Top Places to View Wildflowers

Photo by Jenn Jackson

Peak wildflower season in the Treasure Valley is during late spring and early summer. The Boise foothills host a variety of wildflowers and are a sight to see bursting in color. Popular flowers include bright yellow sagebrush, yellow arrowleaf balsamroot, lupines, and bachelor’s buttons. Hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails offer abundant opportunites to view these beautiful flowers. Click here to learn more about the state’s wildflowers. Here are the best places to see wildflowers in Boise and nearby. 

Homestead Trail:

Located along the northeastern edge of Harris Ranch, the Homestead Trail traverses through rolling hills blanketed in lupine and yellow arrowleaf balsamroot. Hikers and bikers can expect a quieter trail, with views overlooking the eastern valley.

Mores Mountain Loop at Bogus Basin:

Part of Bogus Basin Recreation Area, the Mores Mountain Loop provides a mountainous retreat less than 45 minutes from downtown Boise. Rugged terrain is contrasted with brilliant flowers, including fiery Indian Paintbrush, with plenty of shaded areas to enjoy the area even in the heat of summer.

Military Reserve Trails:

The Military Reserve is a popular area for hikers and bikers due to its convenient location and epic city and mountain views. Various trails wind along the creek in the wooded gulch and up along the ridge with a rewarding picture-perfect view of the downtown skyline. 

Hillside to Hollow Reserve:

This area nestled between The Highlands and Arrowhead Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, especially for dog owners. The area has several off-leash trails for dogs to run about with bathroom facilities, drinking fountains, and cleanup bag stations. Abundant wildflowers dot the area, including adorable Dwarf Monkeyflowers.

Cervidae Park:

One of the 4 Grand Slam peaks in Idaho, this trek is not for the faint of heart. Gaining over 1800 feet of elevation in a span of 2 miles, the view has to be earned. But it is oh so worth it. Highlights include sprawling hilltops covered in sagebrush and yellow flowers and stunning water views of Lucky Peak.

Bobs, Corrals, and Highlands Trail Loop:

This 9.1 mile loop is quite popular for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Traversing up from the Highlands neighborhood towards Bogus Basin, views of the valley and surrounding foothills abound. 

Check out our video on Instagram!