Respect Boise Parks and Trails — Leave No Trace

Kathryn Albertson Park Boardwalk
Please stay on designated paths like the one shown here in Kathryn Albertson Park.

Boise’s outdoor spaces create incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation and photography. Help us protect these important places by respecting the land and the animals that call our parks and open space reserves home. Please practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting a Boise park or trail.

For all park visitors, including, photographers and videographers, this means:

  • Always stay on paved paths and marked trails. Do not trample plants, remove brush or disturb habitat.
  • If taking photos of families or portraits for others, place your subject/subjects on durable surfaces (dirt, rock, turf) throughout your entire session.
  • Leave what you find. Don’t pick flowers or remove plants.
  • If you pack it in, pack it out. Never use glitter, confetti, smoke bombs or other potentially hazardous items.
  • Be mindful of other visitors.
  • Respect the wildlife.

Thank you for respecting Boise’s beautiful parks and open space reserves!

Have questions or need location advice?

Contact the Boise Parks and Recreation Department via email or by calling 208-608-7600 ext. 5.

Click here to learn more about obtaining a commercial photo or video permit. 

Kathryn Albertson Park Photography Spots

Photo Spot Signs at Kathryn Albertson Park
Look for these photo spot signs located in Kathryn Albertson Park.

A variety of photography spots are now marked in Kathryn Albertson Park. These areas have been identified due to the more durable turf or surfacing present, which is more resilient when used for family or group portrait sessions. The locations identified by park maintenance staff offer a variety of backgrounds including pollinator meadow areas, mature trees, log benches and scenic backdrops. Thank you for staying out of pollinator meadows when photographing people in the park so that the sensitive plant habitat continues to grow for years to come.

Areas Impacted by Off Trail Use, Litter Left Behind

Wildflower meadow trample damage
This photo from 2022 shows trampled wildflower meadow habitat off the main path in Kathryn Albertson Park.
Glitter on sidewalk
Glitter leftover from a photo shoot along the Greenbelt. This is very difficult to clean up and remove.

Suggested Military Reserve Photography Locations

Central Ridge Trail in the Boise Foothills
Top of Central Ridge Trail in Military Reserve (where Central Ridge Trail intersects with Ridgecrest Trail). A small hike is required to reach this location.
Toll Road Photo Location
Toll Road Trail in Military Reserve. Anywhere along this trail, which has nice views and is fenced the entire way.
Eagle Ridge Loop.
Eagle Ridge Loop in Military Reserve. Location provides great views and a small gazebo.
Eagle Ridge Loop
Eagle Ridge Loop in Military Reserve. Location provides great views and a small gazebo.

Suggested Camel’s Back/Hulls Gulch Reserve Photography Locations

View from the top of Camel's Back Reserve
Top of Camel's Back. Includes a flat, sandy spot at the top that includes great views of the city.
Gold Finch Trail
Gold Finch Trail in Hulls Gulch Reserve. Spirit of the Gulch rock area off Gold Finch Trail.
Hulls Pond Looprid
Hulls Pond Loop in Hulls Gulch Reserve. This shaded spot along the creek off Hulls Pond Loop is a great spot for family photos.
Hulls Pond
Hulls Pond Loop in Hulls Gulch Reserve. A tree lined spot with larger flat, dirt surface area next to Hulls Pond great for foliage and trail adjacent photos.

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For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.