My 10 Favorite Idaho Scrambles

Old Hyndman looks like a technical rock climb from numerous angles. However, there is a really stable and fun scramble to be had up the east face utilizing the "Black Rock Dike", a line that is indented into the face that provides a stable and fun scramble. Views from the top are stunning and so is Big Basin, which you hike through to reach this route.

Elevation

11,755 ft

Route

East Face (Black Rock Dike)

Roundtrip

13 miles

Elevation Gain

4,800 feet

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Snowyside Peak in the Sawtooth Range not only packs the great views one would expect in the scenic Sawtooth Range, but it also delivers a fun and challenging scramble. The final 400 feet to the top require several ascents over walls that look like technical challenges from below, but each are on good rock and great fun. From the top, take in views of several dozen alpine lakes and hundreds of peaks.

Elevation

10,651 ft

Route

Southeast Ridge

Roundtrip

17 miles

Elevation Gain

4,000 feet

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If you have climbed in central Idaho, you have seen Castle Peak. Castle is visible from half a dozen ranges in Idaho. Castle also offers up a terrific scramble from Chamberlain Basin via it's southface. The lower gully holds a bit of scree, but the top is nice, blocky rock and just enough exposure to get your blood pumping. Once you've earned the top, take in views of dozens of lakes and the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Elevation

11,815 ft

Route

Southface

Roundtrip

Varies (Numerous Approaches)

Elevation Gain

Varies (Numerous Approaches)

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A second entry for the Sawtooth Range in the top 5. The approach on this one isn't a clean as other peaks on this list, but the top 200 feet offer a challenge on route finding, dealing with exposure, and spicy scrambling. You are essentially surrounded by steep drop-offs on all sides. The tiny summit offers typical Sawtooth views that will thrill... so long as you can get your mind off that steep 30 foot pitch you have to downclimb at some point :-)

Elevation

10,269 ft

Route

Southeast Slopes

Roundtrip

9.9 miles

Elevation Gain

3500 feet

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Ivory Peak is located 1.7 miles northeast of Washington Peak in the White Clouds. We did this peak as part of a 6 peak traverse. The northeast ridge was spicy to say the least. Good handholds make it safe, but the snow on the rocks certainly made it challenging. This is one of those peaks where you are intimidated looking up at the route and then proud after you climb it. If you only do this peak by itself, you could probably complete this route from 4th of July trailhead in 3 hours roundtrip!

Elevation

10,408 ft

Route

Traverse of Northeast and West Ridges

Roundtrip

5.4 miles

Elevation Gain

2,000 feet

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A lot of people climb Diamond Peak because it is a 12er, a range highpoint, has 5k of prominence, and well... because it is cool. This peak dominates the skyline in the Birch Creek Valley. The east ridge route is clean down low (trail mostly), then presents several short walls that require class 3 climbing up high. Each wall has good handholds and just looks scary, but the climbing is fun.

Elevation

12,197 ft

Route

East Ridge

Roundtrip

7 miles

Elevation Gain

4,200 feet

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Another entry for the Pioneer Range. This one is scenic, but the fun doesn't stop there. The final 500 feet of climbing on the south ridge are challenging and you never really know you are going to make the summit until you take that final step foot onto it. Views into Wildhorse Canyon are worth the trip alone!

Elevation

11,510 ft

Route

South Ridge

Roundtrip

8 miles

Elevation Gain

4,000 feet

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Back-to-back entries for the Pioneer Range here. Angel's Perch is a spectacular climb, especially when you come up from Wildhorse Canyon and up the south ridge. Knife edge ridges, steep dropoffs, and good rock all make this route a blast.

Elevation

11,687 ft

Route

West Face to South Ridge

Roundtrip

4 miles

Elevation Gain

4,200 feet

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Idaho's 2nd highest peak is my 9th favorite climb. This one isn't necessarily a lot of scrambling like the other's on this list, but it does have a nice scramble finish. The route from West Pahsemeroi to the Northeast Ridge is on generally solid scree. The West Pahsemeroi trail is incredibly scenic.

Elevation

12,228 ft

Route

Northeast Ridge

Roundtrip

8 miles

Elevation Gain

4,100 feet

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Another entry for the White Clouds on the list! The first excitement on this trip is the gorgeous scenery in the Big Boulder Chain of Lakes. The next is the spicy scramble up Peak 11272, located just south of Cove Lake. This route is on good granite, but it isn't for the faint of heart. The tiny summit and awesome views are your reward for this challenging climb.

Elevation

11,272 ft

Route

North Ridge

Roundtrip

3 miles (from Cove Lake)

Elevation Gain

1500 feet (from Cove Lake)

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