Spivey Road – South of Oreana, Oct. 2017 Bike Ride

A fun but exhausting October 2017 mountain bike ride in southwestern Idaho.

Looking down into Browns Creeks Canyon with the Silver City Mountains of Idaho in the distance

Summary of the Mountain Bike Ride: This mountain bike ride ( #Mtb ) was completed on Oct. 5, 2017, in the Owyhee Front south of Oreana, Idaho. The ride, located about 40 ‘as-the-crow-flies’ miles south of Boise, was on gravel and dirt roads, mostly suitable for higher clearance vehicles as well as ATVs and mountain bikes.

With temperatures in the 50s, this out and back, 22 mile, 1,600 foot vertical, bike ride was grueling for me. The road was rocky, yet not technical but was uphill all the way. The rockiness detracted from the ride because it prevented me from watching the horizon for deer and more specifically, bighorn sheep. However, the view to the south of the Owyhee Mountains and the various shallow canyons was quite beautiful.

The Ride Details: I forgot to turn-off my GPS tracking when I got back to the truck and it continued to track all the way home and into the house. All statistics are approximated but likely very close to reality.

Specifics

Date Of Ride: October 5, 2017
Name of Ride: Spivey and Alder Creek Road Ride
Link To Photographs From Ride: https://photos.app.goo.gl/PYkukRMsr8Gh1alA2
Total Mountain Bike Mileage: 21.9 miles
Vertical Feet: About 1,600 feet. This is the one stat my GPX/Google Earth are having troubles parsing.
Average Slope: 2.9% / Max Slope: 11%
Elevation Ranges: 2,792 to 4,285 feet

Land Ownership: Mostly Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and some Idaho State Lands. No private property was encroached upon during this ride.
Facilities At Trailhead: None
Road Mileage from Boise, Idaho to Trailhead: 65 miles

The end of the trail for me. 

If venturing to this area from the east, 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 18, 2017.

Thanks,



Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist


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

Hike To Idaho's Peak 6187 In The Bennett Mountains

Last edited on May 15, 2017

I haven't done much peakbagging in the Mount Bennett Hill / Bennett Mountain area north of Glenns Ferry, Idaho, USA. My goal was to bag Peak 6187 and from my research, I knew it wasn't a prominent peak at all but is would have excellent views down into the Little Canyon Creek area and over a little-visited area of this volcanically dominated mountainous landscape.

Perched on a ledge with a great view of Little Canyon Creek and the snowy Bennett Mountain in the distance

The Ascent - A Cross-Country Hike

The hike starts from the side of Bennett Mountain Road, a well-maintained gravel road and heads steeply up the ridgeline to the east. There is no real trailhead nor any paths to follow. It a "point your nose at the goal and put one foot in front of the other" type of hike. For this and all cross-country hikes, I suggest you chose your route wisely. I didn't.

From my starting point, I scrambled up a section of the mountainside for about seven-tenths of a mile, that was not only steep but also had slick footing. The "shaley" volcanic rock laying on loose dirt and gravel made for an 18-inches up, five-inches slide down for quite a distance. It was exhausting but not unpleasant.

Once I ascended that initial steep section the rest of the hike leveled off significantly. The distant views were as good as I expected. I suspect not many people have walked this section of earth but being cattle country, evidence of cows were easy to spot. I eventually encountered a mandatory fence line in the middle of nowhere and I followed it on the publically owned side.

Peak 6187 is just off the right side of the photo.

Not Peaking Out Regrets

I didn't stand on Peak 6187 on this hike. And again I have regrets for my decision. The initial ascent up the ridgeline was a sweaty event and the wind was blowing rather hard up there. So, while there was full sun and temperatures were likely in the high 50's, it was rather cold. I never removed my sweatshirt on this hike. Ironic, considering I debated at the trailhead if I should bring the sweatshirt on this hike. Obviously, I was glad I did.

I ended up about 725 feet south of the peak before heading down a ridgeline. Had I just put one foot in front of the other I would have likely had a great view of the West Fork of King Hill Creek and Lansing Springs.

