Maps - Southeastern Idaho Mountain Ranges Maps

Originally posted on January 3, 2019

Writing about outdoor adventures in Idaho necessarily means knowing what roads and trails you are on and especially what mountain ranges you are roaming. The boundaries of mountain ranges in this part of the country are, in most cases, ill-defined and left up to the interpretation of the writer/outdoorsman.

That ill-defined fuzzy interpretation isn't good enough for this writer of outdoor blog posts. I intend to make my very own mountain range maps but until then, I will rely on the few "ranges" maps available on the internet.

Southeast Idaho Mountain Ranges 

923 px by 632 px

Reference: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hdVVpSivTbRfH9H37



Last updated on January 3, 2019

Thanks,

~ signed ~


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist
.
I am a proud citizen journalist, aka "enemy of the American People!" 

About the New Header Image Created on Dec. 18, 2018

Originally posted on December 26, 2018

I changed the header image on my "Tim Bondy Writes" blog on December 18, 2018.

Date Taken: October 12, 2018
Location: About 4.5 miles south of Bennett Mountain South Peak in southwestern Idaho.
Geotagged: 43.1732101, -115.444519
Map Linked: https://goo.gl/maps/mKX42acJ52k
Link to Original Photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/1xmzfxBDb63p89Zr6
Link to the story where the header image was taken: https://timbondy.blogspot.com/2018/12/trip-report-mountain-bike-ride-up.html

The Old Header Image

The previous header image originally uploaded in Dec. 2017

Freelance Writer and Social Media Manager for Hire

If you are looking for a professional to write articles, social media posts or create an inexpensive website for your business or company, please contact me.

Last updated on December 26, 2018

Thanks,

~ signed ~

Tim Bondy

Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

.

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

Photo: Mountain Biking the Boise National Forest on July 6, 2018

Originally posted on November 22, 2018

FSR #137

Peak 6644 near the headwaters of Williams Creek is displayed prominently in this panoramic photo from a July 6, 2018 mountain bike trip.

Geotagged at 43.478817, -115.4660034
Map Linked at https://goo.gl/maps/CEy8HCQMvGT2
Photograph Link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/FmirZiBADF45M1w78

Last updated on November 22, 2018

Thanks,

~ signed ~

Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

Boise National Forest Peak 6355 - Failed Attempt

Originally Posted: June 4, 2018

A Little About A June 1, 2018, Hike In Southwestern Idaho, USA. 

I wanted to go for a mountain bike ride but the weather forecast was for gusty northwesterly winds and cool temperatures. That forecast led me to a hike that I will classify as a Favorite.

This 5.5-mile hike includes only 1.8 miles on an established trail. The rest of the hike is cross-country through a mixture of wide-open and/or bramble choked ridgeline. The bramble is just coming back after a 2013 wildfire that burned through the area.

As with most of my hikes in the past two years, the main draw is the scenic beauty and this adventure has an abundance of that. It's also close to home and if I wish, I can swim in the nearby lake or fish if the spirit moves me in those two directions.

There are two creek crossings on this hike.

View from the lower parts of the hike

Wildflowers were blooming mad.

Arrowroot Balsam

A lone "Indian Paintbrush?"

Unknown flower name 

Wildfire probably killed this tree.

That's a treetop that broke off ... a real deadfall

The scenery is why I hike

This was a strenuous day hike for me but there are many different options if you'd like to experience some adventure in southwestern Idaho.

Elmore County Outdoor Concierge Services

If you are looking for a place to ride, hike, rockhound or fish in southwestern Idaho, I will plan that trip for you. Read more about this simple and easy service at https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html


Last updated on June 4, 2018.

Thanks,

~ signed ~


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

Mountain Bike Up A Danskin Peak ... Again?

Originally Posted: May 30, 2018

This is my insight about a mountain biking trip up a local peak plus a few photographs.

This ride is located in the Danskin Mountains of southern Idaho. The rough and tumble dirt track is mainly county-owned and it tracks through some private property (legal to transit through), plus some State of Idaho and National Forest Service lands.

