Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is a ski area located just 16 miles from Boise, ID, in the Boise National Forest. Depending on snow conditions, the ski season generally runs from Thanksgiving until mid-April. Alpine Skiing, Winter Tubing, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing are the main winter activities. Idaho’s only Mountain Coaster runs all year long.
The snow is typically gone by Mother’s Day. Summertime at Bogus has fun for the whole family. Bogus has some great mountain biking trails that include a bike park to test your skills. For more summer fun activity Bogus Basin is now the home to fun family activities, including the Mountain Coaster, a scenic chairlift, a summer tubing hill, and more.
Besides the MTB trails, Bogus Basin has miles of multi-use trails. “All the trails at Bogus are very runnable tree-covered single track with some amazing views of the Sawtooths and the Boise Valley,” exclaims Pulse Running & Fitness owner Holly Finch. “Bogus is a favorite for the summer with cooler temps when it’s so hot down in the valley. What more could a trail runner want?”
Bogus Basin’s 2600 acres include three predominant peaks, including Shafer Butte, at 7582′ is the Boise Ridge mountains’ highest point. Doe Point and Deer Point both have views of Boise and the Treasure Valley. The trails are maintained by Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association, Ridge to Rivers, Boise National Forest, and Bogus Basin.
Bogus Basin Trail Runs
Around the Mountain – “This trail was ranked #1 in the state,” says Finch. “It’s 7.6 miles, but when combined with Deer Point and Sunshine, it makes an ~10-mile loop starting and ending a Simplot Lodge and loops around the ski area.”
Stack Rock is a popular out and back to Stack Rock. Stack Rock can also be run as an 11-mile lollipop loop that starts about 13 miles up Bogus road with a nice new parking lot that includes a vaulted toilet. “Starting at the back of the parking lot, begin on an amazing single track down to where you cross Bogus Basin Road and continue on Stack Rock Trail,” states Holly Finch of Pulse Running and Fitness. “This is a fairly moderate trail that meanders down to Stack Rock that locals love to climb and get some amazing views of the valley. Running to Stack Rock is a Dirty Soles favorite on National Tequila Day at Sunset to watch the beautiful sunset views, drink tequila with friends, and then make the trek back to the start with our headlamps.”
Dirty Soles enjoying the sunset on Stack Rock
Eastside Trail is the main trail on the Stack Rock side of Bogus Basin Ski Resort. Eastside is a 6.5-mile tree-covered trail that combines many other trails that you could combine to spend hours and hours winding your way through amazing singletrack, views, and wildflowers. Some of the local favorites are Sinker Creek, DB Connector, and Mr. Big.
Trail Races
Resort to Rock is a 10M, 32K, or 50K distance trail race at Bogus Basin Ski Resort by Pulse Running and Fitness. All three races start and finish at the beautiful Simplot Lodge. “The races are designed to showcase the amazing trails and breathtaking views offered at Bogus Basin,” adds Finch. “All runners will be treated to a fast finish and welcomed with a party including music, great Schwag, and free post-race food for all participants. Resort to Rock is a great getaway the whole family can enjoy with the three different distances; if the rest of the family doesn’t love spending their day on the trails, Bogus Basin now has family activities for everyone, including a mountain coaster, summer tubing, disc golf and trampoline bungee jump all with the family-friendly Music on the Mountain.”
Karl Remkes and Jose Cervantes marking the trail before doing an amazing job running the race the next day
Dirty Soles Bailey Osborne and Holly Finch doing some Trail Maintenance
Dirty Soles were lucky to have Jeff Schultz as a dear friend and DS member. He’s missed every day.
Trail Running Groups
The Pulse Dirty Soles is a group of fun trail runners/hikers of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and running/hiking distances. The Pulse Dirty Soles is a group of fun trail runners/hikers of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and running/hiking distances. “We’re a very accepting, nonjudgmental group. We have runners/hikers getting out for their first trail adventure all the way to those training for their next 100-mile distance,” conveys Finch. “We love being on the trails with each other sharing stories, trail shenanigans, and weekend runventures. Sometimes we all need a little motivation to get out, and knowing we get to hang out with other Dirty Soles for some fun or get that training run in is enough to get us out there! We have group runs every Saturday. We will continue our Wednesday group runs when Covid restrictions have lifted.” Two Dirty Soles are even getting married this Fall! Read the story of Eric and Stephanie here. Join the Facebook page or Strava page for upcoming events.
Coffee
Simplot Lodge has a patio with tables and umbrellas overlooking the ski hill where you can order some yummy eats from the grill or sandwich shop or enjoy a cocktail or cold beer from one of our local breweries. “One of my favorite things to do is grab a coffee from Mt Timber right at the bottom of the hill on my way up for a fun day on the mountain,” says Finch.
Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters has many signature blends and roasts for the coffee connoisseur. Dawson is located on Lusk Street and downtown.
Caffeina Coffee has two locations to get your caffeine fix and a bagel and other breakfast treats. Caffeina also serves smoothies, tea, kombucha, beer, and wine.
For a quick coffee on the way, stop at Mocha Moose Coffee on Bogus Basin Rd. just as it leaves Boise. Grab a breakfast burrito for a pre-run meal.
Brewpubs
Boise’s oldest brewery, Highlands Hollow, is located right at the bottom of the hill. Handcrafted beer and brewpub food can be enjoyed by patrons inside or on the patio. Wednesdays have local live music.
Community-owned Boise Brewing is located downtown across the river from Boise State University. Enjoy a handcrafted ale in the taproom or on the patio.
On the west side of Boise is Sockeye Brewing, which has year-round and seasonal beers on the tap list, including Angel’s Perch Amber, named after a peak in the Pioneer Mountains. Sockeye has a varied grill menu along with regular pub food and salads.
Inspired by the after-hours skiing, hiking, camping, and kayaking activities, Payette Brewing has several award-winning beers on tap and available for take-out. The taproom is located right on the Boise River in downtown Boise. Outside is an 11,000 square-foot Beer Garden featuring a 10-foot fire pit, bocce ball court, and other outdoor yard games, food truck fare, a shaded grassy area with picnic tables, a stage featuring local and regional acts, and a hop garden.
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