BOISE GREENBELT

Garden City to Lucky Peak Dam along the Boise River

The Greenbelt carries people the way the Boise River carries water. It’s a flow of humanity — from gray-haired joggers who move at the pace of a slow walk to Olympic wannabes pedaling their flashy road bikes on what we can only assume is a quest to break their personal best in the time trials.

Don’t mistake the Greenbelt for a glorified sidewalk; think of it as a path to urban adventure. You can catch a trophy-sized trout within steps of the pavement. There are noble bald eagles soaring above it, playful mink plying the strip between the Greenbelt and the river, and don’t be surprised to see a mule deer traipsing along the path like an overgrown squirrel.

Toss in the flotsam and jetsam of commuters, hipsters, dog walkers, kids, students and wanderers, and it’s easy to see why this gem of Boise consistently earns this honor. And it gets the nod honestly without lobbying, begging its customers or ballot stuffing.

Take a bow, Greenbelt, and receive a big, wet, slobbering dog kiss for being our favorite place to cruise through the heart of Boise.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Camel’s Back Park

• Hulls Gulch

• Table Rock

• Military Reserve