Depending on your physical fitness level, this non-technical ride could be rated strenuous or just a "good work-out" type of ride. The views are typical Danskin Mountain views until you hit the five-mile mark and then the horizon opens up for spectacular views. It's the views that make this #mtb ride worth the sweat and toil.

"For what it's worth, this was my second attempt to ride the peak and my second failed try." 

The Photographs

Walking is part of this ride 

Photography of some of the scenery. The Praire, Idaho flats

The road gets steep and rutted

A grand panoramic 

A high mountain lake? 

The road seems to go on forever

The Giant Talon 2 and the author

Cool rock

A perspective.

Elmore County Outdoor Concierge Services

If you are looking for a place to ride, hike, rockhound or fish in southwestern Idaho, I will plan that trip for you. Read more about this simple and easy service at https://timbondy.blogspot.com/p/elmore-county-outdoor-concierge-services.html

Last updated on May 31, 2018.

Thanks,

~ signed ~


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!"

Wilson Flats Ridgeline Hike in Boise National Forest

Last edited on May 14, 2017

This May 3, 2017, hike up a ridgeline above Wilson Flats on the north side of Anderson Ranch Reservoir was very enjoyable. The beauty, solitude, and geology made this area located about 40 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho a great place for a microadventure. My unrealistic but original goal was Peak 6355 that is just 2.5 miles south of the 7,700 tall House Mountain. I didn't make it that far. But I did make it to Peak 5675.

From an elevation of 5,396, or about 1,500 feet above the valley floor, the views to the north were spectacular.

My Wilson Flats Area History

I have a longish history with Wilson Flats. I first visited the area back in 2008, looking for a creek to fish. There were fish in the creek then, but things have changed. In 2013 the "Elk Complex" wildfire burned through the area and a flash flood later scoured Wilson Creek valley pretty much clean.

I ATV'd up to the flats a number of times before that fire and flash flood. In 2013, the trail from Anderson Dam Road up to the flats was officially closed to all activities and just in the last couple years, hikers were allowed back in. The trail is still closed to bikes and motorized vehicles. So hiking and horses are the only options. I hope it stays that way.

I've hiked up to the "flats" a number of times since 2014. But this hike was a little different. It was more about the climb and exploring off-trail.

This is the trails that heads up to Wilson Flats. Steep and the views over the side are incredible.

The Hike

In retrospect, I suppose there was an easier way to step foot on Peak 5675. That easier way would have been to stay on trail and head up the Little Wilson Creek drainage. But then I would have missed some pretty cool scenery and the exploration part of the hike. So instead, as I approach Wilson Flats, I veered into the steep and rugged untracked terrain and slogged my way up the ridgeline I would follow for the next few hours.

The ridgeline hike gave me outstanding views into both the Wilson Creek and Little Wison Creek valleys. Something that I have been missing (or not) since the spring hiking season kicked-off was the opportunity to hike in, over and through sagebrush and mountain bramble. There were a few places on the ridgeline that were near impenetrable. In a few years, this hike will be different when the brush and bramble grow up. The fires of 2013 knocked it down a lot.

I cannot resist creating a snow graffiti when I get the chance on a hike. 

The hike along the ridgeline got easier and easier as I climbed toward a peak I knew I'd never step foot on. But damn, it sure was pretty. I did encounter my first snowbank of the hike right near my turn-around point at Peak 5675.

I had some thoughts of taking an alternate route back to the trailhead. I didn't relish the thoughts of descending down an old road cut surrounded by still-standing yet quite dead and burned pine tree carcasses, especially as the winds started kicking up. They don't call it "deadfall" because it will keep you safe.

As of May 2017, to hike up to Wilson Flats, you will have two "boots-wet" stream crossing of Wilson Creek. I brought my sandals for those two crossings. I wanted to preserve my old New Balance 703 hiking boots as they have transitioned into a mountain biking boot. Plus I hate hiking with wet feet and at the time, there wasn't much hope they'd stay dry trying to hopscotch the creek.

I broke open one of these rocks but found only brownish/gray material from outside to inside. You may have better luck.

Rock Hounding Potential

I've hounded this area pretty thoroughly in the past. Damn, there is a lot of potential for smoky quartz and even thundereggs/geodes. But again, the rocks I found were just below the "really cool" level. I've found a few places in the area that contained rocks like those shown in the above photo. There has never been anything collectable about them.

