Peakbagging The Edge Of The Danskin Mountains

A late November 2017 peakbagging hike where I collected three peaks and some great views of southern Idaho's desert mountains.

The three peaks I bagged on Nov. 22, 2017

The Story

This was a late season hike and the way Idaho's weather can close in on me, it was supposed to be just a quick scramble to the top of Peak 5378. But my trained meteorological eyes told me the weather was obviously going to cooperate for the entire day so I decided to add a few peaks to the hike.

Steepness

I believe officially the hike was in the Danskin Mountains but geographically and geologically the route seemed more like the Mount Bennett Hills instead. The trailhead is just a wide spot on a dirt road and heads pretty quickly up a rather steep grade. There are no trails up this lava rock escarpment. 

During the first hour of the hike up, there was a 500-foot section of 39% average slope and places that seemed more cliff-like than trail. I try not to look down and I do better when things get steep like that.

Peak 5285

Self-named Peak 5285 (Blue Dot) took this old codger less than an hour to plant my boots on it. The view over the Snake River Plains, Bennett Mountain and the snow-capped peaks of the Soldier and Trinity Mountains were all quite visible from the peak. The name "peak" is being generous as it wasn't readily apparent where the unofficial peak was even on a topo map. My 7.5-minute quad topo map does show a closed contour giving me the opportunity to call it a "peak."

Next ...

A one-half mile hike to the northwest put me on another self-named peak. Peak 5377 is a little more visually prominent than Peak 5285 providing different views. Being a little closer to the Long Tom Creek, that river valley stood out as did the Snake River Plains. From the peak, I could easily see a two-track dirt road leading to my final destination and that was a little unexpected.

Peak 5377

Peak 5378 was less than one-half mile away and I took advantage of that path. As peaks go, it certainly didn't stand out as much of a feature. It's also where the two-track deadends. Again, the views were spectacular. I could easily see out to the Soldier Mountains, the Trinity Mountains, The Owyhee Mountains and the Jarbidge Mountains in Nevada. There is also a place where Long Tom Reservoir is visible and the juxtaposition of the deep blue against the nearly solid tan landscape of this area was striking.

The view of Long Tom Reservoir from Peak 5378

There were two features I found during the hike that I couldn't explain. See the two photos below for a good visual. The bottom photo shows a metal post recently drilled into solid rock on Peak 5378. The other was a small fenced-in area near the trailhead. If you have an explanation, leave a comment or use my contact form.

A small fenced area but why so small an area?

A metal post drilled into solid rock and recently painted

The Hike Details

Date Of Hike: November 22, 2017
Name of Hike: Hike To Peak 5378
Link To Photographs: https://photos.app.goo.gl/mtMRYiDtN9jCuCok2
Total HikeMileage: 3.2 mile out and back hike
Vertical Feet: +1,383 feet / -1,378 feet
Average Slope: +16.2% / -15.8%
Elevation Ranges: 4,503 feet / 5,379 feet
Total Time On Trail: 3 hours 20 minutes
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Gear Used: New Balance hiking boots, Outdoor Product hiking stick
Land Ownership: 100% BLM public lands
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 56.5 miles
Online Map of This Adventure: It's available and should contact me or leave a comment stating your wishes.

Outdoor Concierge Service

An online map of this hiking/biking/fishing adventure is available by using the “Contact Me” form on this site or leaving me a comment on this story stating your wishes.

If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of adventures in the (Danskin Mountains, along the Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness or Bruneau Desert), I will be glad to discuss some outdoor options. Use the contact form on this site I'll get back to you.

In Decline Statement 

If venturing to this area, please understand the local opinion is my hometown of Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. There are some businesses thriving, but not many. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

This story was originally published on November 24, 2017.

Thanks,





Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Hike To Peak 5289 And Above

This cross-country hike above the South Fork of the Boise River on November 12, 2017, was steep but quite beautiful.

Panoramic views to the northwest of a ridge leading up to Granite Mountain in southwest Idaho, USA in Nov 2017.

