Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead

Name: Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead
Address: 2421 E Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA, Boise, ID, US
Telephone: (208) 334-2844
Rating: 4.8

4.8(417) Boise, ID

Directions Website

About Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead

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.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking a mix of easy and challenging hiking experiences.Parents looking for trails with educational components (history, geology).Active families or individuals looking for a workout or 'training trail' with good incline.Families who want to bring their dogs along on a hike.**All Ages:** One reported trail (3.1 miles, ~1h 40m with a break) is described as 'fitting for all ages' due to its wide path and mostly even terrain.

Why families love it

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.

Insider tips

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.

Good to know before you go

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.
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.

Crowds: The trailhead and trails are popular, with 'lots of people around' usually present throughout the day.
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.
Food: No specific food restrictions were mentioned. Presence of trash cans suggests visitors are expected to pack out what they pack in. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility: One trail is noted as having a 'wide path and terrain mostly even,' which may offer moderate accessibility for some.
Safety: The presence of 'lots of people around' contributes to a sense of safety during the day.

What parents say

Joanie Benham

5.0

"There 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."

2 months ago

Steve Hiday

4.0

"Challenge 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"

6 months ago

Hannah Jones

5.0

"Great 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."

3 weeks ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.