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The Boise River Greenbelt follows its namesake river among towering trees, connecting downtown Boise with neighborhoods and the business district. Leading out of the city both north-west and south-east, the trail connects suburbs with parks and the Lucky Peak State Recreation Area.
About the Route
The 55.8-mile trail is one of the area's most popular for its scenic views, wildlife, and access to popular parks and recreation sites. In addition, it provides a non-motorized corridor for commuters and passes by the university campus.
Most of the trail is paved except for a 1.5-mile section from Barber Park downstream. In Eagle, a new bike-ped bridge was constructed across the Boise River, connecting two sides of the trail.
The Boise River Greenbelt runs between W State St. (Eagle) and Lucky Peak State Park (Boise).
Parking is available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Just my grandson and I on a working vacation. I haul my e-bike so I had to rent him one. Middle of trail is the Payette brewery. Sunrise e-bike rentals are in there building. We rented a e-bike for him. Also rafting rentals available. Definitely a busy trail for a weekday. But still got around ok. We did most all of trail except long outer ends. Part of trail is adjacent to Boise College and stadium. Minimum 2 hours for sure. For sure
I am from Tucson looking for paved non-street rides. Greenbelt is fabulous, but: 1) The route west really ends at Eagle road regardless of what some maps indicate; 2) Ambiguous signage can confuse out-of-towners (like me!).
Although still some closed areas. We were able to progress to our destination without any issues. Path is crowded at times around college and water park.
Beautiful fun ride! Lots of people so at times slow going.
The green belt has so many closed areas and what is open is unpaved. We road in circles three times back to the beginning and started over to find a way up the river but with all the construction and new homes, private path signs, and construction vehicles we didn’t make it to our planned lunch spot. The map does not show the closures and new structures and fences that were in our way.
This is an incredible ride. The mostly paved path runs on both sides of the river in town with lots of stopping points. You’ll also find many parks offering great picnic stops, restrooms and bike tools. Plenty of entry points at the parks lining the river. Crowded in the summertime. Head east towards Lucky Peak Dam and it will thin out.
Today in 2020 the various cities along the trail have made numerous improvements, added a number of parks and replace the bridges and trail segment damage in the flooding of 3 years ago. Today you can ride paved trail from Eagle Idaho all the way to Lucky Peak Dam to the east. The replacement of the bridge to Plantation Island is wonderful. And while the section in Garden City continue to have some rough areas, on the whole Garden City has done the most to improve the trail in their city. The replacement of the Plantation Islsnd bridge and pavement on the island is great. The new widening and resurfacing of the section from Plantation Island behind the former Le Bois horse track in nothing short of spectacular.
Winter snows have been low. Spring rains have not been bad. New trail addition at west end of trail in Eagle is a great addition. While,as in the past, the Garden Valley section is the least enjoyable it is the most improved and it is clear the City of Garden Valley is working hard to upgrade the trail segments in their city. Perhaps the biggest hilighy is the the replacement ofPlsntation Islsnd bridge tole Bois horse racing facility.
Record heavy snows and the resulting above average run off have closed most of the trail. As of April Only eastern most 9 miles remain open. Federal water managers predict above flood stage releases into June. Check City of Boise website for closure maps. A key bridge between Boise and Garden City has been removed to save it from falling in the river and park managers say it will have to be relocated. Thus when flooding subsides you will not be able to ride the trail from one end to the other non stop. When it dries out it is still a great trail you will have to ride part and find the detour around the missing bridge to continue on.
Rode this trail from Eagle all the way to Lucky Peak reservoir over 2 days in late September. A great experience overall. Suggestions would be for a bit better markings along the route, as the downtown areas can be a bit confusing and congested.
The only negative is a local weed called goatheads....nasty little things that resemble organic thumbtacks....flattened 3 of 4 tires late one afternoon. Advise you carry a tire pump!!
Have been looking for a good map of the Boise Greenbelt, but this is not it, Yet. It is a good start but missing the trails that run on both sides. It could also add bathrooms, air pumps, water coolers along the way. It would also help to display mileage marks.
This is an amazing running, walking, cycling trail along the Boise River near downtown Boise, ID. If you are coming to Boise, bring your exercise gear. There are also plenty of mountainous (off road) running, hiking, mountain bike trails close to the Greenbelt, don't miss those! The beautiful scenery and wildlife will make you want to stay and never leave!
Idaho is known as the Gem State and this trail is a real jewel. I would rename this one the “Emerald Trail” because a good portion of the trail is lined with massive deciduous trees (think very green) which, along with the Boise River, actually cools the trail significantly during Boise’s hot summer months. Riding this trail is pure entertainment. Several outstanding parks along the trail provide fountains to cool off in, the zoo, festivals to enjoy, and people to watch. Stunning views of the foothills and the river abound. Restaurants of all types, many with outdoor seating, provide numerous opportunities to dine and enjoy cold beverages. Hotels on or near the trail makes this an excellent location for a weekend or extended stay bike trip. Downtown Boise is lively, is easily accessible from the Greenbelt, and has a “European” feel about it with outdoor cafes and parked bikes lining the streets. The eastern portion of the trail is wide open, has desert like views, and provides riders with an opportunity to put some real distance on the bike. The Boise Green Belt truly has it all and should not be missed.
"This trail is actually longer that 12 miles. It is closer to 20 miles. The trail extends from a mile west of the Western Idaho Fairgrounds in Garden City to Lucky Peak State Park east of Boise.
Sections of this trail have tree root damage, especially west of Human Rights Memorial and Boise State University."
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