Summary of hike

This November 12, 2017, headed up towards the 6,818 foot tall Granite Mountain above Anderson Ranch Reservoir and the South Fork of the Boise River. For all practical purposes, there are no trails leading up to Peak 5289 and eventually the unnamed Peak 5403. The views from these peaks were spectacular. I recommend giving this route a try someday.

The Story

I was surprised the weather has cooperated enough to be able to hike this area in mid-November but I won't complain ... much. Rain, 36 hours prior to the hike, made the ground uncharacteristically soft and grippy but not muddy at all. 

Sproule Flat in the foreground and Bennett Mountain is the snow-covered peak in the distance

The route I chose took me straight up the escarpment to Sproule Flat above the Boise River. From there I spotted the peak I wanted to get to and started towards the ridgeline that would get me there. I had this hike all planned and annotated on the topographic maps loaded on my smartphone.  

Sometimes Google Earth and topo maps don't tell the whole story and other times I just feel like forging another route. That's the great thing about hiking in southern Idaho. For the most part, the landscape allows you to see your peak and chose what route looks most desirable. I deviated a little from my planned route in a grass-is-greener sort of way.

At the trailhead, you can see the first section of the hike is rather steep.

This was a steep and strenuous hike for me. The average slope of the entire hike worked out to be about 23% during the 2.92 mile out and back hike. While there weren't any official trails to Peak 5289 and beyond, game trails through the sagebrush steppe and thicket were numerous. There is also an abundance of large lava rock slide in certain portions of the hike. Avoid these at all cost ... ankle strainers for sure.

The options for a hike in this area are numerous. It could be cut short by stopping on Sproule Flats or it could be lengthened by continuing up to Granite Peak and past. I stopped well before my goal which would have added 2 miles and 1,000 elevation gain/loss to the hike. 

The rocks in the foreground is what I considered Peak 5389 and the "U" shaped rock outcropping on the ridge beyond is peak 5404

The weather? The forecast was for relatively light winds and mostly cloudy skies. And for the most part, the National Weather Service forecast was correct. However, as I approach Peak 5289, the winds were screaming. by the time I reach Peak 5403, the winds were even stronger. While this was disappointing, my experience tells me this is quite normal. Weather models and weather forecaster rarely can correctly forecast the winds on mountain ridges and peaks. Moral of the story? Be prepared for wind whenever hiking in Idaho. I was.

The Hike Details

Date Of Hike: November 12, 2017.
Name of Hike: Hike To Peaks 5289 and Peak 5403 Above Sproule Flat
Link To Photographs: https://photos.app.goo.gl/n2ObMYsnG2q2fSKu1
Total Hike Mileage: 2.92 miles
Vertical Feet: +1,833 feet / -1,833 feet
Average Slope: +23.0% / -23.9%
Elevation Ranges: 3,770 feet / 5,398 feet (Peak 5,403)
Hike Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Gear Used: Outdoor Product hiking pole and New Balance hiking boots
Land Ownership: 100% National Forest public lands (Boise National Forest)
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 72 miles
Online Map of This Hike/ Bike / Adventure: It's available and you can contact me via the form on this site or leave a comment stating your wishes.

Outdoor Concierge Service

I will prepare a digital hiking plan in this area for you for as little as $20 or other places in southern Idaho. Use my “Contact Me” form on this site or leaving me a comment on this story stating your wishes.

If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of adventures in the (Boise National Forest, Owyhee Front, Danskin Mountains, along the Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness or Bruneau Desert), I will be glad to discuss some outdoor options. Use the contact form on this site I'll get back to you.

In Decline Statement

If venturing to this area, please understand the local opinion is my hometown of Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. There are some businesses thriving, but not many. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

This story was originally published on November 13, 2017.

Thanks,





Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Peak Bagging Opal Mountain Area of the Owyhee Mountains

Free-Hiking The Owyhee Mountains of Idaho in October 2017

Opal Mountain or Peak 4602 is where I was headed. 

Summary of a local hike: The first real hike of the fall is highlighted in this post. The Owyhee Mountains of southern Idaho have been my cold season go-to recreation location for many years. With a cloudy and windy day predicted by weather experts, I decided some peak bagging was in order.

