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Ridge to Rivers
The Boise Foothills
rise above Idaho’s
Capitol and largest
city, providing a postcard backdrop
that inspires and soothes the soul.
An interconnected network of roads
and trails courses through these hills,
linking not only neighborhoods with
public lands but also connecting
people with the natural environment.
With over miles of trail, there is
something for everyone. For more
information on trails, current trail
conditions and etique e, visit
ridgetorivers.org or on Facebook.
Trail maps for the lower Foothills and
Shafer Bu e near Bogus Basin are
available at local bike and outdoor
stores and the Boise Parks and
Recreation Administration Offi ce,
Royal Blvd.
ACHD Roadways to
Bikeways Plan
The Roadways to Bikeways Plan
provides a broad vision, policy, goals
and objectives for how the Ada
County Highway District (ACHD) can
facilitate and improve conditions for
bicycling in Ada County over the next
years. The Plan envisions a bicycle
network that connects local neigh-
borhoods, schools, public facilities,
business districts and environmental
features. Once achieved, this Plan will
improve Ada County residents’ health,
enhance their quality of life, help
improve and protect the County’s vital
natural resources, and be a source of
pride to the community. Visit the ACHD
bicycle page for more information and
the current Ada County Bikeways
Map: achdidaho.org
History of the
Greenbelt
Strolling along the pathways that
parallel the river, you may get a
sense that this beautiful se ing has
always been here for us to enjoy.
However, until the s the river
was a dumping ground for industrial
waste and raw sewage. The riverbank
was choked with trash and weeds.
In , the city completed a
comprehensive
plan and updated
the zoning ordinance. During the
process, it was recommended that
the city acquire land along the Boise
River to create a continuous “green
belt” of public lands stretching the
entire length of the community.
Soon, a grass-roots eff ort was
launched to clean up the waterway
and create public access to the river
corridor. In and , three small
parcels of land were donated to the
city to launch the “green belt.”
In , the first Greenbelt Plan
and Guidelines were adopted by
the Board of Parks Commissioners.
A Greenbelt and Pathways Committee
was appointed to guide the City of
Boise in the development of the
Greenbelt.
The first Greenbelt Ordinance was
adopted in , which required a
minimum setback of feet for all
structures and parking areas.
Since then, the City of Boise has
pieced together numerous parcels to
expand the pathway. Now, thousands
of people enjoy walking and bicycling
year-round along the miles of
pathway maintained by the Boise
Parks and Recreation Department.
The Greenbelt is a safe and popular
place enjoyed by thousands of
people annually. Users should
follow these simple common-sense
suggestions:
• Stay alert. Take off your head
phones and be aware of what’s
going on around you.
• Trust your instincts. If something
or someone makes you uneasy, leave the area.
• Travel in well-lit areas. Avoid shortcuts through wooded
areas, parking lots, isolated pathways or alleys.
• Carry a cellphone. Know your location in case you need to
call -- in an emergency.
• Report to the police unwanted contacts by strangers.
Be able to describe the person accurately.
• Walk with a companion.
In case of emergency, dial .
Boise Parks and Recreation Admin Offi ce
Royal Blvd. | Boise ID
parks.cityofboise.org | bpr@cityofboise.org
| TTY:
REV/
Ribbon of Jewels
The Boise River Greenbelt serves as the uniting ribbon
that links these precious jewels — the properties
given to the city in honor of some of Boise’s fi nest
civic leaders. The parks are legacies of these remarkable
women and their commitment to their community.
Esther Simplot
Park
Bernardine
Quinn Riverside
Park
Kathryn
Albertson Park
Ann Morrison
Park
Dona
Larsen
Park
Julia
Davis
Park
Marianne
Williams Park
Alta
Harris
Park
Kristin
Armstrong
Municipal Park
Kristin
Armstrong
Municipal Park
Golda Harris
Nature Preserve
Sue
Howell
Park
An off er by Tom Davis to the
city fathers of acres with the
provision that...the land would
always and forever be used for
public purpose... began the
legacy of the Ribbon of Jewels.
