Pick From 9 Idaho Sledding Hills That Stay Free All Winter Long

In Boise, the city wraps straw bales around the trees at the bottom of one steep sledding hill.

That small detail tells you how seriously Idaho takes a good snow day.

I love that a city crew plans for flying sleds. It means people show up in big numbers the moment the flakes stick.

The best part is the price tag. Every hill on this list costs nothing to use, from the Panhandle down to the Snake River Plain.

You just need a sled, warm gloves, and legs ready for the climb back up.

Some of these slopes sit in busy city parks.

One sits on a private hillside with a famous view. Another hides along a quiet street in a college town.

So which one is closest to your driveway, and which one is worth the drive?

1. Simplot Hill

Few Boise hills pull double duty quite like this one. When the snow melts, kids slide down the grass on garbage bags instead.

Winter brings the real show, though. Snow-packed slopes turn this big open hillside into one of the city’s favorite sledding runs.

The hill sits on private land on the Boise Bench. Even so, the public can walk up or sled down for free, with no admission or entry fee.

That open-door policy feels like a gift. You get a wide, roomy hillside without paying a dime or booking a thing.

Expect a range of slopes on the same hill. Some lines run steep and quick, while others ease into a calmer ride.

Bring your own sled, since the hill has no rental shed or snack stand. There’s no restaurant here, so pack cocoa in a thermos if your crew gets hungry.

The view adds a nice bonus between runs. From the top, you can look out across the Treasure Valley and catch your breath before the next trip down.

Snow comes and goes fast in Boise, so watch the forecast. When a good storm sticks, this hill is worth an early start.

Address: 4000 Simplot Ln, Boise, ID 83702

2. Cherry Hill Park

Disc golfers own this Coeur d’Alene park in summer. Once winter arrives, the big grassy hill becomes the city’s sledding zone.

That swap is part of the fun. The same slope that hosts frisbee throws in July carries sleds in January.

Cherry Hill Park is run by the Coeur d’Alene Parks department. It’s a free public park, so you can show up without a ticket or a pass.

The park keeps long daily hours, opening early and closing late. Still, check before driving, since winter weather can change plans fast in the Panhandle.

Beyond the hill, you’ll find a lot going on. The park includes an 18-hole disc golf course, a BMX track, sports courts, and a dog park.

Parents will like the practical side, too. A playground and public restrooms sit on site, which helps when small sledders need a break.

Dogs are allowed here, and the dedicated dog park gives pups their own space. That makes it easier to bring the whole household along for a snow day.

Pack your own sled, because this is a classic bring-your-gear hill. Then pick a line, push off, and enjoy one of North Idaho’s favorite winter traditions.

Address: 1718 N 15th St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

3. Freeman Park Sled Hill – Parking

Idaho Falls gave its sled hill its own parking listing. That tells you plenty about how many people show up after a storm.

Freeman Park is a big city park with several hills. One popular run slopes down near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial toward the Bandshell.

The sled hill parking area sits off Presto Street. It’s part of the city park system, with free parking and no admission charge.

That setup makes quick trips easy. You can pull in, unload the sleds, and be on the snow in minutes.

Families get some handy extras, too. The park has a playground, swings, picnic tables, and public restrooms.

Dogs are allowed, so your furry co-pilot can join the outing. Just keep them clear of the sled lanes so nobody ends up in a snowy tangle.

Eastern Idaho tends to see steady winter snow. That gives this hill a good shot at staying usable through much of the season.

Between runs, take a stroll around the park’s open lawns. Freeman Park sits close to the Snake River, which makes for a pleasant winter walk once your legs need a rest from climbing.

Address: 1435 Presto St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402

4. Bartz Field

Your dog may love Bartz Field even more than you do. This Pocatello park doubles as a leash-free dog area and a steep sledding playground.

That combo makes it different from most hills on this list. Families can bring sleds and pets on the same trip.

The grounds are spacious and grassy. Once snow falls, several steep hills give sledders plenty of choices.

You won’t be stuck on a single run. Many different hills spread across the field, so crowds can spread out too.

Bartz Field also holds a baseball field. In winter, though, the slopes take the spotlight.

Access is free throughout the year. It’s an open public recreation field, so there’s no gate fee to worry about.

A few tips help here. Watch for dogs crossing your path, and pick a clear lane before you push off.

Steep hills mean quick rides, so younger kids may want a grown-up nearby. Older kids and adults will likely enjoy the speed.

Pocatello sits at the edge of the Snake River Plain, with mountains close by. That setting gives this field a real Idaho feel on a snowy morning.

Address: 1701 Bartz Dr, Pocatello, ID 83201

5. Thomsen Park

Right in the middle of a Twin Falls neighborhood park rises a big hill. Come winter, that central mound becomes a popular sledding spot.

