If you're like me and didn't grow up anywhere near a ski hill you might be wondering what in the world you could possibly do at Bogus Basin during the summer months with kids. Well, I'm here to tell you that the answer is A LOT. And two of the best parts is that enjoying it can be FREE and a cool escape from the Boise summer heat.
Let's break down some options!
1) Take a hike! Bogus is free to wander around. You don't have to pay to park or hop on one of the trails. Check the trail map and note that many of the trails are multi-use so you'll be sharing the path with mountain bikers.
2) Set up camp for a few hours! There is a wonderful patio and grassy area in front of the main lodge. People set up shade canopies and throw down blankets and lawn chairs and "set up camp" to hang out. There is live music during their "Music on the Mountain (or patio)" event that happens each Saturday and Sunday from 2-6pm.
3) Grab a bite to eat, a cold drink or a tasty treat! The Double R Ranch BBQ Smokehouse is open from 11am-7pm daily. Bogus Creek Grill, located on the main floor of the J.R. Simplot Lodge, has plenty of snacks and meal options but is only open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-5pm. You can also grab a variety of drinks from J.R.'s T-Bar or coffee drinks from JoJo Beans, also inside the J.R. Simplot Lodge on Saturdays and Sundays.
4) Try some of the many fun activities! The Mineshaft Challenge Course (new this year!), the famous Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, the Sourdough Slider (summer tubing), the Launch Pad (bungee/trampoline jump), the Stack Rock (32 foot climbing wall), the Shafer Butte Mining Co. (panning sluice), enjoy a scenic chair lift ride, or mountain bike on the trails or the Basin Gravity Park. If you and/or your kids need to rent bikes or other equipment, they've got plenty!
5) Check out a Bogus Basin event! The calendar is packed with special events throughout the summer. Check the calendar - especially over the weekends! There's always something happening!
So what are you waiting for? Pack up the minivan and head up to Bogus Basin with your family to beat the heat and make fun summer memories together!
Bogus Basin Information:
Website: https://bogusbasin.org/
Summer Hours: Base Camp Activities, the Basin Gravity Park and Morning Star Express Lift: 11am-7pm - daily, Trails: dawn to dusk - daily
Pricing: dependent on activity. See prices here.