There are numerous fun and scenic places to go sledding, many of which are located just minutes or hours away from Boise. Whether you’re from the Boise area or just visiting, this list will help you decide where you should sled.
So bundle up, pack up the sleds, and bring your family to one of these perfect sledding locations!
Please remember clean up your trash and broken sleds. Numerous sledding locations around the US have been closed because of left over sleds and trash from visitors. Because of this, I will be holding a clean up competition you may find on this page here. The winner of the completion will win $25 to Dicks Dporting Goods.
Tubing Hills
1. Bogus Basin (Pepsi Goldrush)
Location
2600 N Bogus Basin Road Boise, ID
Bogus Basin is located about 30-40 minutes northeast of Boise. The tubing hill at Bogus Basin is on the left-hand side as you enter the resort. Parking is located in the main lot by the Nordic Center.
Hours
Hours change depending on snow conditions. It is best to check on their website for more up-to-date information.
Cost
$12 per person for a two-hour session.
More Info
Bogus Basin is not just a phenomenal ski resort, it also offers a crazy tubing hill. The hill is also called Pepsi Goldrush and is a whopping 800-foot ride that will be sure to get your heart rate going. So be sure to grab onto the handles on the tube and enjoy the ride.
One of the best parts about this tubing spot is its scenic location. You are surrounded by picturesque mountain views the whole time you are there. In addition to that, you don’t even have to worry about walking back up the large hill after you reach the bottom. There is a nice tow rope that shoots you right up to the top so you can ride it again.
Things to Know
Tube rentals are included in the original cost, so there is no need to worry about spending more money. In addition to that, there are restroom facilities and places to get food to eat.
2. Idaho X Sports
Location
135 Charter Ranch Road Garden Valley ID
Idaho X Sports is just a little over an hour north of Boise near the small mountain town of Garden Valley.
Hours
Friday 5 pm to 9 pm; Saturday 9 am to 9 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. It is also open Monday thru Friday during school breaks.
Cost
$20 for a two-hour session
More Info
Idaho X Sports is a wonderful place for tubers of all ages and experience levels.
There are 3-5 different tubing lanes to choose from and each lane differs in difficulty, which makes it a safe and fun place for kids and adults alike. If you thought Bogus Basin’s tubing hill was long you should check out the hill at Idaho X Sports! Their hills are 900 feet and offer a thrilling ride.
Like the other hills, Idaho X Sports offers an easy way to get back up the hill. The tubing area is equipped with tow-rope and is also nicely groomed so that you get a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Things to Know
This place can get a little bit busy so it is always smart to make reservations over the phone or online.
They also offer goggle and helmet rentals. In addition to that, there are bathrooms, a heated yurt, and concession where you can buy hot chocolate.
3. Activity Barn
Location
141 Moonridge Dr, McCall, ID
Activity barn is located 2 hours north of Boise, just south of Payette National Forest, near the town of McCall.
Hours
Friday 4 pm to 9 pm; Saturday 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday noon to 6 pm.
Cost
$14 for a two-hour session and $5 for one ride.
More Info
Activity Barn is a must try! Even though it is a further drive from Boise, it is still totally worth it. Upon arrival, you are able to choose between 6 different tubing lanes (all of which are 800 ft long).
Each lane also offers an 85-foot vertical drop. A drop like this will have you grinning from ear to ear as you fly down the hill!
Things to Know
The Activity Barn also has nicely groomed trails for those who want to try out Nordic skiing. In addition to that, there is a rail park and a beginner ski slope.
It is also important to mention that this tube park has a magic carpet lift that will shoot you to the top of the hill.
4. Eagle Island State Park
Location
4000 W. Hatchery Road, Eagle ID
This tubing park is located 30 minutes east of Boise in a Suburb called Eagle.
Hours
Monday-Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm and weekends from 10 am to 8 pm. For more detailed information on hours visit their website.