Alta Harris Park (undeveloped)
Ann Morrison Park
Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park
Dona Larsen Park (owned & managed by
Boise State University)
Esther Simplot Park
Golda Harris Nature Preserve
Julia Davis Park
Kathryn Albertson Park
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
Marianne Williams Park
Sue Howell Park (undeveloped)
. Alta Harris Park (undeveloped)
This 20-acre site was donated by the Harris family in honor of the
late Alta Harris.
. Golda Harris Nature Preserve
The preserve is located north of the East Parkcenter bridge and
just south of Warm Springs Avenue. Amenities include natural
pathways, seating, interpretive signage and wildlife viewing areas.
Due to the sensitivity of the surrounding plants and wildlife, dogs
are not allowed in the preserve.
Other Points Of Interest
. Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
P
An inspirational tribute to the
memory of Anne Frank, the -
acre memorial is located next
to the Boise Public Library and
The Cabin. The site features a
-foot sandstone wall with
quotes from philosophers,
poets and presidents encircling
pathways, ponds and reflective
water falls. A bronze statue of
Anne Frank overlooks a -foot
reading circle.
Staff and volun-
teers off er interpretive walks for
school groups and
visitors.
wassmuthcenter.org/idaho-human-rights-annn-frank-memorial
. MK Nature Center
P
Operated by the Idaho Fish & Game Department, the -acre site
features underwater viewing stations and educational signs. Open from
sunrise to sunset, the center is home to a living exhibit of fish, aquatic
life forms, riparian ecology and stream hydraulics. A visitor’s center
off ers educational programs. idfg.idaho.gov/site/mk-nature-center
. Barber Park
P
Operated by Ada County, Barber Park is the starting point for the
Boise River fl oat to Ann Morrison Park each summer. Boats are avail-
able for rent seasonally. Amenities include pathways, open areas and
an events center. adacounty.id.gov/Parks-Waterways/Barber-Park
Points of Interest – Boise Parks and Recreation
. Willow Lane Athletic
Complex
P
Six sports fields host
adult so ball leagues and
tournaments. Amenities
also include a tournament
soccer field, seasonal
concessions, playground,
wetlands and restrooms.
. Veterans Memorial Park
P
The brick Patriot Walk leads to memorials and flags honoring
veterans of all wars and the Ba le of Wake Island. Amenities include
walking paths, a restroom, reservable picnic site and shelter, large
playground, open play areas and a lake with docks for fishing.
. Esther Simplot Park
P
Water features are the focus of this -acre park. Paved and gravel
pathways weave through grassy areas, picnic shelters, along a
meandering stream, across bridges and around islands. Ponds off er
swimming and fi shing access.
. Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park
A popular destination for boaters, swimmers and standup
paddleboard enthusiasts on hot summer days, the park features
a -acre pond. Fishing is permi ed. Accessible docks can be
reached from Whitewater Park Boulevard and the Greenbelt.
. Pioneer Walk
A landscaped pedestrian pathway with benches and lighting,
the walkway links downtown with the Greenbelt through the
River Street neighborhood.
. Julia Davis Park
P
The city’s oldest park, Julia Davis opened in
and is home to Zoo Boise, the Idaho
State Historical Museum, Boise Art Museum,
Idaho Black History Museum, Discovery
Center of Idaho and an expansive Rose
Garden. Amenities include four tennis courts,
horseshoe pits, two reservable
pavilions, a playground, bocce courts
and restrooms. A seasonal boathouse rents
paddle boats for use on the
pond. Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated areas.
. Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
P
Large mature trees provide shade for a
reservable shelter and picnic sites. Other
features include a large playground,
bocce courts and restrooms.
. Natatorium Pool
P
One of the city’s most popular municipal
pools, the Natatorium features a large
outdoor pool with diving boards, a
hydrotube, tot wading pool, concession
stand, sundecks and grassy areas.
. Warm Springs Park (undeveloped)
P
The undeveloped park features a -acre wetland designed to
improve water quality by filtering it through a pond, marshes and
aquatic vegetation.
