Table Rock

I love hiking Table Rock, it is definitely my go to hike. It is very close to downtown Boise and for me it is the perfect short hike to get you some exercise, good blend of steep and gradual inclines to keep your heart rate up without requiring a lot of breaks to make it to the top. The only reason I wouldn’t give this 5 stars is because everybody else agrees with me on how awesome it is and it is probably the busiest hiking trail in the Boise area. Great views of the valley from the top, lots of times you will see people getting engagement/​graduation pictures at the precipice.
Pro-​tip: If you want the view but hiking isn’t your thing you can drive up, but really, just hike it.

We’ve always done what we transplants thought was the Table Rock hike by starting at Warm Springs and heading UP. Well, it’s a semi-​intense first 10 – 15 minutes, but goes almost totally flat after that.
Instead, we took other transplants and collectively had the intelligence to find the TRUE Table Rock hike starting from the Old Penitentiary. Needless to say, it’s a popular hike and was jammed on Labor Day.
Even though the route we took (central?) to Table Rock was almost entirely uphill, it was pretty do-​able and most of the kiddos we saw on the trail were doing just fine. I was able to do it with a 20 lb. infant strapped to my chest and I’m not in the best shape these days.
The views were beautiful and we touched the cross. Did we need to put a cross on it? A question for the ages. Enjoy this scenic, mildly intense hike and reap the benefit of a stellar and, perhaps, unparalleled view of your beloved city.

This is one of the first hikes I ever attempted in Boise. I has some nice steep sections that are good for a workout. I loved it. Amazing views.

I’ve hiked Table Rock about 3 times and every hike is beautiful! On this particular hike I noticed many different species of birds and an array of plants. The hike is about 1.5 miles (one way) and mostly going uphill and has a few challenging areas but so worth it! I’m obviously a fan of table rock and will be going back soon.

Love Table Rock! Excellent place to wear out kids and dogs. And me. Apparently I need to come here more often. With temps in the mid-50’s, and not a cloud in the sky — this is the perfect time of year to get outside. Remember to take water, you’ll want it by the time you reach the top, and take some for the dog too. I forgot a bowl, so we found a bowl sized crack in the rock, filled it with water and my dog drank nearly two whole bottles. The trash can at the top is usually overflowing, so try to plan on taking out any garbage you bring in. I think it was 1.6-ish miles from the parking lot to the top.

I love this trail for a variety of reasons:
–It begins with a relatively steep incline, getting your heart pumping straight away.
–It’s relatively easy to traverse (ie: hiking boots are not necessary)
–It’s wide enough that you can go with a group and you needn’t go single file (for the majority of it, anyway)
–And, finally, the view! The top provides a gorgeous view of pretty much all of Boise. There’s a large cement bench where you can sit and take in the view. I’ve been at the top at pretty much every time of day, and the view is spectacular at sunrise, sunset, after dark and every time in between.
Final notes:
It’s only 1.6miles each way but it’s steep enough that it’ll take you 30−60+ minutes, depending on your level of fitness, to ascend it. By the time you get up, enjoy the view, and get back down – you’re looking at about an hour and a half. It’s a great work out and you may be sore the next day, but the view is always worth the pain.
Always.
Get to it.

This is definitely a must for anyone that can hike up to the cross. We stopped a few times just to see how far up we were and each time our breaths were taken away because how gorgeous the scenery is. I’ve done it twice and I’ll continue to go! We went on a Saturday it was pretty busy and then I went on a Friday late afternoon and it was less busy and the temperature was cooler.

Amazing views and many ways to make your way up the hill. Bring water and proper shoes, expect an hour or more to walk up.

Hello — heart rate raising hike, pretty much downtown! Yes!
The views of the city and surrounding area are super great from the top.
Took me, a summer weekend hiker from Denver 45 minutes to summit and 20 to get down, so can definitely be done after work!
Decent sized parking lot right next to the old Penitentiary!
I’ll definitely be seeing the top of this rock often on my visits!

When i asked locals for some tips on things to see and do while i was in town, this was the first thing they mentioned. Basically a lookout point on top of a small mountain with an excellent view of the whole city and the sunset, plus a big metal cross (i don’t know the history behind the cross, i’m told there’s been some controversy regarding its religious significance). You need to walk at least the last bit of the journey to get there, but not too far. Seems to be a –really– popular hangout for local high school students. Definitely glad i gave it a look.