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Stack Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Running trail in Garden Valley, Idaho · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Stack Rock's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with kid-friendly trails and more challenging routes requiring water and good footwear.
What runners say about Stack Rock
“40 minutes from Boise, beautiful views, nicely shaded in the afternoon, and just challenging enough I can hike to Stack Rock & back after work and get a great workout in!”
“Well maintained, well marked and offers beautiful views of the Boise valley!”
“Good trail, usable for all ages, very visually appealing.”
From Durango, Colorado and I've been staying in town for a bit, but missing the mountains and pine trees. Took a few hikes through the foothills, but it's getting too darn hot to be in the sun that long, so I drove 45 minutes into the mountains, and I was not disappointed! Long hike, but I loved every step!
When you get to the fork in the trail go left, it’s shorter. If you go make sure you prepare for a longer hike than you’d expect. Otherwise you mistakenly hike out and realize you have 5 miles back to the car and only one hour of sun left. I’m not saying I had a bad time, I had a great time.
Just under 9 miles from the lower parking lot. Nice shaded forests for much of it. The only climb is the last 2 miles.
Stack rock is a great trail it took us 5 hours, it was a nice early morning hike! recommend going through the reviews before the hike it helped prepare us. took the trail to the right and it was an uphill breeze.
Trail conditions & character
“40 minutes from Boise, beautiful views, nicely shaded in the afternoon, and just challenging enough I can hike to Stack Rock & back after work and get a great workout in!”
“Much easier to find and follow now that the trailhead is getting established by the forest service.”
“Otherwise you mistakenly hike out and realize you have 5 miles back to the car and only one hour of sun left.”
“Well maintained trails, great land stewardship and thrilling rock climb if you are up for a challenge to get the penthouse view.”
“Loved the new trailhead and parking area with restrooms!”
Plan your run at Stack Rock
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- Distance8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Running trails near Garden Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Freddy's Stack Rock Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 92 reviews
Popular hiking area offering trails with varying difficulty levels and scenic views.
Wild Rose Park
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Clean and quiet open space with a river and dam views, plus picnic tables.
Cobblestone Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 102 reviews
Riverside spot for picnics and relaxation.
Emmett City Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 975 reviews
Dog-friendly park featuring play structures, tennis courts and picnic tables.