TABLE ROCK

Above the Old Idaho Penitentiary

off Warm Springs Avenue, Boise

The lighted cross marks the spot for Boise’s best overlook. Rising nearly 1,000 feet, Table Rock is close enough to see Boise’s neighborhoods and high enough to watch the alpenglow shine on the Foothills.

On a clear evening, you can see the Owyhee Mountains to the southwest. To the northwest, you can see the Foothills to Eagle.

The most brilliant sunsets can be seen in spring and fall, when the dust from farms turns the Valley sky every color in the rainbow. You likely won’t see them, but mountain lions have been known to live in its rocks and bluffs.

The landmark has a renowned hiking and biking trail accessible year-round from the Old Idaho Penitentiary parking lot. The hike takes about 90 minutes, and it can get really hot on a sunny day.

If you must drive to the top, take East Reserve Street to East Shaw Mountain Road and keep to the right. Turn right on East Table Rock Road and keep going until it turns to dirt. Another quarter mile will take you to the view.

Table Rock is open to vehicles from May to late October from 8 a.m. to sundown.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Boise Foothills

• Camel’s Back Park

• Bogus Basin