Stack Rock
On June 30th, 2019, Skip, Bandit, and I headed up towards Bogus Basin, near Boise, Idaho, to hike the iconic rock, Freddy's Stack Rock Trail, or known as Stack Rock.
If you have ever driven up to Bogus Basin, you have probably noticed a rock that stands out from all the greenery of the Boise National Forest, which is Stack Rock. Freddy's Stack Rock was named after Fred Alleman. He was a Boise Native and an active river ridge user. He financially helped Boise purchase the 1,320 acres in 2010.
There isn't camping near the trailhead nor any backpacking on the trail. This trail is an "I have a few hours to go hiking and need to get back to the city by the end of the day, kind of hike." There also are no restrooms at the trailhead, and the trail is a busy trail with all the bike trails that connect.
Use the bathroom before making your way up the windy road (There is a Jacksons with restrooms at the bottom before you make your way up bogus basin road. Grab some water while you are there)
The trailhead is 13 miles up Bogus Basin Road on your right, so pay attention to your miles if it is your first time and look for a pull-out on YOUR RIGHT.
The trailhead is hidden, and the city has made it confusing to park. They have posted "Stack Rock Parking" on the left-hand side up a bit from the trailhead. If you reach this sign, you have gone too far and need to turn around, or you will do a lot of walking on the road, which is super busy year-round.
The hike consists of 10.9 miles round trip with a 1,100 feet elevation gain. The trail itself is relatively easy, but it is long, and there are a few inclines/ declines that are steep. You will go a length of time with no shade, and it will get hot, BRING WATER. Multiple other trails connect at forks, so pay attention to signs and directions that say Freddy's Stack Rock.
Download the Alltrails app to help keep yourself on the correct path.
On your hike, make sure to enjoy the scenery. All the Wildflowers and Glacier Lilies give the green forest of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir a contrast of beautiful colors. You also may come across a Moose, White Tail deer, Elk, Rabbits, the occasional cow, and squirrels in every tree. Plus, the sound of the wildness is peaceful, so ditch your headphones and listen to the birds singing, grasshopper chirping, and the occasional stream.
Use Stack Rock as motivation to keep going, you will be able to see it at a distance for most of the trail.
Trail Guide:
You will come across Sweet Connie Junction, the first fork on the trail. You will take Freddy's Stack Rock Trail; you will want to follow all signs that say this.
Once you come up to the second T on the trail and this is the loop, you can go right or left. Make sure to continue to read signs as you continue.
We went right even though it was longer, it wasn't as steep, and so we thought it would be easier on me. I was pregnant and starting to be in pain, but I knew I had to make it to the end.
Once you get to the rock, it is impressive, and you will have an urge to climb the massive boulder and all the rocks around. It was a playground for adults. I did not do any climbing for obvious reasons, but I know a handful of people who have climbed to the top of the rock and recommend it. Of course, only if you are not scared of heights and know how to climb properly.
We enjoyed lunch and walked around the rock, and did some exploring and relaxing before heading back.
The way back, we made the loop. Taking a left at the T would have been too steep for us to climb up while being pregnant and in pain; however, it was fine walking down. Depending on your preference, you will have to make that decision at the time.
