Stack Rock Trail
Freddy’s Stack Rock is an iconic rock feature in the Boise mountains near Bogus Basin Ski Resort. The hike itself is longer than what we were able to accomplish, since we left too late in the day to complete the full hike. We also took the longer route, which didn’t help our limited amount of time.
Challenges:
There is a bit of elevation to be gained and lost throughout the hike.
It is also a long, mostly there and back, hike with a small loop near Stack Rock.
There is shade at the beginning and end of the hike, but the middle is along a mostly shade free hillside, with the sun directly on you.
Equipment:
Water
Snack
Sunscreen
Hat
Good, broken in, hiking boots or shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
There are two locations where you can start on the trail. The first is a small shoulder area along the N Bogus Basin Rd (43.734070, -116.127276). There is room for maybe 6 cars at this spot to park. If there is room to park here, and you want the shorter hike, then this is your stopping point. Further up N Bogus Basin Rd. is a right turn onto a paved road that leads to a parking lot. This stop has some informational signs and bathrooms (43.737737, -116.127507). It makes for a great starting point if you don’t mind the extra time and distance it adds to your hike. Starting from here adds: 1 mile (1.61 kilometers) and 283 feet (86.26 meters) of elevation change.
The full hike from the furthest starting point comes to almost 12 miles (19.31 kilometers), round trip. Total elevation gain of 1,335 feet (406.91 m). There are a few side trails along this hike, so be sure you know the route, have a GPS map or trail map (AllTrails is what I used) so you can stay on the right trail.
This trail is popular for both hikers and mountain bikers. So, if you are hiking this during the busy season (Summer), be sure to remain aware of your surroundings. Large stretches of this trail are single track and will require you and others to step off the trail to allow others to pass. Remember trail etiquette, and be nice to those sharing the trail with you. For more on trail etiquette, visit the Ridges to Rivers website.
This trail is also popular in the Fall, just as the leaves are changing at that elevation. Evergreens are the primary tree in the Idaho mountains, but along this trail are a few additional deciduous trees and bushes that provide beautiful pops of color throughout the hike.
In the Spring, this trail may close due to snow or mud. This area does have snowshoe trails for winter, and I believe this trail is one of those used during the winter months. If the trail is muddy, do not use it.
I hope you enjoy our adventure and get the chance to enjoy this hike yourselves.