The Hiking Map

Here is my GPX track of the hike ...

The Hike Stats

• Total Miles: 4.91
• Elevations: Min. = 4,227 / Avg. = 4,941 / Max. = 5,675
• Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,889/-1,866 feet
• Slope: Avg. = 12.9% / Max. = 45.6%
• Time on trail: 4:10 hours
• Trailhead coordinates: 43.380962, -115.436869
• Peak 5,675 coordinates: 43.394407, 115.459301
• Topo Map: House Mountain, Idaho
• Land Ownership: Hike was done 100% on public lands!
• Link to more photos: https://goo.gl/photos/EjA6oMtqhykK4duK6
• Geology of hike: Intrusive rocks: mostly Late Cretaceous granodioritic to granitic plutons of the Idaho batholithic assemblage, but including some Eocene intrusions; northern Idaho and Atlanta batholith.
• On-road Distance from Downtown Boise/Twin Falls: 70 miles / 110 miles

Originally published on May 12, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

P.S. The city of Mountain Home, Idaho is a town in decline. My opinion would be to avoid the town completely.

Peak 4922 Near Syrup Creek - Steep, Cold And Windy

Lasted edited on April 13, 2017

"Close to home" has been the keyword for my hiking microadventures recently and Peak 4916 in the Danskin Mountains of southwestern Idaho fits that requirement. It was too cold, rainy and windy for my liking and in parts, way too steep, but I pushed on anyway. What do I mean when I say steep? Steep, as in having to scramble and hold on to rock handholds so I wouldn't slide over a ledge.

Peak 4922 is on this ridge line. Doesn't look all that steep, does it?

The Weather Sucked

I'm a big fan of hiking in shorts and a sweatshirt. The weather forecast indicated that would be appropriate attire. The actual weather dictated long pants and a jacket. I had the jacket but long pants were sitting at home on this Tuesday, April 11, 2017, hike.

Private/Public Land Interface

All the research showed I could make it to the ridgeline and Peak 4922 without venturing through private property. I'm relatively certain I never stepped foot on anything other than public land during the hike.

It was tempting to bag a nearby "privately owned" summit, Peak 4950, located a short 275 yards to the north on that ridgeline, but I didn't. I also had a number of grazing allotment fences to step over or crawl under during this out-and-back hike.

Peak 4922 Rock Cairn and Tim Bondy

Steep, It Was

The last 1,000 feet to the ridgeline summit was a little scary for me. Being a solo hiker, the opportunity to get hurt and spend hours waiting for help is not something I wish to experience. I was on my hands and knees during a part of that ascent.

There were also a few times I thought about heading down to find a safer route back up. The only problem with the retreat plan was scrambling down was just as, if not more nerve-racking than plodding forward. So I kept moving up. Obviously, the fear was all mine and I was in no danger of falling off planet earth.

The steep part of the scramble averaged a 30% slope with a max of 63%. I'd say that 50+% slope portion was probably where I felt a little exposed? Yeah ... probably.

The Particulars Of The Hike

• Total Length: 2.88 miles trailhead to trailhead
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,461 feet
• Slope: Avg. = 17.1% and Max. = 63.1%
• Total Time On Trail: 2:50 hours
• Trailhead Coordinates: 43.277794, -115.677721
• Peak 4922 Coordinates: 43.284738, -115.664381
• 7.5' Quad Topo Map: Syrup Creek, Idaho
• See more photos: https://goo.gl/photos/gZ4YLCJoRCJm1XH18
• This is a cross-country hike with no official trails to the summit. A "point-your-nose-and-go" summit.

A possible hike in April 2017. - Off Syrup Creek Road.

Another Peak Spotted

I've been asked how I figure out what peaks I will be hiking in the future. Research is the answer I give most times. However, sometimes during a hike, I'll spot an interesting route in the distance that looks 'doable.' And during this hike, I spied Peak 4702. 

The route is likely located on 100% public lands but only time will tell. Sometimes we get there, only to find "No Trespassing" signs and other time, like on April 11, 2017, it's a park, hike, and drive away all on public lands. 

