have a memorable adventure!
Recent Comments