Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead offers a diverse hiking experience ranging from easy, scenic loops to challenging uphill climbs, all starting from a single parking area. It's a popular spot for its rewarding city overlooks, educational signs detailing local history and geology, and opportunities for wildlife spotting (e.g., deer). The variety ensures there's an option for different fitness levels and family types.
Key Highlights
- ✓Multiple variations of trails available from the same parking lot, catering to different preferences and conditions.
- ✓Features beautiful views overlooking the city and amazing overlooks from various points.
- ✓Educational signs along some trails describe Boise's history and geological features, adding an enriching element.
- ✓Abundant signs of wildlife, specifically deer (hoove marks and pellets), for nature observation.
- ✓One specific trail (3.1 miles) is described as 'fitting for all ages' with a wide path and mostly even terrain.
- ✓The challenging Table Rock trail offers a rewarding experience, even if only reaching lower overlooks.
Standout Features
- ⭐Variety of trail options accessible from one central parking area.
- ⭐Stunning panoramic views of the city from various overlooks.
- ⭐Historical and geological educational signs along the trails.
- ⭐Opportunity for wildlife viewing (deer).
- ⭐On specific trails, the path is wide and the terrain is mostly even, suitable for a broader range of abilities.
- ⭐Vault (pit) toilets and trash cans are available at the trailhead.
- ⭐Dogs are welcome on the trails.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially after rain, and wear appropriate footwear.
- →For challenging trails, bring plenty of water and sun protection (hat, sunscreen) due to exposure and exertion.
- →Allocate sufficient time: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes for the 3.1-mile trail with a break, or up to 3 hours for the full, challenging Table Rock climb.
- →Expect to take breaks during uphill sections, especially if not accustomed to the elevation.
- →If from sea-level, be mindful of the elevation and pace yourself accordingly.
- →Ensure you are off the trails and back at the parking lot before dark for safety.
- →Consider utilizing Uber for convenient drop-off at the trailhead.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Trails can be very muddy, making it hard to stay on dryer paths, especially after rain.
- ⚠Some trails (like Table Rock) feature a relentless uphill climb, requiring endurance.
- ⚠Elevation can be challenging for visitors not accustomed to higher altitudes (e.g., those from sea-level), requiring frequent breaks.
Price & Value
No specific entry fee was mentioned in the reviews, suggesting it is a free public trailhead. Given the variety of trails, beautiful views, educational signs, and available facilities, the value proposition is very high.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •One trail is noted as having a 'wide path and terrain mostly even,' which may offer moderate accessibility for some.
- •Vault (pit) toilets are available, but their accessibility features were not specified.
- •Uber drop-off is possible, indicating easy vehicle access to the trailhead.
- •No specific accommodations for wheelchairs or sensory-friendly experiences were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific food restrictions were mentioned. Presence of trash cans suggests visitors are expected to pack out what they pack in. Dogs are welcome.
🚗Parking Info
- •A decent amount of parking is available at the trailhead.
- •The parking lot is described as moderate-sized.
- •Uber drop-off service is also an option for reaching the trailhead.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The trailhead and trails are popular, with 'lots of people around' usually present throughout the day.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The presence of 'lots of people around' contributes to a sense of safety during the day.
- •A strong recommendation to be 'down before dark' implies an awareness of potential safety concerns after nightfall.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Visiting immediately after heavy rainfall if you want to avoid significant mud and slippery conditions.
- • Attempting the relentless uphill climbs without adequate water, sun protection, or proper footwear.
- • Staying on trails after dark due to potential safety concerns and limited visibility.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
JADE (Individual)
$50Duration: One year
Membership for one individual.
Includes:
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •One, one-time use guest pass
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities at Idaho State Historical Society sites
TOPAZ (Dual)
$75Duration: One year
Membership for two individuals.
Includes:
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •Two, one-time use guest passes
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities at Idaho State Historical Society sites
SAPPHIRE (Family)
$100Duration: One year
Membership for two named members and up to five guests.
Includes:
- •Complimentary admission to ISHS sites (including Old Idaho Penitentiary)
- •Up to five guest passes
- •15% discount in agency stores and online
- •Discount for youth education programs and family activities at Idaho State Historical Society sites
QUARTZ
$250Includes all benefits of the Sapphire membership plus behind-the-scenes tours.
Includes:
- •All Sapphire benefits
- •Behind-the-scenes tours
GARNET
$500Includes all benefits of the Quartz membership plus the ability to gift one Jade membership.
Includes:
- •All Quartz benefits
- •Ability to gift one Jade membership to a friend or family member
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Sleepless in Stripes 2025
October 4, 2025
Old Idaho Penitentiary admission applies
Event held at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Duration: 6:00 pm - 7:00 am.
Behind the Scenes Tours 2025
October 11, 2025
Old Idaho Penitentiary admission applies; guided tour fee may apply
Event held at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Duration: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Old Idaho Penitentiary Annual Events
Annual and upcoming (specific dates not provided)
Not specified
Includes Cemetery Tours, Paranormal Investigations, Scavenger Hunts, and more.
🍎Food Policy
- • Table Rock Trailhead: Please place garbage in the trash cans provided on the site.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Table Rock Mesa: Closed to all access at sunset.
- • Table Rock Trailhead: Access after dark is prohibited.
- • Table Rock Trailhead: No off-road or off-trail access is allowed.
- • Table Rock Trailhead: In case of emergencies, contact Signal 88 Security (208)340-5446.
- • Table Rock Trailhead: Help keep this site clean and graffiti free.
📅Booking Policy
- • Old Idaho Penitentiary Guided Tours: Reservations are not available in advance. Guided tour times can be obtained by calling 208-334-2844 close to visit date. Guided tours have limited capacity and are first-come, first-served.
🚗Parking Information
- • Table Rock Trailhead: Designated trailhead parking near the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
- • Table Rock Trailhead: Very limited parking available on East Table Rock Road (park in designated areas only).
- • Old Idaho Penitentiary: Free Parking Available.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Joanie Benham
2 months agoThere are so many variations of trails from this parking lot. We ended up on a different trail than I've ever done because of the mud this trip. We tried to stay out of the mud and on dryer trails, but it was really hard to do. The trail we took was a loop from the parking lot along the rim looking over the lot and penitentiary. We then just walked around down below to do a bit more walking to stay off the trails and out of the mud. It is always a beautiful view overlooking the city. There were a lot of signs of deer. Hoove marks and pellets everywhere.
Steve Hiday
6 months agoChallenge yourself with this popular and very uphill trail. It's a relentless climb at times, but rewarding if you make it to the top or even just some of the lower overlooks. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, and expect to take some breaks; give it about 3 hours unless you're a real trail monster! Decent amount of parking at the trailhead. There are usually lots of people around so it's pretty safe throughout the day. Olympic Otter
Hannah Jones
3 weeks agoGreat trail and amazing overlook! I liked the educational signs along the trail describing the Boise history and geological features. The hike was 3.1 miles and took about an hour and 40 minutes with a modest break at the top. This trail got your heart pumping but was fitting for all ages. The path was wide and terrain mostly even. Moderate sized parking lot, uber also dropped off ok. Vault (pit) toilets available, trash cans. Dogs welcome.
John J
3 weeks agoBeen a few times and it’s a great training trail because it’s short and quick but also has good incline and can go pretty far as well
Blue Greenglue
5 months agoI'm no athlete, but I can make it to the top and back. Takes me about 45 minutes up, with stops to catch my breath [born and raised at sea-level, so even this elevation is challenging]. About 30 minutes down, at a pace that allows enjoyment of the view. No need to race, unless that's your thing, but being down before dark is a really good idea.