. Warm Springs Golf Course
P
Shaded by mature trees, the
-hole golf course off ers scenic
vistas of the Foothills and the
Boise River. Lessons are available
for all ages and abilities. A pro
shop sells equipment and apparel.
Meals, snacks, and hot and cold
beverages are served in the
clubhouse restaurant. Open from
sunrise to sunset year round.
warmspringsgolfcourse.com
. Baggley Park
P
This -acre neighborhood park in Southeast Boise features a
perimeter pathway, restroom, picnic shelter, basketball court,
volleyball court, tennis courts and open play areas.
. Bethine Church River Trail
P
A tranquil walking-
only gravel path, the
-mile river trail
features wooden
bridges, Boise River
overlooks and prime
wildlife habitat. The
Bethine Church
River Trail is part of
the statewide Idaho Birding Trail, which
incorporates some of the state’s best
bird-watching hotspots, diverse habitats, and
a glimpse of Idaho’s rich natural heritage.
Bicycles and E-scooters are prohibited.
fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/ibt
. Marianne Williams Park
P
One of Boise’s largest parks,
Marianne Williams Park off ers
scenic views of the East Foothills
and nearly miles of Greenbelt
pathways. Amenities include open
space, two ponds, natural areas,
paved pathways, a restroom, shelter,
gazebo, and grassy play areas.
Dogs and bikes are prohibited on
sidewalks in the interior of the park.
. Quail Hollow Golf Course
P
In , the -acre Quail
Hollow Golf Course was
donated to the City of
Boise. The -hole
championship course is
managed by Boise Parks
and Recreation.
quailhollowboise.com
. J.A. and Kathryn Albertson
Family Foundation Boise
Whitewater Park
Adjustable wave features entertain
boaters and spectators at this river
recreation park, which opened in .
The riverbank is popular with anglers
and wildlife watchers. Greenbelt users
are welcome to stop by and watch the
boaters, surfers and stand up paddle
boarders take on the waves!
. Idaho Fallen Firefi ghters Memorial Park
P
A plaza with statues, flags, stone benches and plantings honors Idaho’s
Fallen Firefi ghters. A new memorial opened in celebrates the
fi rst responders at the World Trade Center on Sept. .
. Kathryn Albertson Park
P
An urban wildlife habitat area with
/ mile walking loops, the park
features two reservable gazebos
suitable for formal ceremonies.
Interpretive signs educate visitors
about the wildlife habitat, history
and landscaping.
. Shoreline Park
P
This shady park features a scenic overlook of the river.
. Ann Morrison Memorial Park
P
Donated by Harry W. Morrison in honor of his late wife, this large park
opened in . A picturesque fountain cascades
into an elevated pool.
Amenities include a large
playground, restrooms,
reservable shelter, lighted
ballfields, open play areas,
tennis courts, an -hole
disc golf course, bocce
courts and horseshoe
pits. Smoking and vaping
are only allowed in
designated areas.
Lada Stransky photo
Idaho Department of Fish
and Game photo
P
Parking Available
Restrooms
Ribbon of Jewels
Boise River Greenbelt
One of Boise’s most popular parks, the
Greenbelt meanders along the Boise River
for nearly miles. The pathway stretches
west past the Willow Lane Athletic Complex,
and east to the Barber Valley. It links Warm
Springs Golf Course with more than a
dozen major parks providing open space
and wildlife habitat in the heart of the city.
While it is difficult to determine exactly how
many people use the Greenbelt, there is no
doubt that it is one of the most widely used
amenities in the Treasure Valley. A favorite of bikers, skaters, walkers and
runners, it also accommodates commuters who welcome an alternative
transportation route. The Boise Parks and Recreation Department
has added features to improve the accessibility to the pathway.
Greenbelt
Etiquette
Please observe the
following courtesies
and safety guidelines.
• Stay only on
designated trails.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at all times. Cyclists, E-scooter
users and in-line skaters must be aware of pedestrians.
