The Best Bike Ride Ever
Boise by Bike
It’s the ultimate summer day: clear blue skies above, wildflowers blooming in the foothills and a light breeze blowing through the City of Trees.
You’ve got your bike, you’re ready to hit the road and explore a new city. But with so many sights, breweries, galleries and parks to explore, where do you start?
Don’t stress — We’ve outlined the ultimate perfect summer day in Downtown Boise from sun-up to sun-down.
8:00 A.M.
Drooling over the two eggs and toast at The Modern.
After spending a relaxing night at The Modern, head down to the bar for breakfast. This old-school motel turned classy, high-end travel lodge is right in the heart of Downtown Boise’s artsy Linen District.
Get crafty with some morning cocktails at The Modern.
Take a seat in their airy lounge and sip a glass of fresh-brewed cold brew. Unsure what to order? Get their 2 eggs and toast — It’s a modern twist on a classic breakfast: two perfectly poached eggs topped with grilled shallot chimichurri sit on thick slices of Acme toast spread with huancaina sauce and green olives. (Sounds complicated, but it’s simply delicious.)
9:30 A.M.
A view of Table Rock above and the Old Penitentiary below — all from the trail!
After one last cup of coffee, get out your bike and head to the foothills. You can access the Ridge to Rivers trail system from Camel’s Back Park in the North End. Feel the desert air across your face as you coast along narrow ridges blooming with wildflowers. Catch panoramic views of the City of Trees.
Don’t be afraid to take little detours here and there. The Ridge to Rivers trail system is a well-kept network of thousands of miles of singletrack trails. These can take you through desert canyons, meandering streams, dramatic plateaus, mountain meadows, forests and more. Dare to explore! You might want to come back and make a whole day out of it.
11:30 AM (ish)
Grabbing a well-deserved pint at a local Hyde Park pub.
Bike back into town for a well-deserved break. Lock up your bike along 13th Street and grab a pint at the Parrilla Grill. Order a burrito or just some chips and salsa. (Honestly, everything tastes amazing after a long bike ride in the foothills.)
You’ll never know what hidden gems you’ll find at Hyde and Seek!
After you’ve had your fill, wander the streets of one of Boise’s most historic (and iconic) neighborhoods. The tree-lined streets of Hyde Park are filled with local cafes and specialty shops. Go window shopping for a bit — who knows what you’ll find?
1:00 P.M.
A sunny Saturday morning strolling through the Capital City Farmer’s Market.
Bike back into Boise. Do a little more sight-seeing. Stroll through Freak Alley for vibrant street art made by local artists. Swing by the Idaho State Capitol Building. Take a detour through Julia Davis Park to explore the Boise Zoo, Boise Art Museum or the Idaho State Museum.
Feeling like a local at Boise’s 30th annual Pride Fest.
The summer is always filled with sports competitions, music festivals, cultural celebrations and more. Events like Boise’s PrideFest brings the entire community together with fireworks, parades and live concerts. Stay curious and don’t be afraid to explore.
4:00pm
Kayakers and paddle boarders soaking up the sun at Quinn’s Pond.
From Downtown Boise, you can easily hop onto the Greenbelt for a refreshing ride along the Boise River. Lined with cottonwoods and willows, this 21-mile long paved trail runs right through some of Boise’s favorite parks.
Less than a mile down the Greenbelt, you’ll find 21 acres of blue ponds in Esther Simplot Park. The clear, calm waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or even just a quick swim.
Local’s Tip: Want to catch some waves? Hop on over to Boise’s Whitewater Park for surfing and whitewater rafting, just a little further down the trail.
6:00pm
Payette Brewing’s bike-friendly tap room is a favorite local hangout.
After cooling off at Esther Simplot Park, head back toward downtown and stop at Payette Brewing. This locally-owned, dog-friendly hangout is just off the trail, where you’ll find a wide selection of craft beers, food trucks and some regulars playing cornhole on the front lawn. Grab a beer, make some new friends and stay a while.
Grabbing an IPA and making new friends.
As the sun sets on another perfect summer day, you realized you’ve seen the city in a new way. From desert trails to local pubs, you’ve trekked off the beaten path and truly experienced Boise like a local. And honestly, isn’t that the best way to travel?
