Eagle Ridge Overlooks
Hike uphill to nice views from both sides of a ridge near downtown Boise.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2 km
- Ascent
- 50 m
- Descent
- 50 m
Elephant Rock
A quick hike with an overlook and a natural-rock playground that's great for kids.
Hiking Easy
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Ascent
- 42 m
- Descent
- 42 m
- Duration
- 0-1 hrs
- Low Point
- 851 m
- High Point
- 894 m
- Gradient
- 3˚
This is a short and sweet hike on the Military Reserve near downtown Boise. It goes up a hill to a unique sandstone dome called Elephant Rock, which kids will love to scramble on. The eroded rock is surrounded in beach-like sand and angled slabs, making the whole zone kind of like a natural playground.
Description
From the rock you can go a bit farther uphill to an excellent view over the city. The panorama centers on the Capitol Building and the rest of the downtown skyline. From the the loop continues through a grove of thin trees and back downhill, easily returning to the road and the trailhead.
Difficulty
Easy
Walking along a well-kept trail that’s mostly flat. No obstacles are present.
Low Exposure
The path is on completely flat land and potential injury is limited to falling over.
Remoteness
Close to help in case of emergency.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Dog friendly
- Wild flowers
- Family friendly
Similar routes nearby
1 m away
Cottonwood Creek Loop
Short and easy hike among prairie and forest near a little creek.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Ascent
- 29 m
- Descent
- 29 m
1 m away
Ridge Crest and Central Ridge Loop
A loop with some elevation gain and varied scenery, using Ridge Crest and Central Ridge trails
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.9 km
- Ascent
- 114 m
- Descent
- 114 m
2.3 km away
The Grove and Chickadee Ridge
A short loop with a lot of variety, and different sights for every season.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.2 km
- Ascent
- 46 m
- Descent
- 47 m
2.4 km away
Camel's Back East Side Loop
Scenic loop with steep hills and shady forest in the North End of Boise.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.3 km
- Ascent
- 69 m
- Descent
- 70 m
2.4 km away
Quarry Trail and Eagle Rock Loop
Quick hike in the foothills near downtown, with striking geology and sweeping views of the city.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3 km
- Ascent
- 111 m
- Descent
- 111 m
2.4 km away
Table Rock Loop
Boise's #1 hike, plus bonus scenery by making the loop.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.2 km
- Ascent
- 275 m
- Descent
- 275 m
2.5 km away
Lower Hulls Gulch and Red Cliffs Loop
A nicely varied loop in the foothills near downtown, through a sheltered creek valley and across panoramic slopes.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.6 km
- Ascent
- 207 m
- Descent
- 207 m
2.5 km away
Red Cliffs and Kestrel Loop
A short and scenic loop with views over the city and some colorful geology.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 143 m
- Descent
- 143 m
3.4 km away
Harrison Hollow and Kemper's Ridge
A scenic jaunt close to downtown, in a network of many popular trails.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.3 km
- Ascent
- 121 m
- Descent
- 121 m
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Guidebooks in this area
10 routes · Hiking
Best of Boise: Hiking in the Foothills
10 routes · Hiking
Best of Boise: Top 10 Hikes for the Family
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