Table Rock Hiking Guide
Table Rock is the flat-topped mesa with the lit cross that watches over east Boise, and hiking it is practically a rite of passage for anyone who moves to the city. The loop starts behind the Old Idaho Penitentiary, climbs about 875 feet up wide, open trails, and tops out on a sandstone mesa with the whole Treasure Valley spread out below. It is best at sunset — just be aware of when the mesa closes.
The Loop
The most popular route combines the Old Pen, Table Rock and Table Rock Quarry trails into a loop of about 3.8 miles with roughly 875 feet of gain. The Table Rock Trail follows an old road, so it is wide but climbs steeply from the Old Pen lot. The Quarry Trail passes the old sandstone quarry on the way back down. There is no shade anywhere on the route.
The Mesa
The top of Table Rock is managed by the Idaho State Historical Society. It is closed to vehicles until further notice and closed to all access at sunset, and the Ridge to Rivers trails and trailheads are open from sunrise to sunset. The large illuminated cross on the rim is a local landmark visible from much of the city. Stay back from the mesa's edges, which drop steeply.
Mud Season
Table Rock's clay-heavy soil turns into deep, sticky mud in wet winter weather. Ridge to Rivers is clear: if you are leaving tracks, turn back. Walking on wet trails ruts them for the rest of the year. In muddy conditions, choose all-weather gravel routes such as the Shoshone-Bannock trail instead, and save Table Rock for a dry or frozen day.
Parking
The main trailhead at the Old Idaho Penitentiary has about 60 unpaved spaces and restrooms at nearby Castle Rock; it is also served by bus route 17. An alternate gravel lot on Warm Springs Avenue holds about 16 cars and reaches the Tram Trail. Both fill at sunset on clear evenings, so arrive with time to spare.
Practicalities
Parking and access are free. Dogs are allowed under voice control on the loop's trails, following Ridge to Rivers' controlled off-leash rules: carry a leash and keep your dog within 30 feet and under control. Summer afternoons are hot and completely exposed, so hike early or at sunset and carry water. Watch for rattlesnakes on warm days.
Hiking tips for Table Rock
- Go for sunset, but remember the mesa closes to all access at sunset — plan your descent.
- Turn back if you are leaving tracks; Table Rock's clay turns to deep mud when wet.
- Carry water and skip midday in summer — there is no shade on the whole loop.
- Park at the Old Pen lot or take bus route 17; the lot fills on clear evenings.
- Keep dogs within 30 feet and under voice control, and carry a leash.
Nearby trails to explore
- Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Loop
- Harrison Hollow
- Lucky Peak via Adelmann Mine
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Table Rock is the Boise sunset hike, and a perfect first meetup with new hiking partners. Use TrailMates to find Boise hikers heading up after work. Download the TrailMates app to connect.