How to hike to Stack Rock — the scenic lookout high in the Boise Foothills

Stack Rock is one of the most attractive hiking destinations in the Boise Foothills — and with the re-opening of the Trail to Stack Rock, it’s accessible to hikers again (without trespassing). We have a full story on the trail and the improvements that could be coming next year here. But if you just want to know how to get there, here you go:

▪ The parking area is on the left side of Bogus Basin Road, a little past mile marker 13. It’s right on the edge of the road, wide enough for about 10 cars. (Don’t park in the nearby gated dirt driveway.)

▪ Trail to Stack Rock (also known as Entrance Exam) begins at the parking area. You won’t see many markings until you get to private land. Then it’s well-marked. You won’t actually see Stack Rock until 1.85 miles in. At the 2-mile mark, you’ll hit a T. The only sign says Eastside trail in both directions. Turn left.

[Related: Mr. Potato Head figures have invaded the Boise Foothills trail system; here’s why]

▪ At 2.4 miles, you’ll hit the junction with Sweet Connie (toward town) and Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail. Take Freddy’s.

▪ At 3.1 miles, you’ll reach a fork. This is a loop that goes around Stack Rock. For the shortest route to Stack Rock, take a left.

▪ At about 3.85 miles, you’ll see Stack Rock through the trees and then you’ll see a marker for Freddy’s. There’s a user-built trail that veers to the right. Take that about a 10th of a mile and you’ll end up at a rock outcropping. Climb on top for a terrific view of Stack Rock and the Treasure Valley.

▪ If you go back the way you came, it’s an 8-mile round trip with 1,100 feet of elevation gain (about 550 feet each direction). On the way out, make sure you turn right at that Eastside trail sign (the T you turned at earlier).

A trail map is available at lttv.org.

This story was originally published June 19, 2017 at 11:39 PM.