Cost
Day passes cost $15 and season passes cost $149
More Info
Load up the family and swing by Eagle Island State Park. This tubing park is well worth the drive and the money! It offers amazing runs which give tubers an exhilarating ride that is both long and fast. In fact, Eagle Island offers the longest official tubing hill in Boise.
Eagle Island is great for families with all ages of kids. It has a variety of runs to choose from that vary in height, steepness, and length. The hills are always safe and the staff is very helpful.
Another great thing about this tubing park is that you don’t have to worry about carting your tube back up the hill. Eagle Island State Park comes equipped with a “magic carpet” lift that makes getting up the hill effortless.
Things to Know
In addition to being a great place for tubing, Eagle island also offers skiing and snowboarding. You don’t have to worry about packing anything because they also offer rentals of tubes, skis, and snowboards.
5. Steamboat Gulch
Location
Road 304, Idaho City, ID
This tubing hill is located just under an hour outside of Boise up Hwy 21.
Hours
Open weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm (depending on snow conditions).
Cost
There is parking fee of $10.
More Info
This tubing hill is a local favorite. What also makes it such a great place to experience tubing is the affordable price. Steamboat Gulch provides an enjoyable tubing experience by giving riders four different runs to choose from.
There may not be a tow-rope or magic carpet lift that carts you up to the top of the hill, but it is well worth it to tube at this location. The scenery is wonderful. In addition to that, bathroom facilities and parking areas are provided.
Things to Know
Tube rentals are not available, you will need to bring your own.
Our Top Picks for Sleds – Go Prepared!
Sledding Hills
6. Simplot Hill
Location
Simplot hill is located just minutes from the heart of Boise. It just down the road from Phil Collins Hill and is nestled in the Boise foothills.
Hours
Open daily 7 am to 10 pm
Cost
Free.
More Info
Simplot hill is a large/steep grassy area that is named after J.R. Simplot (founder of Simplot, an agricultural company). The hill is perfect for sledding because of its wide-open hills that are void of trees and rocks.
Many people also enjoy ice blocking on this hill during the summertime.
This is a popular location for the local families in the area and it is often packed on a snowy day. Try to get out to the hill early if you want to sled on some fresh powder.
Things to Know
The hill differs in steepness and height depending on where you are on it. Some of the runs can be steep so be sure to pick an easier one if you are taking the kiddos sledding.
In addition to that, there is a parking lot and a road at the bottom of the slope. Be sure to stop before you go too far. Have fun!
7. Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
Location
5301 N Maple Grove Rd, Boise, ID
Hyatt Hidden Lake Reserve is located 10-15 minutes west of downtown Boise off of Hwy 26.
Hours
Daily from 6 am to 10 pm
Cost
Free.
More Info
Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve is a beautiful 44-acre preserve for bats, birds, and other animals. In the summertime, it offers great walking trails, overlooks, and public art. However, once the snow falls, this preserve turns into a perfect sledding spot.
The reserve offers a variety of hills to choose from. The best thing to do is to walk around the preserve and search for a hill that you think would be best.
You can also look for other sledders and join in on a great hill that they have chosen. One thing that you will notice as you are sledding here is just how beautiful the views are. There is even a little pond in the middle of the preserve that provides wonderful photography opportunities.
Things to Know
As far as facilities are concerned, Hyatt Hidden Lakes offers parking lots, two restrooms, and benches. Be sure to dress warm and bring your own sled.
8. The Military Reserve
Location
750 Mountain Cove Rd, Boise, ID
The Military Reserve is located right in the heart on Boise. It is near the VA Medical Center at the start of the foothills.
Hours
Daily 6 am to 9 pm
Cost
Free.
More Info
The Military Reserve is 726 acres of parkland that can be perfect for sledding in the winter months. There are various hills to choose from.
Most of the hills are quite short and not very steep, which makes this sledding spot perfect for the little ones. This area is also great for sightseeing. It features a great view of Boise and is a good place to go wildlife watching.
Things to Know
There is an off-leash area in the park that is great for dog owners. The Reserve also has an archery area, an old military cemetery, and various walking trails.
