The Boise River Greenbelt: Boise’s Favorite Outdoor Path

If there’s one thing that truly makes Boise Boise, it’s the Boise Greenbelt. It is hands down one of the best parts of the city, in my humble opinion. I always find new hidden gems on the Greenbelt, and since it’s 25 miles, that’s easy to do.

The Greenbelt is a paved path that winds right along the Boise River and is basically the city’s outdoor playground. There are many ways to explore the Boise Greenbelt.

Many people prefer walking, skateboarding, or rollerblading, while others love riding bikes or scooters. You’ll find bike rental services at various downtown hotels and rental shops throughout the city, including those conveniently located along the Greenbelt. 

Looking for a complete weekend? Here’s exactly how I’d spend 3 days in Boise.

Along the Greenbelt, you’ll pass through shady trees, city parks, and even some of Boise’s most popular spots like the Boise Whitewater Park, Ann Morrison Park, and great restaurants, wineries, and breweries along the route. I love hopping on my bike here in the spring, summer, or fall when the weather is perfect and the leaves are doing their thing; it’s seriously so pretty.

If you want a complete list of my favorite stops along the Boise River Greenbelt, check out my post on Visit Idaho or my Instagram reel where I share the best spots to stop along the way! 

It’s one of my favorite things to do in the spring, fall, and summer in Boise! 

While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram and Tiktok!

What to Expect

The Boise Greenbelt connects several of Boise’s best parks, including Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Kathryn Albertson Park. 

You’ll find tree-lined paths, bridges, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic or coffee. In the summer, it’s busy with bikers and floaters heading to the river, and in the fall, it’s covered in beautiful leaves.

Here is a map from the City of Boise, featuring additional attractions along the way. —> Boise Greenbelt Map

Things to Know Before You Go:

• Location: The Greenbelt follows the Boise River (for the most part) and runs 25 miles from Lucky Peak Dam to near Eagle Road and passes through Boise and Garden City.
• Parking: There is quite a lot of parking, especially near popular parks such as Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Esther Simplot Park.
• Cost: Free
• Accessibility: Great for biking, strollers, and wheelchairs (paved most of the way)
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for fewer crowds and cooler temps

Read More: 7 Tips for Floating the Boise River

Local Tips

Rent an e-bike or scooter downtown and ride it along the Greenbelt. Stop in Garden City at Push & Pour Coffee, Rosa for tacos, Yardarm for a beer, Sandbar for live music, and Telaya for a wine flight! And if you go in summer, bring your swimsuit because floating the Boise River is a total must-do!

A few places to rent bikes and e-bikes in Boise: 

• George’s Cycles
• McU Sports
• Idaho Mountain Touring
• Pedego Boise
• Sunrise Electric Bikes

More Notable Stops

• Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
• Payette Brewing
• Green Acres Foodtruck Park
• Boise River Float (if you’re visiting in summer)
• Boise Zoo
• MK Nature Center
• See this list for more favorite stops!