Freddy's Stack Rock Trail Hiking Guide

When the Boise foothills bake in July, hikers head up Bogus Basin Road to Freddy's Stack Rock. The trail winds through shady forest for nearly six miles to Stack Rock, a stack of granite blocks rising above the trees with views in every direction. It is long rather than steep, about ten degrees cooler than town, and one of the best summer escapes within half an hour of the city.

no permit neededdog-friendly
Difficulty
hard
Distance
11.7 mi
Elevation gain
1,325 ft
Trailhead
Boise
granite rock towershaded forest360-degree viewscooler than town
summerfall

The Route

The trail is mostly an out-and-back with a small loop around Stack Rock at the far end. Mapping apps and guides agree on about 11.7 miles and 1,325 to 1,350 feet of gain. The climbing is spread out over long, gentle grades through mixed forest. Near the rock, watch for false trails and stay on the main route; climbing on the rock itself is at your own risk.

Trailhead and Parking

The Stack Rock Trailhead is about 13 miles up Bogus Basin Road. A small shoulder pull-off holds only about six cars; the main lot with restrooms is a little further up the road. The drive is winding, and the road gets busy on winter ski days. Arrive early on summer weekends.

Nearby Weekday Closures

The Boise National Forest's Deer Point stewardship project closes several neighbouring trails — Mr. Big, Eastside, Sinker Creek and the DB Connector — from Monday morning to Friday evening between August 17 and November 30, 2026, reopening each weekend. Freddy's Stack Rock Trail itself is not on the closure list, but loop variations that use those trails are off limits on weekdays through November.

Shared Trail

Freddy's is a multi-use trail shared with mountain bikers and horses; e-bikes are prohibited. Stay alert on blind corners and step aside for horses. The Ridge to Rivers system lists the trail as controlled off-leash for dogs, which means carrying a leash, keeping your dog within 30 feet and under voice control, and leashing up around bikes and horses.

Practicalities

The Forest Service lists no fee at the trailhead. Spring brings mud and lingering snow on the trail, so it is best from early summer through fall. Carry plenty of water for nearly 12 miles. Ridge to Rivers notes that the Stack Rock area is usually about ten degrees cooler than Boise, but the upper sections can still be warm in afternoon sun.

Hiking tips for Freddy's Stack Rock Trail

  • Check the Deer Point closure — neighbouring trails close on weekdays through November 30, 2026.
  • Hike it in summer, when it runs about ten degrees cooler than the foothills in town.
  • Carry plenty of water; the round trip is nearly 12 miles.
  • Watch for false trails near Stack Rock and stick to the main path.
  • Keep dogs within 30 feet under voice control, and leash up around bikes and horses.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Mores Mountain
  • Harrison Hollow
  • Table Rock

Hike this trail with TrailMates

Freddy's Stack Rock is Boise's best summer escape, and a long day goes faster with company. Use TrailMates to find Boise hikers heading up Bogus Basin Road. Download the TrailMates app to connect.