Running in Idaho
Idaho is an underrated running destination with incredible mountain trails, a booming Boise running scene, and wide-open landscapes that make every run feel epic. The state's growing outdoor recreation culture makes it increasingly attractive for trail and road runners alike.
Climate
Dry four-season climate
Terrain
Southern Idaho has high desert terrain with rolling hills
Top Race
Famous Idaho Potato Marathon
Climate and Weather
Dry four-season climate. Boise enjoys over 200 sunny days per year with dry summers and cold winters. Mountain areas get heavy snowfall. Spring and fall offer the best trail conditions, while summers are excellent in higher elevations.
Terrain and Landscape
Southern Idaho has high desert terrain with rolling hills. Central Idaho features dramatic mountain ranges with technical trail running. The Boise foothills offer accessible trail running minutes from downtown. Northern Idaho is forested mountain terrain.
Top Running Routes
Boise River Greenbelt
25 milesBoise
A paved path following the Boise River through parks and neighborhoods, the backbone of Boise's running community.
Hull's Gulch Trail
3-8 milesBoise
A popular foothill trail with moderate elevation gain and views of the Boise Valley.
Tubbs Hill Loop
2.2 milesCoeur d'Alene
A scenic trail loop around a forested peninsula jutting into Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Sawtooth Wilderness Trails
VariesStanley
Some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the lower 48, with trails through jagged peaks and alpine lakes.
Military Reserve Trails
5-10 milesBoise
A network of foothill trails on the eastern edge of Boise with varied terrain and elevation.
Popular Races
Famous Idaho Potato Marathon
Boise
Sawtooth Relay
Sun Valley to Boise
Coeur d'Alene Marathon
Coeur d'Alene
Running Culture
Boise has emerged as a top running city with its extensive greenbelt and accessible foothill trails. The running community is friendly and growing, with numerous clubs and weekly group runs. Trail running is especially popular given the easy access to wilderness.
Safety Tips
Watch for rattlesnakes on desert and foothill trails, especially in warm months.
Mountain trails can be snowbound well into June. Check conditions before heading out.
Carry bear spray in backcountry areas of central and northern Idaho.
Summer days are hot and dry. Carry more water than you think you need on trail runs.
Make Running in Idaho a Game
Turn your Idaho runs into a real-world strategy game. Capture territory by running loops, compete with local runners on leaderboards, and explore every street through a Fog of War mechanic. Motera adds purpose and competition to every mile.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
Is Boise good for running?
Boise is excellent for running with 25 miles of paved greenbelt along the river and direct access to foothill trails from downtown. The dry climate, sunshine, and growing running community make it a standout city for runners.
What are the best trails in Idaho?
The Sawtooth Wilderness offers world-class mountain trails. Closer to Boise, Hull's Gulch and the Ridge to Rivers trail system provide miles of accessible foothill running. Tubbs Hill in Coeur d'Alene is a scenic gem in northern Idaho.
When is the best time to run in Idaho?
May through October is ideal for trail running. Boise road running is comfortable year-round, though winter mornings can be cold and icy.
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