Idaho Climbing
For some, there is nothing quite like reaching the top of a mountain or climbing the next towering rock formation. Idaho offers a myriad of choices-no matter what you like to climb. The top 10 favorite peaks are as follows.
10 Great Idaho Mountain Climbs
|
Range |
Elevation |
Brief Description |
Borah Peak |
Lost River |
12,655 |
Idaho’s highest peak, the trek is demanding but worth it. It was named for Senator William Borah. |
Bell Mountain |
Lemhi |
11,612 |
A class 3 climb and one of the most unique peaks in Idaho. |
Mount Heyburn |
Sawtooth |
10,200 |
Grades II- This is a 2 pitch climb on solid granite |
Peak 11272 |
White Clouds Peak |
11,272 |
Though unnamed, it by no means uninteresting. This pyramid shaped granite mountain has a summit that can barely handle 2 climbers. |
Big Baldy |
Salmon River Mnts. |
9,705 |
A Class 1 climb- This is a must do for every hiker! Anchoring the Big Baldy Ridge. It is the highest Salmon River Summit west of Middle Fork. |
Freeman Peak. |
Beaverhead Range |
10,273 |
Class 3—Can be climbed year round; however, the northeast and southeast ridges are the most accessible yet most difficult courses. |
Mount Idaho |
Lost River |
12,065 |
A class 3 climb with short ridges, ledges and gullies |
Mount Regan |
Southeast Ridge |
10,190 |
A class 3 climb; this is one of the Sawtooth Mountain’s most photographed peaks. |
Hyndman Peak |
Pioneer |
12,009 |
This is a class 3 climb; offering a strenuous climb and cross-country hike. |
USGS Peak |
Lost River |
11,982 |
Not necessarily an extreme climb, but one that every mountain climber should include their “to do” list. The scenery is magnificent. |
Rock Climbing in Idaho
The most famous region for rock climbing is the City of Rocks located in the Albion Mountain Range. The giant rock formations here have shaped by much weathering. There are about 700 routes from which to choose with spires ranging from 100 to 300 foot spires, as well as some more challenging 600 foot ones. It has some of the most difficult routes in America, many of which were developed by Idaho climber, Tony Yaniro.
During the 1840s and 50s, the region was a main through way for those on the California Trail. Many of the carved names and initials of those who passed through are still visible today. The region was also a popular hunting ground for the Shoshone and Bannock Indian tribes. Today, the City of Rocks Reserve is home to a variety of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The region is known for its semi-arid climate, moderately low amounts of rain, extremes in both seasonal and daily temperatures with summers hot, dry and having occasional thunderstorms.
Photo Credits: Photo by J. Mayer
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