• All Greenbelt users should stay to the right and use caution under
bridges and at blind corners where vision could be impaired.
• Pedestrians should not walk more than two abreast.
• Motorized vehicles and hoofed animals are prohibited.
(Except for maintenance, patrol and vehicles for disabled visits.)
• Non-paved sections are restricted to foot traffic only.
• Dogs are allowed only on a leash of feet or less. Dog owners are
responsible for picking up a er their pets.
• Cyclists, E-scooter users and in-line skaters should maintain speeds
safe for conditions.
• A person passing other users must notify the users that they are
passing—example: “Passing on your le .” The person has the
responsibility to pass freely and clearly. It is also the responsibility
of the passer not to hinder the approaching user.
• Don’t harass or encroach on wildlife. Disturbing or collecting any
vegetation or natural habitat along the Greenbelt is prohibited.
Distance & Orientation Trail System
The Distance & Orientation Trail System
(DOTS) was created to help Greenbelt
users identify their location in emergencies
and to fi nd local points of interest. The
Capitol Bridge is the starting point for the
DOTS system, which runs east and west on both sides of the river.
Smoke Free Zone
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on the Greenbelt
and all other city parks (except for designated
areas in Julia Davis and Ann Morrison parks).
Wildlife on the
Greenbelt
The Boise Greenbelt is an
urban wildlife watcher’s
dream. Over diff erent
kinds of birds and numerous
mammal, reptile and
amphibian species live in
the riparian habitat corridor
along the Boise River.
Greenbelt visitors can see
and hear a surprising variety
of wildlife. Tall co onwood
trees provide perches for
large birds such as great
blue heron, osprey, great
horned owl, red-tailed hawk
and bald eagle. Numerous
smaller birds can be seen
in the trees and shrubs.
Common species to watch
for include black-capped
chickadee, northern flicker,
California quail, yellow warbler,
song sparrow, American kestrel, black-billed magpie, belted kingfisher
and Bullock’s oriole. The river itself a racts waterfowl such as Canada
geese, wood duck, common merganser and mallard. Muskrat, mink
and even beaver can be seen swimming in the Boise River. Mule
deer, red fox, coyote and raccoon may be seen slipping through the
vegetation along the riverbanks. Early morning and evening are the
best times to see the “wild” side of Boise’s Greenbelt.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game photo
Safety Tips
No Smoking
or vaping
CITYOFBOISE.ORG
Hulls Gulch
Park
CHINDEN BLVD.
MAIN ST.
FAIRVIEW AVE.
FAIRVIEW AVE.
BROADWAY AVE.
W BEACON ST.
E BOISE AVE.
N 16th ST.
N 15th ST.
W FRONT ST.
W MYRTLE ST.
N 9th ST.
N 8th ST.
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CAPITOL BLVD.
N 15th ST.
N 27th ST.
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W WILLOW LN.
WALNUT AVE.
W FORT ST.
HARRISON BLVD.
N 36th ST.
N 8th ST.
N 8th ST.
ADAMS ST.
N ORCHARD ST.
N CURTIS ST.
N 3rd ST.
VETERANS
MEMORIAL PRKWY
S FEDERAL WAY
LEADVILLE AVE.
S LUSK ST.
E BAYBROOK CT.
W IDAHO ST.
STATE ST.
W LEMP ST.
E. PENNSYLVANIA ST.
HILL RD.
W LINDEN ST.
W ROSE HILL ST.
W KOOTENAI ST.
W EMERALD ST.
COLLISTER
CATALPA
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N 13th ST.
W ALTURAS ST.
36th ST.