Call To Action

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story or commenting. Go ahead ... do it.

Originally published on April 13, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

In decline: The City of Mountain Home, Idaho is in a steady state of decline. My advice is to stay away from my hometown.

Hike To "Didn't Follow Map" Peak In The Owyhee Mtns

Last edited on April 8, 2017

On April 5, 2017, I hiked up the wrong ridgeline in the Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho. The hike was still quite excellent with views stretching from the Silver City Mountains, the mountains north of Boise, Mount Bennett Hills and even the Soldier and Smoky Mountain Ranges. The area is really greening up both in the valleys but also in the higher elevation of the Owyhees.

Horsehead Spring Creek. A stream that likely hasn't see that much water flowing in it for the last 10 years.

Ticks But No Tock

With water come ticks too. In the last month or so I've had a few ticks crawling on me but on this April 5, 2017, hike, ticks were plentiful. I picked up some near the 5,500-foot elevation of the hike. But suspect most of the 25-30 ticks I picked off me were living in the lush, green and very wet Lone Juniper Creek area.

In previous years, I never spent much time in this specific area but enough to know streams and creeks rarely ever run as high as they were during this April 2017 microadventure. I also suspect the waters have receded from their high point early in the year.

The Map

This embedded map proves a number of features. The orange line was my planned hike. The green line is my actual GPS track recorded during the adventure. There are a few markers that would make it easier to get to the trailhead. Oh, there is no real trailhead but just a place to park.

Lost My Way

One of the reasons I enjoy hiking in the Owyhee Mountains is because it's hard to get lost on a daytime microadventure. That doesn't mean I always remain true to my planned hike. In this case, I wandered off my planned hike by one mile and a whole ridgeline.

It wasn't until I was taking a break during a steeper portion of the hike that I looked at my map and discovered my navigation faux pas. By that time is was too difficult to get back on track. That really bugged me, however.

As a solo hiker, I always leave detailed plans of where I will be hiking with my wife in case something goes wrong. To me, being out of the area I said I would be hiking is a very bad idea. For example, there were many places where rocks, the size and shape of a softball, littered the steep hillsides. I did the full " slip, slide and fall" on this hike because of one of the rocks. No injuries but the opportunity existed.

Owyhee Peak 6581 and "Didn't Follow Map Peak."

My 6,000 Foot Quest

With Peak 6581 now out of reach being on the other side of the valley, my new goal became making it to the 6,000-foot level. That wasn't a real stretch but it was getting later than I wished. I pushed on so I could say "I did it" and for the views. That little volcanic plug is now and forever named "Didn't Follow Map Peak" and tops out at 6,005 feet.

Hike Details And other Info

• Date: April 5, 2017
• Who: Tim Bondy
• Where: Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho.
• Land Ownership: Mostly public BLM lands but also a little sliver of Idaho State Lands.
• Elevation Range: 4,683 feet at the trailhead and 6,001 at "Didn't Follow Map Peak"
• Mileage: 4.42 miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,667 feet / 1,666 feet
• Avg / Max Slope: 13% / 37.1%
• Total Time On Trail: 3:50 hours
• Link To More Photographs: https://goo.gl/photos/TkUiCRsxijLvfcqu9

Owyhee Mountain Scenery - Had to stop and capture this view

Call To Action

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story or commenting. Go ahead ... do it.

Originally published on April 8, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

Failed Owyhee Mtns Quad-Peak Hike

Last edited on April 4, 2017

I planned out a hike in the Owyhee Mountains of southwestern Idaho that involved bagging four closely spaced peaks off Mud Flat Road, 21miles southwest of the city of Grand View. I attempted that hike on April 1, 2017, and failed to summit only one of the peaks. It turned out to be a wonderful day in the great outdoors.

Tim Bondy in the Owyhee Mountain during April 2017 - On top of Peak 5882

Why didn't I summit the other peak? That peak, "Rocky Points Peak," was a just a little out of the way. Plus, it would have meant I would have had hike to a saddle about 300 feet below that new summit and I just wasn't up for it. So yeah, I was lazy.👎👎👎 On the bright side, I have another peak to explore in the future. 👍👊

The Location And Owyhee Peak Names 

The hike is close to the relatively unknown "Lone Juniper Creek." There is a two-tract or dirt road running north and then west of the peak area but I stay mostly off of it.

