08 – Initial Point
The Boise Meridian Initial Point is a volcanic butte located approximately 20 miles from Boise, Idaho. Established in 1867, this point was selected for its prominent and isolated position, serving as the origin for land surveys of the Idaho Territory. Its location was strategically chosen to allow the meridian to extend northward through Idaho’s narrow panhandle up to the Canadian border.
In 1962, a viewing platform and a marble column inscribed with the site’s history were constructed atop the butte by a consortium including the Bureau of Land Management, the Idaho Society of Professional Engineers, and the county. Over the years, the site has faced challenges with vandalism, leading to damage and theft of plaques and markers. Despite these issues, restoration efforts have been undertaken, with the most recent Initial Point disc set into the platform’s concrete floor by the BLM in 2008. Today, the site remains a significant historical landmark, marking one of the 37 federal survey points of origin in the United States.
More Information
https://clui.org/ludb/site/boise-meridian-initial-point
Coordinates: 43.372371, -116.393646
Elevation: 3219 ft
Difficulty: 3
What to Expect: No info
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Easy ride out to the area. Dirt road to the bottom of the point then very rocky path to the top.
May 3rd Stop #4 of the day before we caught up to Sam’s Poker Run
I walked up first to gain my confidence but then rode up with no problems. Stay to the right. Nice view close to town for a quick morning jaunt.
Amazing site. Fun to read about the importance of this spot.
Early surveying has some wild stories — read about Everest. Mapping the west would have been so cool. The last pitch tested the old rock dodging skills and my unconventional suspension. Fun though.
What a view up there! You can tell why surveyors chose this spot.
The road up to the base of the butte is a easy 2, but it definitely earns a 3 once you start climbing. If you use a Ram-X phone mount, put your device in a pocket, as mine launched out after hitting the right series of bumps.
Very windy up there! Bring a kite if you have one, haha.
Stacy and I hit Initial Point on Sunday. She was a bit nervous but she did great! The AdventureNinja did fine too 🙂 Rocky but mostly solid, just tried to find the smoothest lines.
We saw a badger when turning off Swan Falls Rd. onto the dirt/gravel road. The steep hill was a challenge for me. I didn’t do great at finding my line. I think I hit every huge rock but made it up to the top. It was super windy up there.
When going up the steep bit, aim for the right at the start, then you should be able to go any side on the way up.
Fun little ride
Dirt road from highway was hard packed but lots of ruts and whoops. Didn’t go all the way to the top because I’m a newb and brought the wrong bike. I think I’ll come back with the DRZ sometime and go for it. Some pretty gnarly looking (to me) steps ups and lots of sharp looking lava! Nice hike to the top though.
Did not know this was here. Nice view area.
This one is right out in my back yard. Always a nice little ride out and back. It’s always windy on top.
Finishes with a short rocky climb, I got stuck on a pretty good step-up. Level 3.
Bit windy,had to pass a minivan in the ruts.
the last 100 yards is a little tough
Be careful up there, lots of nails
Made my way there from Cloverdale to give it a bit more of a challenge. Some ruts and holes to avoid especially on a big bike. Slow going but not too much drama, one gate to pass through. The climb to the top was loose with some larger rocks and hikers to avoid.
Nice day for a ride
Cold and windy tonight but still made it out. The road to the top is pretty rocky but great view all atoubd
Welcome to Initial Point. I didn’t go to the top because I was riding by myself and was feeling a bit shaky (remember to stay hydrated!), but this was a good view of the butte. Parked next to a dead smelly cow. The road had some ruts but was dry and firm.
Fun, rocky hillclimb to the top. Super wimdy up there.
Very cool spot, both in the view and the significance of this point to the state of Idaho. Much respect to those who take a big bike to the top….glad I was on my intermediate bike.
Never been here before, pretty cool site. A little rocky on the way up.
Fun fact: If you travel directly north from initial point you will find Meridian Road (hence the name). Directly to the south it lines up with Oreana Loop Road (I have heard it used to also be called Meridian Road). The church off Oreana Loop Road is a checkpoint this year.
Nice view you can see almost the whole Vally. Rocky and a lot of ruts if you stay to side of road its not too bad.
Fun evening ride with Alex. Knock off the easy close ones firs. Be careful on the trail up to this one. Lost of loose rock.
All rides should end at a taco truck.
FE701LR and I decided to go for a quick ride this evening, and we hit up two challenge points. The 2nd was Initial Point. It was a beautiful view, and we could see a storm coming in from the distance. Getting to the top with a little hairy. I’m an intermediate rider and I made it to the top on my R1200GS, but it was a handful. It’s definitely a solid 3. From the highway to the base of the butte has a handful of ruts, you might be careful if it’s wet outside.
Great views. It’s interesting to know that every land survey in Idaho begins at that point. Do not attempt this route when it’s muddy; I noticed some knee-deep ruts along the flat. The climb up to the top is steep and rocky but not bad with the 890.
There was a lot of people out in the desert yesterday.
Not more than a mile off Swan Falls Road, the dirt is firm and rutted. The closer you get, the rockier it becomes. First they are loose, but as the road gets steeper, the rocks get sharper! A beautiful view awaits you at the top, and it is interesting to see what the”Point” of this Challenge is!
Perfect day for a ride down to Kuna. The weather was nice and very few people were out. The road conditions were good except for some deeper ruts on the main road to Initial Point that could cause some challenges at higher speeds. There is a fair amount of sharp and jagged rocks on the upper road to the top.