The Story: I named a peak in this area "Opal Mountain" about five years ago and this hike would take me back to the same mountain but I would be approaching the peak from a different direction. Peak 4602 is normally attacked from the north starting at a parking area off the Poison Creek Cut-off Road. This hike started from the Poison Creek Canyon heading south on a narrow hiking/motorcycle trail in the creekbed.

Vein of jasper

I then headed west toward the not-so-distant peaks and just linked from one peak to the next. I had no real destination but did want to explore this area a little more than I did in the past. The geology of this small area is interesting. There are pockets and veins of opal, agate, and jasper in an otherwise sterile rockhounding environment. The rocks are the reason I keep coming back here.

Overall, I bagged about four minor peaks and three named peaks during this 3.5 hour wandering of the Owyhee Mountains. This place is an ideal place to get away from it all. In the 10 times I've been out in this area, it rare that I encounter another person. On this day, Oct. 11, 2017, I saw one truck on the main dirt road and a parked RV off in the distance.

The Hike Details
Date Of Hike: October 11, 2017
Name of Hike / Ride: Peak Bagging Opal Mountain Area of the Owyhee Mountains
Link To Photographs: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UoS9gREY0jdveT3p1
Total Hike: 4.40 miles
Vertical Feet: +1,502 feet / -1,504 feet
Average Slope: +12.2% / -13.6%
Elevation Ranges: 3,660 feet / 4,626 feet
Approximate Time On Trail: 3 hours 30 minutes
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Land Ownership: 100% BLM public lands
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 73 miles
Online Map of This Hike: It's available and should contact me or leave a comment stating your wishes.

Outdoor Concierge Service: If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of outdoor adventures along the Owyhee Front, I will be glad to discuss some outdoor options.

In Decline Statement: If venturing to this area, please understand the local opinion is my hometown of Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. There are some businesses thriving, but not many. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

This story was originally published on November 3, 2017.

Thanks,



Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Teapot Dome Hike on October 19, 2017

A local hike in the southwestern Idaho's Bennett Mountain Hills in October 2017 is discussed in this post.

This was the path I took down the mountain. The summit is not visible in the photograph.

Summary of a local hike: This hike was more of a “get out and get some exercise” type of hike than an adventure. It can be done in short order so it’s a good “after work” or “just don’t want to sit around” activity for visitors to Mountain Home and Elmore County, Idaho.

This “canary in a mine” hike documents my physical fitness improvement in the last few years. In 2012, I could barely summit this local peak. I found this hike to still be a little strenuous but the biggest challenge was making sure I didn’t twist my ankle on the rocky ground.

The Hike Details
Date Of Hike: October 19, 2017
Name of Hike: Teapot Dome Canary in the Mine
Link To Photographs: https://photos.app.goo.gl/yjb6UywmTQgAK8nL2
Total Hike Mileage: 2.56 miles
Vertical Feet: +1,098 feet / -1,098 feet
Average Slope: +15.9% / -15.9%
Elevation Ranges: 3,741 feet / 4,717 feet
Hike Time From Trailhead To Summit: 1 hour 30 minutes
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Land Ownership: 100% BLM public lands
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 54 miles

If venturing to this area, please understand the small town of Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of outdoor adventures along the Owyhee Front, I will be glad to discuss your options.

This story was originally published on October 24, 2017.

Thanks,



Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

The Big Draw MTB Ride in the Bruneau Desert

A mountain bike ride high above the desolation of the Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness of Idaho.

The fear of falling was a motivator for not getting too close to the edge.

Summary of a Mountain Bike Ride: This ride was originally part of a longer ride in the desert southeast of Bruneau, Idaho on October 18, 2017. Located in the desolated region containing the Bruneau River Canyon and only 70 ‘as-the-crow-flies’ miles southeast of Boise makes this a good day ride to see some spectacular scenery.

The Ride: The approach road was 6-9 miles of washboard and rutted gravel road with the main problem finding safe parking off Blackstone-Grasmere road. I found my safe spot about 2 miles further into the desert than I originally intended.