9. Hewett Park
Location
11211 W McMillan Rd, Boise, ID
This park is located 15 minutes west from downtown Boise and is almost in the suburb of Meridian.
Hours
N/A
Cost
Free.
More Info
Hewett Park is a smaller sized neighborhood park that was established in 1980. The park is 6 acres and has some pretty decent sledding spots. If you are in the Boise area, it is easy to find and conveniently located.
This park is a wonderful place to take your family sledding. Your kids are sure to enjoy themselves as they fly down one of the various sledding hills. When they are done sledding they can play on one of the two playgrounds located in this park.
Things to Know
Hewett Park offers free parking, however, bathroom facilities are not available. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks when you go sledding. Dress warm and enjoy yourself!
10. Foothills East Reserve
Location
1220 Shenandoah Dr, Boise, ID
This reserve is located very close to downtown Boise. You can find the reserve just west of the Military Reserve.
Hours
Daily 6 am to 10 pm
Cost
Free.
More Info
Located in the hilly foothills of Boise is the Foothills East Reserve. This reserve is about 30-acres in size and in the winter it can turn into a perfect sledding spot (depending on how much snow falls). The fact that it is in the foothills means that it is hilly, which just what a sledder is looking for.
Like many of the other parks and preserves, Foothills East offers a variety of hills to choose from. Some of the hills provide a longer and steeper ride, whereas others are a little smaller and less steep.
Things to Know
In order to sled at Foothills East Reserve, there must be a decent amount of snowfall. The reserve’s hills have natural growth on them and therefore there is more to cover of with the snow in order to make smooth sledding run.
This area is also a fun place to check out in the warmer months as well. It offers 2 short trails and gives you a good look at the natural terrain of the Boise foothills.
11. Camel’s Back Park
Location
1200 Heron St, Boise, ID
Camel’s Back Park is 5 minutes north of downtown just past Hyde Park off of Heron St. You can also access the park from Mile High Rd.
Hours
Daily 7am to 8:30pm
Cost
Free.
More Info
This sledding spot is a favorite among locals; for a good reason. It is not uncommon on a good snow day to see the hills in the area cover with excited sledders of all ages waiting to slide down. The park itself is 11 acres of hilly terrain that turns into a sledders paradise once a snowstorm blows in.
There is one large hill that many claims to be their favorite. It is steep, tall, and provides an exhilarating ride to the flat area at the bottom. The tiring climb back up doesn’t seem to phase the kiddos who run up in excitement to wait for their turn to ride down again.
Camel’s back Park was founded back in 1965 and features much more than just sledding. After a long day of sledding, you can unwind and eat in the various picnic areas located in this park. The park also features playgrounds, an outdoor gym, sports fields, tennis courts, and a volleyball pit.
Things to Know
As mentioned earlier, Camel’s Back Park is a very popular spot amongst local, therefore it can get crowded. I suggest arriving early in order to find parking and less packed hills. In addition to that, be sure to bring your own sled and lots of water.
Tubing Vs. Sledding
One great thing about the Treasure Valley area of Idaho is that you have two choices when it comes to sledding. You can either choose to go tubing or stick to traditional sledding. Either option can be loads of fun for the whole family.
Tubing tends to be done on hills that are owned by businesses. You normally have to pay to use these hills, but there are many benefits to tubing rather than sledding. You don’t have to worry about packing your own sleds and you have access to facilities like bathrooms, snack bars, heating areas, etc.
Traditional sledding is normally free but you have to find your own hills and sometimes create your own runs. In the Boise/Treasure Valley area, many of these traditional sledding hills are located in parks and public land.
Honorable Mentions
- Penny Hill in Sun Valley
- Morris Hill Dog Park
- Military Reserve Flood Basin Dog Park
- Hillsdale Park
Don’t Forget to Stay Warm
We all know staying outside in the snow for hours sledding the hills calls for some good snow gear, especially for kids. Check out our top picks for snow jackets, pants, and boots.
The right clothing will make all the difference and make your snow day that much better!