Thomsen Park covers 13 acres. The City of Twin Falls runs it as a free public park.

The hill’s location is handy. Since it sits near the center, you can keep an eye on the action from several angles.

In warmer months, the park shows off other talents. You’ll find a ball field and two sand volleyball pits.

A paved loop circles through the grounds, too. It works for running, skating, or biking when the snow clears.

Picnic shelters, tables, and a barbecue grill round out the setup. Public restrooms help on long snow days with small kids.

The playground includes slides and swings. That gives little ones a backup plan if their sled time runs short.

Hours run from early morning to late evening daily. Still, check before driving in tricky Magic Valley weather.

Snow in Twin Falls can be hit or miss. When it lands, though, this hill fills up fast, so an early arrival may give you more room to roam.

Address: 1036 Carriage Ln, Twin Falls, ID 83301

6. Smith Park

Turkey Bowl games and winter sleds share the same ground in Rexburg. Smith Park handles both with ease.

The south side of the park sits on a gentle hillside. In the winter months, that slope becomes a favorite sledding run.

Gentle is the key word here. Younger riders can enjoy steady trips down without too much speed.

Mature trees add character to the park. A walking path loops around the grounds, so parents can get some steps in between runs.

Rexburg City maintains the park, and admission is free. It keeps long daily hours from morning into late evening.

The amenity list is long for a neighborhood park. Think baseball field, basketball court, tennis court, picnic tables, and a barbecue grill.

Kids also get a playground with slides and swings. Public restrooms make longer visits much easier.

Dogs are allowed, so the family pup can tag along. Keep a leash handy near the busy slope.

Eastern Idaho winters bring plenty of chances to use this hill. Grab a sled, bundle up, and see why Smith Park stays busy when the snow stacks up.

Address: E Main St, Rexburg, ID 83440

7. Ammon Park

Stairs on a sledding hill? Ammon Park has them, and your tired legs will thank you.

Climbing back up is usually the hardest part of sledding. Here, easy-to-climb stairs make each return trip a little less of a workout.

The park sits on the north end of Pocatello. Pocatello Parks and Recreation runs it as a free public park.

Its huge hill offers both steep and mellow slopes. Bold riders can chase speed while beginners stick to calmer lines.

The hill also works for ice blocking in warmer months. That’s another fun way to slide down when the snow is gone.

Ammon Park covers about 10 acres with plenty of trees. You’ll find a covered picnic area, tables, and barbecue grills.

A playground with slides and swings keeps younger kids busy. Public restrooms are on site as well.

Dogs are welcome, and there’s an on-leash dog walking area. That gives pets a spot to stretch without heading onto the sled runs.

Hours run from early morning into the evening. With stairs, variety, and space, this park makes a strong case as Pocatello’s most convenient hill.

Address: Pocatello, ID 83201

8. Camel’s Back Park

Straw bales hugging tree trunks are the giveaway. At Camel’s Back Park, Boise wraps the trees at the base of the steep north hill for sledder safety.

That thoughtful touch says plenty. After a big storm, this North End hill draws serious crowds.

The park was dedicated in 1965 and covers 11 acres. Its signature hill rises right out of the grounds and gives the park its name.

You’ll find more than one way down. A large main hill delivers exciting runs, while smaller slopes suit cautious riders.

Boise Parks and Recreation maintains the park. There’s no entrance fee, and both the lot and street parking are free.

Restrooms are heated year-round, which feels like luxury on a frosty day. The park stays open from sunrise to sunset.

Off the snow, there’s still plenty to explore. Think a large playground, an outdoor fitness area, tennis courts, and picnic spots.

Hiking trails also connect nearby, so the outing can turn into a winter walk. It’s a fitting finale for a list of free Idaho hills, and maybe the one Boise families argue about most.

Address: 1200 Heron St, Boise, ID 83702

9. East E Street Sledding Hill

Sometimes the best sledding spot has the plainest name. Moscow’s East E Street Sledding Hill says exactly what it is, and that’s part of the charm.

Out on the Palouse, this slope sits along East E Street in a quiet stretch of town. When snow covers it, local sledders turn it into a neighborhood gathering spot.

The hill is open community green space. It’s free and accessible to the public through the winter season.

Don’t expect a lodge or a ticket booth. This is a simple hill with a simple job, and it does that job well.

How fast does it run? The best summary floating around is short and sweet: sled go whizz down hill.

That about covers it. Grab a saucer or a classic toboggan and let gravity handle the rest.

Since it sits near homes, park with care and keep the street clear. A little courtesy goes a long way on a busy snow day.

Moscow winters can deliver solid snow, so this hill stays handy for families in town. If you’re visiting the University of Idaho area, it makes an easy, low-key break from the usual errands.

Address: 537-699 East E Street, Moscow, ID 83843