Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt is the city's backbone. It follows the river for roughly 25 miles, linking parks, museums, the university, neighborhoods and downtown, and it is the reason Boise feels so connected to the outdoors. The main path is paved and mostly flat, shaded by cottonwoods and willows, and it runs close to the water for much of its length. On a sunny weekday you will see commuters on bikes, runners, families with strollers, anglers and people with dogs sharing the same ribbon of green. Along the way, a long list of sights sits within a short walk of the path. Julia Davis Park holds Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum and the Idaho State Museum, with a rose garden and a pond for paddle boats in summer. Ann Morrison Park offers wide lawns and a big sports area. Boise State University and its famous blue field sit along the central stretch, and the Boise Whitewater Park, where surfers ride a standing wave in the river, is another stop for people-watching. Farther along, Esther Simplot Park and Quinn's Pond add swimming and paddling spots.

Because the path is long, the best approach is to pick a section. A popular stretch for visitors runs from downtown through Julia Davis Park and Ann Morrison Park, about three miles each way, and offers shade, benches and plenty of stops for coffee. Cyclists can rent bikes in the city and go farther in either direction, and scooters and e-bikes are common. The path is shared, so slow down at busy times, stay on the right and call out when passing.

Seasons give the Greenbelt different personalities. In spring the cottonwoods leaf out and the river runs high. Summer brings floaters, picnics and evening concerts in nearby parks. Fall is arguably the best time, with gold leaves, clear air and lighter crowds. Winter is cold but quiet, and on clear days the path is perfect for a brisk walk, though patches of ice can form in shady spots.

Wildlife is a bonus. Herons, ducks, geese, kingfishers and occasional eagles are common near the water, and you may see beavers, deer or even otters at quieter times. Pack out your trash and keep dogs under control, since leash rules apply in many sections.

The path is free and open every day, though some parks have their own hours. For a full day, combine a morning ride with the zoo or museums, a picnic in the park and an evening river float or dinner downtown. Because the path connects so many hotels and restaurants, you can use it as a car-free way of seeing much of the city.

Public art and small surprises appear all along the path, from sculptures and memorial benches to fishing spots and viewpoints over the water. Interpretive signs in some parks explain local history, and community events such as fun runs and concerts use the path throughout the year. A slow ride with no destination often turns up the best discoveries.

For families, the playgrounds at several parks give children a place to burn off energy, and the paved surface works for strollers and wheelchairs along most sections. Cyclists who want a longer ride can follow the river out to Eagle or beyond, and walkers can pick a loop that crosses the river on one of the pedestrian bridges.