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Just over two weeks away from visiting Boise with my wife! We would like to do a hike or two near the Boise area during our visit. Looking for recommendations for such up to 6 miles round trip/2-3 hours that you think are "must see" within an hour drive of Boise, or on the route north to Spokane /CD.
There are several books that can be found locally and online that will allow you to pick a hike that's great for you. There are so many options and each hike will have specific instructions, maps, trail info, elevation info, etc. especially for a 6 mile hike.
I would go up to Stanley and check out the Sawtooths--there are so many options from there. It's a longer drive from Boise (2.5-3 hours) but wow, so gorgeous!!
Locally in Boise, do drive up 8th Street to the Hulls Gulch Preserve (just a couple of miles from the north end). From there you'll find many trail options that will take you up into our foothills with views of the city.
You could do the loop up at the top of Shafer. Basically you drive a mile or two past Bogus and there will be a turn off to the right, where you go up another mile or so to a campground and parking area. There's a nice easy trail that loops around the top of the summit, and I think it's about 4 miles around. Easy hike with great views (weather permitting - you're at 7500 feet there so take appropriate precautions).
Thankis IdaD, for a great suggestion, I was hoping to make the drive to Bogus during our visit! As for the reference to the altitude I suspect you mean beware the weather? Being that we are visiting from Alaska we are very familiar with rapidily changing weather and will have appropriate clothing, etc. As to the actual altitude and available oxygen, that is another matter since we live near sea-level, a slower pace will no doubt be in order.
It's a tough trailhead to find, but Dry Creek off of Bogus Basin Road is my favorite hike close to town. Takes you from high desert to pine trees in 6 miles. Plus you follow a running creek the whole way up the valley, so it is very lush.
There are several hot springs hikes up in the forests within a few hours drive of Boise. As mentioned up above the city there are several hikes in the woods around Bogus Basin.
If you want to stay right in town there are many nature hikes/trails along the Boise River in the cottonwood and aspen forests along its banks.
I think an interesting area that captures the essence of the area is Bonneville Point east of town. It's easy hiking in the desert but offers expansive views along the actual Oregon Trail.
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