Boise gives dog parents more options than almost any city in Idaho. There are fenced bark parks, hours-based off-leash areas, designated off-leash trails in the foothills, and a seasonal program that opens three major parks completely from November through February. The system is generous, but it's also detailed, and the rules are real. Here's what's actually allowed, where, and when.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Where can my dog be off leash in Boise, Idaho?
Boise requires dogs to be on a leash in all public spaces, but the city also runs one of the most extensive off-leash programs in the Pacific Northwest. That includes 8 fenced off-leash dog parks, 11 seasonal or hours-based off-leash areas, designated controlled off-leash trails throughout the Boise Foothills via the Ridge to Rivers system, and a seasonal program that opens three major parks to full off-leash use from November 1 through February 28.
Understanding Boise's Off Leash Laws: More Options Than Most Cities, With Rules to Match
Boise City Code 5-1-7 requires a leash in all public spaces, with the handler physically capable of controlling the dog. From there, the city carves out a long list of exceptions, and each one comes with its own set of rules.
The basics that apply everywhere:
- Waste pickup is mandatory in all parks and on all trails. Mutt mitt stations are available at most locations.
- Enforcement is shared between Boise Police Department, the Idaho Humane Society, and Boise's Animal Compliance team.
- Dogs must be licensed.
Then come the exceptions, and there are more than most neighbors realize. The full city resource lives at cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/dogs-off-leash-parks-and-areas/.
Where Your Dog Can Go Off Leash in Boise
Fenced Off-Leash Parks (Open Year-Round)
- Together Treasure Valley Dog Island at Ann Morrison Park. The crown jewel. More than 5 acres, a swim pond, a fenced area for shy dogs, and double-gated entry. Open year-round.
- Morris Hill Dog Park. A popular fenced neighborhood park.
- Military Reserve Dog Park. A foothills location with access to the broader trail network.
- Bowler Park, Mariposa Park, Molenaar Park, and Pine Grove Park. Smaller fenced neighborhood parks across the city.
Hours-Based Off-Leash Areas
Available sunrise to 10 AM and 4 PM to sunset at most of the following locations. Posted signs mark approved boundaries at each:
- Castle Hills Park
- Cypress Park
- Manitou Park
- Phillippi Park
- Redwood Park
- Sunset Park
- Williams Park
- Winstead Park
Seasonal Off-Leash (November 1 to February 28)
This is the program a lot of Boise neighbors don't know about. From November 1 through February 28, three major parks open to full off-leash use during park hours, sunrise to sunset:
- Ann Morrison Park (the entire park, not just Dog Island)
- Optimist Youth Sports Complex
- Simplot Sports Complex (opens November 16)
Greenbelt paths, parking lots, roads, and playgrounds are excluded even during the seasonal program.
Ridge to Rivers Foothills Trails
The Ridge to Rivers system is open to dogs sunrise to sunset, with designated controlled off-leash trails available. On those trails, your dog must remain within 30 feet of you, and you must carry a leash at all times. Full trail map and current rules at ridgetorivers.org.
Where Dogs Are NOT Allowed
A few important exceptions worth knowing:
- Charles F. McDevitt Sports Complex (March 1 through October 31)
- Esther Simplot Park and Ponds (wildlife protection: service animals only)
- Marianne Williams Park (Greenbelt pathway is the exception)
- J.A. Albertson Family Foundation Bike Park
Boise Neighborhoods and Where Dog Parents Spend Their Time
Boise is built around walking, and the dog-walking culture changes block by block.
- The North End is the most-walked neighborhood in the city. Tree-lined historic streets, Camel's Back Park, foothills trail access, and a steady current of dogs and dog parents at any given hour.
- Hyde Park on 13th Street is on the National Historic Register and serves as the gateway to the foothills trails. Boutique shops, local restaurants, and a Saturday farmers market.
- Southeast Boise covers the Boise State area, Barber Park (where summer river tubing starts), Bown Crossing, and the Greenbelt corridor.
- Downtown Boise anchors around Julia Davis Park, the Greenbelt, and the Idaho State Capitol.
- The Boise River Greenbelt is the defining outdoor artery of the city. Twenty-five miles of paved path along the river, connecting Boise, Garden City, and Eagle. Leash required throughout, and Garden City in particular enforces it actively.
Boise's Biggest Dog Event, Plus One Worth Knowing About Nearby
See Spot Walk is the main one. Held annually in October at Julia Davis Park, it's a one-mile walk along the Boise River Greenbelt and the Idaho Humane Society's largest annual fundraiser. The 2025 event was the 33rd annual, drawing more than 3,000 dogs along with contests, food trucks, vendors, and an alumni pet parade. idahohumanesociety.org/annual-events/see-spot-walk/
Worth noting: Boise Corgi Fest carries the Boise name but is technically held at Expo Idaho, which is in Garden City. All breeds are welcome, and it's one of the most beloved dog events in the valley. More on that in our Garden City guide.
Keeping the Yard Ready for All of It
Boise has more places to take your dog off leash than almost any city in Idaho. The Greenbelt, the foothills, the bark parks, the seasonal program, the neighborhood walks. The Lawn Dogs keeps Boise yards clean between all of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can my dog be off leash in Boise, Idaho? Boise has 8 fenced off-leash dog parks (including Together Treasure Valley Dog Island at Ann Morrison Park), 11 hours-based off-leash areas with sunrise-to-10-AM and 4-PM-to-sunset access, designated controlled off-leash trails in the Ridge to Rivers foothills system, and a seasonal program at Ann Morrison, Optimist, and Simplot complexes from November 1 through February 28.
What are the off-leash dog parks in Boise, Idaho? Boise's fenced year-round off-leash parks are Together Treasure Valley Dog Island at Ann Morrison Park, Morris Hill Dog Park, Military Reserve Dog Park, Bowler Park, Mariposa Park, Molenaar Park, and Pine Grove Park.
Can my dog be off leash on the Boise River Greenbelt? No. The Boise River Greenbelt is leash-required throughout its full 25-mile length, including the sections that pass through Boise, Garden City, and Eagle. Garden City in particular actively enforces leash laws on the Greenbelt.
Does Boise have a seasonal off-leash program? Yes. From November 1 through February 28, Ann Morrison Park, Optimist Youth Sports Complex, and Simplot Sports Complex (opening November 16) are open to full off-leash use during park hours. Greenbelt paths, parking lots, roads, and playgrounds remain leash-required.
Related
More from The Lawn Dogs:
- Dog waste removal in Boise
- Meridian, just west
- Garden City, along the Greenbelt
- How the service works
- Plans and pricing
Sources
Every rule quoted above comes from the city's own code or parks department. These links go to the original, so you can check the current text yourself: