Stunning overlooks tend to make even the most arduous hike worth the effort. While most overlook hikes are through the woods and end with views down into deep valleys, Table Rock, a butte located just northeast of downtown Boise, Idaho offers a uniquely alternative experience. The hike up to Table Rock winds around the completely treeless foothill and pays off with a view of downtown Boise, rolling foothills and the Owyhee Mountains.
One of the more unique features of Table Rock is its year around appeal. Each season provides a different experience. In summer you understand why Boise is called “The City of Trees” and in winter snow provides magical vistas. Our favorite time of year is late winter/early spring. The weather is no longer cold but not yet desert warm and the fields all turn a beautiful golden brown color that reflects perfectly off the sun.
The most popular way to the top starts at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. There is a free parking lot that leads to a well marked trailhead. The path up is rated moderate with wide dirt paths and beautiful rock formations lining much of the way. There are a few switchbacks and some steeper areas but nothing too challenging. Pets are welcome but need to be kept on a leash.
As you work your way along you’ll likely see some wildlife as well as a plethora of native desert plant life like sagebrush, bitterbrush and yarrow. There was a devastating fire in 2016 that destroyed much of Table Rock’s native plants but local agencies drove a massive, and successful, campaign to replant the entire Boise Foothills. The restoration effort gathered 500 people who restored more than 7,000 plants. As you ascend, you can see downtown Boise to your northwest and the beautiful rolling snow capped foothills to the east. As the 60’ (18.3 m) white cross comes into view the trail steepens. Luckily for us we hiked during a dry period as the path can become quite treacherous in spots during snow melt off or after rains.
As you approach the rim there are same intricate cliffs that have formed naturally over the millennia. These are perfect resting points before the final ascent to the top of Table Rock. At the top is the famous cross that has a history of local controversy dating back to 1956 when the Jaycees constructed it on what was then Department of Corrections land. The ACLU and an atheist activist made attempts to have the cross removed with the latter effort prompting a 10,000 strong march of opponents to save the Table Rock icon. Luckily the local marchers prevailed.
At the top, the ground becomes flat with a combination of rock, gravel and hard sand. There are tons of spots perfect for picture taking if you ignore the power plant to the southeast. Be careful along the edges as it falls off rather sharply in sections. The views are spectacular and range from rolling foothills and mountain ranges to suburb communities and downtown Boise. The top is also a favorite spot for dogs to gather and make new friends. There are several trails both to and from Table Rock if you want to do more hiking, jogging or mountain biking.
As you make your way back down you’ll be better able to appreciate the views of Boise and the Owyhee mountain range to the southwest. Towards the end you also get an excellent view of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, a visit worth the low $8 fee, which includes a guided tour similar to that of Alcatraz. If you’re interested in history or simply curious to see how the penal system has changed since the late 19th century then you should carve out an hour or two.
The North Midwest United States is filled with tons of natural wonders. Idaho has all kinds of variety from Freak Alley in downtown Boise, Balanced Rock, Snake River Canyon, the McCall Winter Carnival and the spectacular Shoshone Falls.
Do you have a favorite spot in this part of the country? We’d love to hear more about it!