Once on my bike, the gently rolling hills made biking a little more interesting. Gravel/dirt roads in this area aren’t marked very well and from my experience, they aren’t maintained very often either. To highlight this point I completely missed my first turn heading east towards the canyons. Later in the day, I came out that road and I understand why I missed the turn on this loop-type ride. It didn't even look like a road nor a trail.

This is the turn or intersection I missed. It's on the left ;-)

The highlight of the trip was riding down more widely traveled unnamed trail that followed the rim of an unnamed canyon to a spit of land high above the Bruneau River Canyon. The view from that spit of land was dizzying and spectacular. Really … it was “Wow.”

Once I took in the views from all sides of that spit of land, I headed back to find the trail I should have been on before riding this road. Yes, I did have maps and had the capability to get back on the original circuit that I planned. But once I discovered I missed that first turn, I decided riding the planned loop in reverse couldn’t hurt. The bonus being I was staying on my published route.

The loop road was turned out to be a two-track that wasn’t marked. This loop part of the ride is an official BLM jeep trail while the trail out to the canyon rim is not. My expectation was this part of the ride would be flat and a speedy ride. That didn’t pan out either.

There is an Air Force A-10 aircraft in this photo. They flew close to me but I was slow on the camera.

The loop road was flat but bumpier than the worst washboarded road I’ve been on. I probably cruised this two-track at 10 miles an hour and it tried to shake my brains loose for most of its length. The scenery wasn’t exactly special either. I did watch two military A-10 aircraft flying in the canyon only about 1/3 of a mile away. You don’t get to see that very often in other places in the world unless it’s a war zone.

This wasn’t a mountain biker’s ride but more of a touring #mtb exploring an area not many have ever ventured on a bicycle.

The Ride Details
Date Of Ride: October 18, 2017
Name of Ride: The Big Draw MTB Ride in the Bruneau Desert
Link To Photographs From Ride: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fNfYsEAwyRMEjfld2

Bike Ridden: Giant Talon 2 (2017)
Total Mountain Bike Mileage: 13.8 miles
Vertical Feet: +669 feet / -689 feet
Average Slope: +1.7% / -1.5%
Elevation Ranges: 3,401 feet / – 3,736 feet
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Land Ownership: 100% on public BLM lands. I may have entered the Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness while walking around the above mentioned “spit” of land.
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 80 miles

Why "The Big Draw"? The Crowbar Gulch topo map identified it as such. 

If venturing to this area, please understand the small town of Mountain Home, Idaho to the north of this area is a city in decline. Your best options are to avoid the place completely and stock up on food, supplies, and gas elsewhere. #MountainHomeIdaho #CityInDecline

If you would like more information about mountain biking, hiking, rockhounding or any type of outdoor adventures southern Idaho, USA, I will be glad to discuss your options.

This story was originally published on October 20, 2017.

Thanks,



Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka, "enemy of the American People!"

Idaho Teapot Dome Hike - Video From The Top

Last edited on March 22, 2017

The weather forecast was looking good so I make the decision to hike up a local volcanic peak called Teapot Dome. With temperatures in the 60s and plenty of sunshine, I headed up Highway 20 towards Fairfield, Idaho. But before heading up the mountains, I veered off to the right towards the massive lava peak about two miles off in the near distance.

Teapot Dome is about 50 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho

To get there:

• From Interstate 84, Exit 95 head north for about 7.1 miles. Turn right or southeast onto NE Teapot Road.
• Drive for one mile on this good gravel road.
• Turn left on a two track road and park close to the intersection on the right. (43.183760, -115.547435)
• That lava massive extending well to the east is Teapot Dome. (43.181057, -115.533046)
• Point your nose towards the peak and start walking.

Other Info:

• This is a non-trailed cross-country hike.
• All the lands from the parking spot to the peak are public and freely open to hiking. 
• There are other places to access this peak further down NE Teapot Road. 
• If you are looking for outdoor gear, food or drink, it's best to buy in Boise or Twin Falls. Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. 

More photos from this hike can be viewed at https://goo.gl/photos/XbdvcbgquKyJzb3B7

If you liked this story, please consider sharing this post with your friends and family. And you can provide other feedback by clicking a simple "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story.

Originally published on March 22, 2017

Thanks,


Tim Bondy Freelance
Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!"

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