It is the prefect time of year to take a quick hike up into the foothils just outside of Boise. The still lush foothills are just a few steps away. The wonderfully conceived "Rivers to Ridges" project has many trails to lure you away from the town's hubbub and whisk you up the green hills. A long time favorite is the Quarry Trail. It starts from behind the Bishop's House and runs up to the historic sandstone Quarry where the building blocks of Boise were mined. With vistas of the entire valley beckoning, it is a quick, easy and rewarding trip. Maybe easy is not the word here. The hike is reminiscent of San Francisco without the cable cars. It can also be rocky in spots and sandy too.��It is a typical Boise front trail, which means wear good shoes, etc. If you are going up in the evening you might even want to bring a jacket or at least layer your clothes. With the almost standard breeze the temp can change rapidly, especially coming down facing the wind.
Plan your return for dusk. The Boise skyline is often back lit by fiery sunsets this time of year. With luck, it is possible to watch a thunderstorm roll in.��You will have plenty of time to find shelter before it moves across the valley.