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!"

Danskin Mountains Peak 4743 Hike

Last edited on March 24, 2017

I went on a 3.5 mile, 1,500-foot elevation gain/loss hike on March 22, 2017, in what I'm calling the Danskin Mountains of southwestern Idaho. The beautiful spring weather and relatively light winds made the hike quite pleasant.

Tim Bondy - Freelance Hiking Writer

Map Of The Hike:

Below is a Google "My Map" that I created out of the GPS track I recorded on my smartphone during the hike. Google has updated the My Map feature and it looks very useful ... for now. However, these Google features seem to have a very short lifespan before being discontinued.

The lines on the map are the exact path I walked, while the two additional markers are the peak and a secondary destination. Play around with the map and you'll find you can move around inside the app to see more details if you wish.





I hiked further than I originally planned and that is concerning for me for two reasons:

1. Because this was a solo hike and if I got hurt, hiking outside of my planned route would have made any rescue more difficult. I leave the specific hiking route I plan to walk with my wife. The only saving grace for the off-plan segment was the visibility of where I was going. In this case, I was directly below the peak I planned on turning around. 
2. I didn't research the land ownership on the extended trek. The maps I looked at after the hike showed I entered private property. I walked about 400 feet into property owned by Michael Wilder out of Star, Idaho. I feel rather strongly about avoiding private property and on this day, I didn't do my due diligence. My bad. 

More about the hike:

• From Boise: It's a 50 minute, 42 mile drive to the trailhead.
• The drive to the "trailhead" is mostly paved with about 6 miles of good gravel road suitable for passenger cars.
• Pick up everything you'll need for the hike before coming into the Mountain Home, Idaho area. 
• Trailhead/Parking is or can be just off a two-track at 43.271759, -115.674936. Pick you stopping point and just go.
• This is cattle/ranching country.
• This is also mule deer country.
• There is a two-track leading up to the ridge. Use it or don't but I find going off trail/road you'll encounter less trash and a nicer environment. Explore.
• Know what lands are public and which are private ... that means you too, Tim Bondy.
• Keep Public Lands Public...
• There is a fence on the ridgeline. It's not a private/public divide. Climb under or if you're tall enough step over. There were a few sections, at the time, where the fence was broken down. 
• A photo album with way too many pictures from the hike can be viewed at https://goo.gl/photos/G6dYp2g5ztem69K97

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Originally published on March 24, 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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