The Peaks:

• Peak 5642 - summited 👍
• Peak 5787 - summited 👍
• Peak 5882 - summited 👍
• The self-named "Rocky Points Peak." - Nope, didn't make it there. 👎

Click On Map, Zoom In/Out and Explore

My research shows some private property is in the area but well away from the peaks, although there is a fence line running along the ridgeline I followed. I suspect it is a BLM grazing allotment fence. However, based on the condition of the fence, maybe I'm missing something and there is private property up there too?

Timbers prop-up the post while a boulder and wire do a counter-balancing act.

Is this a BLM or Idaho fence in the Owyhee Mountains?

Why There?

Why there? It's been awhile since I explored this area for cool rocks and decided some rockhounding while hiking in a place not many have tread would add an extra dimension to this microadventure. The "Rocky Points Peaks" was chosen because of how rocky and gnarly it looked on Google Earth. The other peaks I sought out were chosen because they "they were there."

Cross-country hiking at its finest in the Owyhee Mountains south of Grand View, Idaho.

Other Details

• Total Hike Mileage: 3.99 miles
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,494 feet
• Total Time: Trailhead To Trailhead: 3:45 hours
• Slope: Avg = 12.8% / Max = 41.3%
• Link To More Photographs From The Hike: https://goo.gl/photos/29jZ9VXM5RvVLtZs5
• Parking Location: 42.749351, -116.310569
• Topo Maps: Rough Mountain and Snow Creek Quadrangle 7.5 minute series
• Video From Peak: https://youtu.be/vqulV1Zl87Q

Call To Action

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story or commenting. Go ahead ... do it.

Originally published on April 4, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

Views From Peak 4800 in Southwest Idaho

Lasted edited on March 29, 2017

A quick hike in the Danskin Mountains of southwestern Idaho is highlighted in this story. On March 26, 2017, I hiked to the top of the self-named Peak 4800. It turned out to be a 2.65 mile, 1,049 foot elevation gain/loss trek on a gray, windy Sunday afternoon. The trailhead is in Elmore County approximately 41 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho.

Click to see a bigger version of the Peak 4800 panoramic photograph

The Hike Details

• Total "on-the-mountain" time": 2:23 hours with about 30 minutes sitting on the peak itself.
• Elevation gain/loss: 1,049 feet
• Trailhead: near 43.251183, -115.635049
• Peak: near 43.266425, -115.6300167
• The drive: There are about 6 miles of dirt/gravel road to the trailhead. The Immigrant Road section can get rutted and muddy but passable for most any vehicle. See the included map below.

Video From The Summit of Peak 4800

My Thoughts

I hiked a nearby peak just four days prior so the terrain and views were similar. This is ranching country and cow patties remain the dominate ground cover annoyance during the hike on these fully public BLM lands.

The route from the trailhead to the peak is a healthy 15%. The slope from the peak down to Long Tom Creek, if I was crazy enough to ever try it would be closer to 'CLIFF' than a grade. But that grade certainly made the view down into the canyon quite dramatic.

Click On Map and Zoom In To See the Track


Link to more photographs from this hike: https://goo.gl/photos/MUDhPrWrVe5XZYk97


Originally published on March 29, 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

If you liked this story, please consider sharing the post with your friends and family. You can also provide other feedback by simply clicking a "Reactions" checkbox at the bottom of this story. Go ahead ... do it.

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!"

.

Hike To Below Peak 5651 - Owyhee Mountains

Last updated on March 14, 2017

Summary: This review is about a hike in Owyhee County, Idaho, a place that you might find is a good vacation spot if you are looking for uncrowded outdoor recreation. It's also unique, rugged and quite beautiful. 

I went on a solo cross-country hike in the Owyhee Mountain southwest of Grand View, Idaho. Peak 5651 was my destination but I never made all the way to that little spot on this earth but I was close. Why? I ran out of energy and I'm not in the best physical condition after a long, cold winter.

