- What makes Idaho special for outdoor enthusiasts?
- As one of the Rocky Mountain states, Idaho boasts an astonishing array of truly beautiful peaks. With hundreds of mountains spread out over more than 110 named mountain ranges, the state offers endless opportunities to hike, climb, and camp.
- What mountain ranges can be found in Idaho?
- Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the rugged Boulder Mountains, marvel at the photogenic Sawtooth Range, or admire the many high peaks of the Pioneer Mountains.
- What are the "Idaho 12ers"?
- The state is also home to 9 mountains with an elevation of more than 12,000 feet, which are colloquially known as the “Idaho 12ers.”
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1. Bald Mountain
Known to the locals as 'Baldy', Bald Mountain is where the first ski resort in North America was opened. The Idaho mountain boasts approximately 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, more than 60 runs, and 13 ski lifts. Some of the lifts run in the summer as well as in the winter, giving hikers the opportunity to take a free chairlift ride down to the bottom of the mountain. There are plenty of hiking trails on the mountain, but the most popular is the 4.5-mile Bald Mountain Trail. The mountain is also a popular destination for rock climbers, mountain bikers, and paragliders.
2. Borah Peak
With a height of 12,662 ft., Borah Peak is the highest mountain in the state of Idaho. The standard route up the mountain is a class 3 scramble known as Chickenout Ridge; it begins in Birch Springs, requires hikers to ascend 5,262 vertical feet in 4.1 miles, and includes a narrow ridge-walk that can intimidate less experienced mountaineers. The easiest and most popular time to climb the mountain is during the late summer. The trails are open early in the season and during the winter as well, but special equipment such as crampons, snowshoes, and an ice ax might be needed.
3. Cache Peak
Located not far from the City of Rocks National Reserve, a popular rock climbing destination, the 10,339-foot. Cache Peak offers stunning views of the Teton Mountain Range. A forest service road on the southwest side of the mountain leads to a saddle where a trail begins. The trail does not lead all the way to the summit, but it can easily be reached if you have a map and a compass. Campsites are available for a fee in the City of Rocks area, and campers should also be able to find a place to pitch their tent further up the mountain.
4. Castle Peak
Known for its challenging routes, Castle Peak is part of the White Cloud Mountain Range. The easiest and most popular route up the mountain is a class 3 scramble that begins in the Chamberlain Basin. More than 25 lakes can be seen from the summit, as can the Lost River Range, the Sawtooth Range, and the Smoky Mountains. A Sawtooth Recreation Area permit is needed to access the mountain; both annual and 3-day passes are available. Most visitors come to the mountain between June and September, as avalanches and road conditions are a concern during the winter months.
5. Cobb Peak
One of the three legs of the Pioneer Triumvirate, Cobb Peak is often considered to be among the most beautiful mountains in the state. The summit sits at 11,650 feet, making the mountain the 35th highest in Idaho, and the summit is exposed enough to be uncomfortable to stand on. The mountain's most distinctive feature is its multi-colored southwest face, but the north face has the honor of being one of the most challenging snow climbs in the area. The approach is quite long, and hikers may wish to camp in Hyndman, Big Basins, or at the trailhead.
6. Devil's Bedstead East
Not to be confused with Devil's Bedstead West, Devil's Bedstead East is an interesting peak that has a pyramidal shape when viewed from the north and a block-like shape when viewed from the east. The most popular routes on the mountain are the Boulder Lake and Kane Creek trails, both of which lead to a scramble on the north face. Late summer is the best time to go; the mountain can be quite difficult to climb when covered with snow, as it is during the rest of the year. Several campgrounds are available, and camping on the mountain is permitted as well.
7. Diamond Peak
Shaped like a large pyramid, Diamond Peak is the highest mountain in Idaho outside of the Lost River Range. The peak attracts plenty of hikers and climbers thanks to its height of 12,197 feet, and the most popular route to the top is a class 3 scramble. Camping is available at the base of the mountain on the east side, by Badger Creek on the west side, and in the campground next to Birch Creek. Lucky visitors might spot antelope on the drive to the mountain; the valleys on the east and west sides are home to the largest herds in Idaho.
8. Doublespring Peak
Part of the Lost River Range, Doublespring Peak consists of a complicated series of ridges that make it difficult to see the true 11,611-foot summit. Although not nearly as popular with hikers and climbers as the nearby Mount Borah, Doublespring Peak can be climbed from late June through October. The mountain is located solidly in the backcountry, so visitors should go prepared with all necessary equipment. There are no campgrounds in the area, and car camping is recommended as much of the terrain is extremely exposed and will put campers at the mercy of the elements.
9. Goat Mountain, Idaho
Goat Mountain, Idaho has two distinct summits, although the southern peak is slightly higher and thus considered to be the true summit. The remote peak is located in the Beaverhead Mountain Range, and it offers a class 2 scramble that begins in the parking area, leads along the southwest ridge, and allows hikers to access both peaks. The mountain can be climbed at any time of the year, although snowshoes and trekking poles are recommended for anyone planning to make the ascent during the winter. Hikers should also be aware that there is no water to be found along the trail.
10. Hyndman Peak
Located at the head of the Hyndman basin, Hyndman Peak is a majestic pyramid-shaped mountain with a height of 12,009 feet. The ascent to the top is the easiest of all the Idaho 12ers, but the route to the summit still requires hikers to climb 5,000 feet over a distance of 12 miles. There are no fees to access the area, and visitors can camp for free at the trailhead or at Hyndman Basin, which offers water and trees for shelter. Late summer and fall are the best times to visit the mountain, although hiking in the winter is sometimes possible.
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Table of Contents:
- 1. Bald Mountain
- 2. Borah Peak
- 3. Cache Peak
- 4. Castle Peak
- 5. Cobb Peak
- 6. Devil's Bedstead East
- 7. Diamond Peak
- 8. Doublespring Peak
- 9. Goat Mountain, Idaho
- 10. Hyndman Peak