5 Events in Boise & Beyond - July 19th - 21st

Photo Credit: pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Snake River Stampede Rodeo Where: Ford Idaho Center When: Friday & Saturday Time: 7:30 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Movies Under the Stars (Wonka) Where: Julia Davis Bandshell When: Friday, July 19 Time: Start at Dusk EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Family Arts Festival Where: Kleiner Memorial Park When: Saturday, July 20 Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Rigs & Coffee Where: 512 N Milwaukee Street When: Saturday, July 20 Time: 11:00 AM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Paint with Penguins Where: Zoo Boise When: Sunday, July 21 Time: 9:30 AM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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How to Float the Boise River

One of Boise’s signature attractions is the Boise River, a 102-mile long tributary of the Snake River stemming from the Sawtooth Range to the Snake River Plain. It meanders right through the middle of the city, and is flanked by paved pathways for both pedestrians and cyclists. This Boise icon provides a variety of recreational activities for locals and visitors alike, from fly fishing, bird watching, and floating/rafting/kayaking. Floating season officially begins in June, when water levels are lower after the Spring runoff.   Where to Start: The put-in for the infamous Boise River float starts at Barber Park, located in SE Boise off of Eckert Road (about 6 miles from downtown). Parking is available at the park itself, but is limited and costs $7/day. We recommend parking at the take-out point at Ann Morrison Park and taking the shuttle ($3/ride) to Barber Park to start. You can park at Barber Park, and take the shuttle back from Ann Morrison Park. The shuttle runs during operational hours for the park (9:30 am - 7:30 pm). More information about rentals can be found here. What to Bring: Safety takes priority when selecting the right equipment to float the river. Folks can rent equipment right at Barber Park or bring it pre-inflated from home (air stations are no longer available at the park). Approved vessels include tubes, inflatable and hard-shell rafts and kayaks, and canoes. Air mattresses or pool floaties are not permitted per code. Sound-producing device (i.e. a whistle, bell, or horn) for emergency use Sunscreen (and bring plenty!) Water Waterproof case to store personal items Appropriate clothing for water activities including water shoes and hats Personal flotation device (i.e. lifejacket). Children 14 years of age and younger are required to wear a lifejacket. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted on the Boise River. Learn more about floating safety here. What to Expect: Experience Boise from a unique perspective as you traverse nearly 6 miles of winding river right through the heart of the city. Expect to spend 2-3 hours floating from start to finish. The water will be cold, but is so refreshing on a hot summer day. The river has various levels of flow, allowing for exciting splashes from small rapids and calm swimming opportunities. Just like any rustic river, there are hazards to watch out for including fallen trees, rock outcroppings, and outstretched limbs. All are fairly easy to navigate around when you stay aware of your surroundings. If you fall in, don’t panic! Keep your feet downriver while on your back, and use your arms to steer you to the edge. The Greenbelt DOTS system helps people find their location along the Greenbelt should they need to notify emergency services or a friend. There are white painted dots with a number in them every tenth of a mile on the paved Greenbelt.  Floating the Boise River is a treasured pass-time during the warmer months of the year. Many neighborhoods in Boise have close access to the river, including popular areas in East Boise like River Run, Harris Ranch, and Barber Valley. Search East Boise listings here.

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Best Trails for Mountain Biking in Boise

Photo credit to LBRE. Boise is a paradise for mountain bikers with its expansive foothill trails for any skill level from beginners seeking a scenic ride to advanced riders looking for technical challenges. Boise's trail network has something to offer everyone with countless fast and flowy descents and breathtaking climbs. Grab your bike (and helmet!) and try out one of our picks for Boise’s best mountain biking trails!   Table Rock Trail #15: Table Rock is a classic Boise trail system trail with expansive views of the valley from the top. This area has multiple options, with the most classic route being Table Rock Trail #15. This trail is an old double-track road that climbs from the Old Penitentiary parking lot to the top of Table Rock. If you want a more gradual, loop option, try the Quarry Trail that splits off from the main Table Rock trail.   Type: Out and back Skill Level: Intermediate/advanced Distance: 4 miles   Lower Hulls Gulch Trail #29: Hulls Gulch is a classic gem in Boise. It features a steady grade, fun technical challenges, and a charming creek nearby. It has a sandy composition, which makes it rideable even when other trails are too muddy or wet. It is a part of the Ridge-to-Rivers Odd/Even Separate use days, meaning on odd-numbered days of the month, the trail is open to downhill bike traffic (trail closed to all other users). On even numbered days of the month, the trail is open to hikers and equestrians traveling in both directions and open to uphill mountain bike traffic (the trail is closed to downhill bike traffic). Make sure to check the day of the month to ensure you bike this trail in the correct direction! Type: Out and back Skill Level: Intermediate Distance: 2.3 miles   Around the Mountain: Photo credit to Bogus Basin. This loop around Bogus Basin ski area offers moderate climbs and breathtaking views of the Sawtooths and Boise. Experience Bogus Basin in the summer as you peddle by ski runs, climb up switchbacks, and cruise through a descent filled with berms and sweeping turns.   Type: Loop Skill Level: Intermediate Distance: 11 miles   Polecat Gulch Loop: This trail loop, primarily singletrack, winds through the picturesque Boise Foothills. It gradually climbs the Polecat Gulch valley to a panoramic ridgeline. The trail then follows the ridges with a quick descent at the end to return to the trailhead. The surface is mostly smooth hardpack, with some sandy stretches and rocks. Much of the route is on north-facing slopes, making it a great option in the summer when other areas are too hot. Type: Loop Skill Level: Intermediate Distance: 6.2 miles   Sidewinder Trail: Photo Credit to the MTB Project. Sidewinder is a fast and fun hard packed trail in the Boise Foothills, known for its flowy design and good sightlines. It tends to get sandy during the drier months but is perfect in the spring or after a rainstorm. Sidewinder is a popular climb and is often combined with Fat Tire Traverse and Freestone Ridge for a great loop. Type: Out and back, Connector Skill Level: Beginner Distance: 1.3 miles  

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