Freddy's Stack Rock Trailhead
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Freddy's Stack Rock Trailhead offers a versatile outdoor experience within the Boise National Forest, ranging from very easy, scenic walks with amenities to challenging, long-distance hikes. It's uniquely valued for its convenient location, stunning views of Boise and the forest, and the option to customize hike length, making it suitable for various fitness levels and family needs.
Key Highlights
- ✓Diverse terrain with a balance of woods and mountain views
- ✓Options for very easy, wheelchair-accessible dirt walking trails near amenities
- ✓Opportunities for challenging long hikes up to 12.5 miles
- ✓Stunning views of the Boise city skyline
- ✓Conveniently located not far from town, just inside the National Forest
- ✓Well-maintained public restrooms and picnic tables available at a parking lot along the trail
- ✓Pro-tip to shorten the main hike by 2 miles by starting at a specific intersection lot
Standout Features
- ⭐Ample free parking, even on a Saturday afternoon in late April
- ⭐Clean public restrooms at a parking lot along the trail
- ⭐Picnic tables available for family meals or breaks
- ⭐Panoramic views of the Boise city skyline
- ⭐Opportunity for both downhill 'easy' starts and uphill 'ascent' challenges on the longer trail
- ⭐Beautiful drive up to the trailhead with scenic views
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be aware of mountain bikers, especially on the longer trail sections.
- →To cut 2 miles off the 12.5-mile main hike, start at the parking lot where the trail intersects with the road.
- →If hiking in late April or early spring, be prepared for snow at higher elevations.
- →For families with young children or those seeking a less strenuous experience, stick to the 'very easy dirt walking trails' or the sections immediately higher from the main parking area.
- →Bringing a 2-year-old in a stroller for the entire 11-12.5 mile route is described as 'hard pushing' and 'not for the weak'.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The full 11-12.5 mile hike is challenging, especially when pushing an all-terrain stroller with a 2-year-old ('not for the weak')
- ⚠Heavy mountain biker traffic on the trails, requiring awareness
- ⚠Snow can still be present on higher elevations of the trail in late April
Price & Value
Free (implied, as it's a public trailhead in the Boise National Forest; no fees for entry or parking were mentioned in reviews). The value is high given the extensive trails, scenic views, and basic amenities without cost.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Wheelchair accessible on 'very easy dirt walking trails for viewing' near the amenities.
- •Public restrooms available.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not explicitly mentioned, but picnic tables are available, suggesting outside food is permitted for picnics on the trail.
🚗Parking Info
- •Plenty of parking for an off-road trailhead.
- •No issues with parking observed even at 1 PM on a Saturday in late April.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Parking seems ample and not overly crowded even on weekend afternoons.
- •High volume of mountain bikers on the trails.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, first aid station) were mentioned beyond being a public, well-used trail.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Attempting the full 11-12.5 mile hike with a 2-year-old in an all-terrain stroller if you are not prepared for a strenuous workout.
- • Visiting in late spring expecting completely snow-free trails at higher elevations.
- • Families sensitive to high mountain biker traffic if seeking a very quiet, solitary hiking experience.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Special trail management strategies have been implemented on a variety of trails to increase safety, reduce user conflict and improve the overall trail experience.
- • Lower Hulls Gulch Trail #29: On odd numbered days of the month, the trail is open to downhill bike traffic (closed to all other users). On even numbered days of the month, the trail is open to hikers and equestrians traveling in both directions and open to uphill mountain bike traffic (closed to downhill bike traffic).
- • Polecat Loop Trail #81: All trail users are required to travel counter-clockwise through 2025. The first half-mile of the trail from the Polecat Trailhead on Collister Drive is multi-directional to provide an out-and-back experience. A short section from Cartwright Trailhead to the lower Doe Ridge Trail junction is multi-directional.
- • Around the Mountain Trail #98: All users are required to travel counter-clockwise. This trail is jointly managed by Ridge to Rivers and Bogus Basin.
- • Bucktail Trail #20A: Open to downhill mountain bike traffic only. Uphill mountain bike access is via Central Ridge Trail. A new pedestrian-only trail named Two Point Trail has been constructed between Central Ridge and Bucktail Trails for hikers and equestrians.
- • Hawkins Loop Trail #60: All users are required to travel counter-clockwise.
- • Harrow Trail #61: All users are required to travel counter-clockwise.
- • General Trail Etiquette: Don’t use wet trails (if leaving prints (hoof, tire, or boot), the trail is too wet to use; turn around if encountered).
- • General Trail Etiquette: Stay on the trail (Do not go off trail, create new trails, or cut switchbacks).
- • General Trail Etiquette: Don’t block trails (When taking a break, move to the side of the trail).
🚗Parking Information
- • Cartwright Ridge Trailhead: currently a dirt lot. Planned improvements (Fall 2025) will create a dedicated paved parking area with two ADA accessible spots and parking for horse trailers.
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Amber Ferger
a year agoAbsolutely fantastic hike in the Boise National Forest. 12.5 miles total- the first 6 miles or so are easy (you start by going downhill). When you get to the loop, you'll start your ascent for a good mile or so. A good balance of woods and hiking along the mountain. Tons of mountain bikers, so be aware of that. Pro-tip: You can cut 2 miles out of the hike if you start at the lot where the trail intersects with the road.
M. Sanchez
9 months agoDefinitely hard pushing a 2 Year old in an all terrain stroller. Not for the weak . It's about an 11 mile hike round trip
Steven Dykeman
7 months agoReal nice trail and not too far of a drive. Just inside the National forest providing a convenient hike with all the beauty of the forest.
Deanna Marinello
3 years agoThere was plenty of parking for an off road trailhead. We went around 1 on a Saturday in late April and had no issues with parking. There was still snow on the trail on the higher elevations. But there were kids and dogs on the trail so it wasn’t super difficult at all. And this is speaking in reference to the trail immediately higher in elevations from the parking area. There were some awesome views of the city skyline and the trail leads to a parking lot with a bathroom and picnic area.
Caity R.
2 years agoBeautiful drive up, beautiful views. Public restrooms, picnic tables, view of Boise, clean, wheelchair accessible. Very easy dirt walking trails for viewing.
Contact Information
N Bogus Basin Rd, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629, USA
View on Google Maps