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Willow Lane Park &
Athletic Complex
Veterans
Memorial
Park
Warm Springs
Golf Course
Marianne
Williams Park
Barber Park
Julia Davis Park
Esther Simplot
Park
Ann Morrison
Park
Boise State
University
Kathryn
Albertson
Park
Quinn’s
Pond
Camel’s Back
Park
Castle Rock
Reserve
Military
Reserve
Sunset
Park
Morris Hill
Cemetery
Fort Boise Park &
Skate Park
Foothills East
Reserve
Dona Larsen
Park
Parkcenter
Park
Idaho Botanical
Garden
E
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Foothills East
Park
ADA
COUNTY
To Lucky Peak
Reservoir
GARDEN
CITY
Manitou
Park
Ivywild
Park
Williams
Park
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7
6
5
4
3
2
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11
9
16
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15
12
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23
24
Baggley Park
Boise Depot
To Expo Idaho &
Boise WaterShed
Elm Grove
Park
Winstead
Park
19
To Quail Hollow Golf
Course 0.8 miles
To Jim Hall Foothills
Learning Center
20
I84
Terry Day
Park
Cecil D. Andrus
Park
Kristin Armstrong
Municipal Park
B
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B
W. Parkcenter Bridge
Greenbelt path runs
under bridge
B
S. Eckert St. Bridge
Greenbelt path runs
along street
E. Parkcenter Blvd. Bridge
(Two bridges)
Greenbelt path runs under
bridge on both sides of river.
B
Baybrook Court (orange)
Bridge (Paved)
pedestrian and bicycles only
S. Broadway
Ave. Bridge
Greenbelt path
runs under bridge
B
Bob Gibb Friendship
Bridge (Paved)
Greenbelt bridge connects
BSU campus with Julia
Davis Park pedestrian and
bicycles only
S. Capitol Blvd.
Bridge
Greenbelt path
runs under bridge
S. 9th St. Bridge
(Road Bridge)
Greenbelt path
runs under bridge
B
Pioneer Bridge (Paved)
Greenbelt bridge connects
Ann Morrison Park and River St.
pedestrian and bicycles only
W. Fairview Bridge
Greenbelt path runs
under bridge
S. Americana
Blvd. Bridge
Greenbelt path
runs under bridge
Railroad
Trestle Bridge
Greenbelt path
connects with
Orchard St.
pedestrian and
bicycles only
W. Main St. Bridge
Greenbelt path runs
under bridge
Veterans Memorial
Parkway Bridge
Greenbelt path runs both
on and under bridge
0 mi.1 mi. 1 mi.2 mi.3 mi. 2 mi. 3 mi. 4 mi.
5 mi.
B
Bridges
Distance
B
36th St. Bridge (Paved)
pedestrian and bicycles only
S. 8th St. Bridge
(Paved)
pedestrian and
bicycles only
B
4 mi.
21
Golda Harris
Nature Preserve
Key
Paved path maintained by Boise
Parks and Recreation (BPR)
Paved path maintained by
Garden City
Paved path maintained by
Ada County
Paved path, no bicycles,
maintained by BPR
Dirt path
Walking dirt path, no bicycles
or E-scooters
F
Street
Connecting Bike Route
Bike Repair Station
Outdoor Fitness Gym
Parking
Bridge
Restrooms
Ribbon of Jewels
P
B
Points of Interest – Boise Parks and Recreation
1 Willow Lane Athletic Complex
2 Veterans Memorial Park
3 Esther Simplot Park
4 Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park
5 J.A. and Kathryn Albertson
Family Foundation Boise
Whitewater Park
6 Idaho Fallen Firefighters
Memorial Park
7 Kathryn Albertson Park
8 Shoreline Park
19 Quail Hollow Golf Course
20 Alta Harris Park (undeveloped)
21 Golda Harris Nature Preserve
Other Points Of Interest
22 Idaho Anne Frank
Human Rights Memorial
23 MK Nature Center
24 Barber Park
9 Ann Morrison Memorial Park
10 Pioneer Walk
11 Julia Davis Park
12 Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
13 Natatorium Pool
14 Warm Springs Park (undeveloped)
15 Warm Springs Golf Course
16 Baggley Park
17 Bethine Church River Trail
18 Marianne Williams Park
Cherie Buckner Webb
Park
Smoke Free Zone Smoking and vaping are prohibited on the Greenbelt and all
other city parks (except for designated areas in Julia Davis and Ann Morrison).
