Table Rock vandalized by graffiti, Veterans Cemetery trailhead damaged and closed
In a social media post on Monday, Boise officials pointed out two recent instances of vandalism in the Foothills, one of which prompted the closure of a trailhead at a local cemetery.
According to a Ridge to Rivers Facebook post, the trailhead at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road, is closed indefinitely due to damage by vehicles.
In the post, officials said the closure was the result of “reoccurring incidents of individuals purposely damaging the graded trailhead surface by spinning ‘doughnuts’ in the area.” Veterans Trail starts at the east cemetery entrance in the West Foothills.
In addition to the trailhead damage, Ridge to Rivers officials reported recent vandalism at Table Rock, the popular East Boise hiking and hangout destination.
A photo shared on Facebook shows red spray paint on the base of the lighted cross on the hilltop, as well as the nearby stone marker. Both are maintained by the Idaho State Historical Society, according to the Facebook post.
“During this difficult time we understand many people are looking to the trail system for outdoor respite,” the post said. “… In the last two weeks an estimated 20,000 people have visited Table Rock.”
Table Rock is currently only open to foot and bicycle traffic. Parking lots at the summit are closed until May, and parking on the road is prohibited. The summit is open from sunrise to sunset.
On March 18, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said in a Facebook Live video that Table Rock “is having a lot of problems right now with people doing graffiti, having parties, spending time up there at night, leaving garbage behind.”
McLean said at the time that law enforcement would be doing “extra check-ins” at Table Rock.
Table Rock has been vandalized multiple times in the past, as recently as 2018 and 2019, when a local leadership group help a cleanup event at the site.
This story was originally published March 31, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
