Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt is one of the better amenities in the Boise Metro region, connecting developed parks, natural areas and downtown along a 25-mile stretch that parallel's the Boise River. The path that runs east of town from Barber Park to Sandy Point Park is maintained by Ada County and isn't officially a part of the Boise Parks and Recreation path, but it has great access to some of the best parks and views in the area.  

This section of Greenbelt stretches nearly 6 miles in length and maintains a relatively flat path alongside the river. Barber Park sits among a hotbed of current housing developments, but the further east you travel, the further you seem to immerse yourself in the high desert Boise experience.  

This section of path includes many amenities including Sandy Point Park, Barber Park, Discovery Park, Diversion Dam, the Black Cliffs climbing area, and the site of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Water and restrooms are available near the Shakespeare Festival as well as at the public park spaces.  

Wildlife is abundant throughout, including deer, coyotes, fox, eagles, hawks, and songbirds as well. Fishing holes are also accessible from the Greenbelt to areas where trout can be found in small eddys behind boulders and under dams.  

Cyclists are omnipresent and always seem to be riding into a headwind as winds are funneled through the walls of the Black Cliffs. Climbers can be viewed scaling the basalt formations above in what is one of Boise's most popular and accessible climbing areas. Kayakers paddle through various stretches of river, and stand-up paddleboarders seem to find solitude in the calmer waters just west of Lucky Peak Reservoir.

A trip along this stretch of pathway is a great insight into the celebrated river and access to the outdoors that makes Boise one of America's better towns to live the outdoor lifestyle.