The view from near Owyhee Peak 5651 in March 2017. Rough Mtn. is the name of the snow covered peak in the mid-ground

Stop For Food and Supplies
If you are need of some last minutes food or supplies, there is a cafe and a small general store on Highway 78 just outside of Grand View, Idaho. For a better choice of supplies and munchies, buy them in the Boise, Caldwell or Meridan area before heading out.

Here is Grand View, Idaho link to Google Maps 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grand+View,+ID+83624/@42.9832396,-116.1069455,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54addd3e7db5cd89:0x95af201b2651a22e!8m2!3d42.9896139!4d-116.0934305?hl=en&authuser=0 Mountain Home is a city in real decline and it's a good idea to stay away when on vacation.

Details:

• Coordinates the photo was taken: 42.7479889, -116.2795861
• Taken on March 12, 2017, at around 3:30 P.M.
• 20 miles southwest of Grand View and 60 miles south of Boise, Idaho (as the crow flies)
• All lands along the hike to the peak were public and freely open to hiking 
• To start the hike, park at or near coordinates 42.766069, -116.280721 just off Mud Flat Road.
• There are no trails to the peak so you just need to point your nose towards your destination and start walking. No, really.

A spit of land called "Between the Creeks" can be seen in the background.

Why Off Trail There?
The primary reason I wanted to peak-out in this particular area was so I could view and possible hike part of the way down into the Shoofly Creek canyon a.k.a. Perjure Canyon. The hike up to this butte was tougher than I expected so I stopped when the view was good enough. And the views of this little-visited canyon area were spectacular.

Video was taken from the summit area

When looking along the northern horizon I could see the snow covered mountain peaks extending from Near Ontario, Oregon and eastward to the Pioneer Mountains near Haily, Idaho. That's a quite a view considering Haily is over 100 miles from Peak 5651. 

Originally published on March 14, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy Freelance
Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

.

Owyhee Mtns Vinson Wash Outing - Public Lands

Photography, Outdoors, Owyhee County, Idaho, Desert, Public Lands
Last edited on February 26, 2017

A fork on an unnamed road in the Owyhee Mountains

A sunny, 40℉  February 2017 day in the Owyhee Mountains of southern Idaho. 

Sunshine has been a rare commodity in southern Idaho this winter. So when the opportunity presented itself, I took it and headed into the Owyhee Mountains for a pre-microadventure exploration hike.

This area about 15 miles southwest of Grand View, Idaho and about 50 miles south of Boise, Idaho and will likely be the location of a future microadventure in 2017. It's a sagebrush covered desert environment with a number of peaks to explore. And I have explored many of them since 2007. But now it's time to get out into these "deserty" mountains for a overnight camping adventures.

The two-track seen in this photograph has no name that I know of. It is only suitable for high clearance vehicles and of course ATVs, motorcycles and hiking. I walked.

This photograph was taken at 42.8234194, -116.2587694 on February 25, 2017 at 2:45 P.M. while facing west.

Peak 5141 is located at 42.826619, -116.310974 and is about two and three-quarter miles away from the photo location.

Ownership
On this exploration, I hiked a total of 4.13 miles and at no time did I step foot on anything other than public lands. From the research I have done, most of the lands within a 10 mile radius of the hike are federal lands and freely open to hiking ... no permission needed.

The next biggest land owner within a 10 mile radius of my hike is the State of Idaho. Idaho owned lands are a peculiar in that they can lock out citizens of the state when they wish and for any reason apparently. Idaho also has a long history of selling off their "state lands." For this reason, the citizens of the U.S. need to tell their representative to keep public lands open and free to all of us. Once lands are sold off to corporations or private parties, the "No Trespassing" signs and fences go up.

Private property is the last ownership category in this area. Most of the private lands in this area are located in the river/creek valleys and are mainly ranch lands.

Directions to the photo location from Grand View Idaho
Turn left onto ID-78 E 2.1 mi  Slight right onto Mud Flat Rd/Shoofly Rd  Continue to follow Mud Flat Rd 15.7 mi  Turn right onto Oreana Loop Rd/Poison Creek Cutoff 2.7 miles. Look for a two-track dirt road on the left.



Originally published on February 26, 2017

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Thanks,



Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

I am currently a proud "enemy of the American People!"