Probably the biggest factor in not pushing on up the peak was because it didn't look very prominent or inspiring. Regretful. There was also that fence line that stood between me and the peak. Is Peak 6187 on private or public property? My research says "public" but why trespass when you don't absolutely need to. Bad justification ... I know.

The Descent

My descent back to my vehicle was another steep grind down a valley and intermittent stream course. The sagebrush was much thicker than on the ridgeline so I got to hopscotch and weave all the way down.

A dry creek bed provided an easier path down from Peak 6187

There was very little, if any, water in the streambed until getting into the lower elevations. At one point I came upon water flowing out of a spring. Not unusual, except the streambed was completely dry on the surface and 10 feet later water was flowing rather swiftly in that same streambed.

Rockhounding & Geology/Geography 

There were some cool volcanic hoodoo rock formations in the valley I descended but other than that, the area was sterile of any cool rocks. This is exactly is what I've come to expect while hounding in a "Rhyolite, quartz latite, and latite ignimbrites and flows; Miocene felsic volcanics; Owyhee Plateau" geologic area. However, because the earth's crust is always moving and you never know what could push up from the depths.

Selfie of Bondy and hoodoo on Bennett Mountain area hike

The Hike Data

Total Distance: 3.79 miles
Hike Configuration: Mostly cross-country loop around a high sagebrush steppe mountain valley
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,265 feet
Slope: Avg = 13.4% / Max. 41.5%
Time On Trail: 3:30 hours
Land Ownership: Mostly public lands (BLM) but a section of private property was also involved.
Trailhead Coordinates: Find a place near 43.169271, -115.316434 and head up the mountainside to the east.
Peak Coordinates: 43.189903, -115.309081
Facilities: None. The closest available food, equipment and/or bathrooms are located in Glenns Ferry, Idaho or 19 road miles to the south.
Link to more photos from the hike: https://goo.gl/photos/rymsEi8vG5spHa2M7
Road Miles from Boise / Twin Falls: 78 miles / 76 miles

Interactive Hike Map

Click, drag, zoom and explore the map for a better idea of how the hike up Peak 6187 would suit your hiking preferences.

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.

Summary:

This hike was a tad disappointing. A little too steep at the beginning and not challenging enough for the rest of this microadventure. The highlights of the hike were the views and newness of the area. Obviously not peaking out was a disappointment. I'll be back peakbagging this area in the future. I already have a route picked out, so come on back to read about that future hike.


Originally published on May 15, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

P.S. It is my opinion that Mountain Home, Idaho is a city in decline. While you could find goods and services in that town, I suggest you avoid Mountian Home completely.

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.

Outskirts Of Boise Idaho Area Mountain Biking Ride

Last edited on May 5, 2017

The Boise Foothills are a well-known area for mountain biking. However, if you truly want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some dramatic scenery, heading 35-70 miles to the southeast can pay off. I went on "dirt road" ride on Thursday, May 4, 2017, and it was quite nice. No cars, no people and a lot of birds and a few deer.

1,000 feet above the South Fork of the Boise River on a mountain bike

Dixie Cutoff Road / Forest Service Road 164/164A

I'm just getting into shape and this eight mile, 1,050-foot elevation gain/loss ride on a dirt road located about one hour from downtown Boise was enjoyable, thigh-burning and a good start to what I hope is a long mountain biking season in my little neck of the Idaho wilds.

The entire ride was done on Boise National Forest Service Road 164/164A. Road 164A is a road that basically hangs 1,000 feet above the South Fork of the Boise River. It also follows the Little Camas irrigation canal for quite awhile. The scenery down, out, over and up is pretty darn dramatic, making this ride memorable.

Map Of Ride

Ride Information

• Total Distance: 8.3 miles
• Configuration: Out and back
• Elevation at Trailhead: 4,554 feet
• Highest Elevation: 4,917feet
• Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,051/1,054 feet
• Road Surface: Dirt and gravel very suitable to "just back on the bike after many years" type of riders.
• Facilities: None
• Location of Trailhead: 43.313733, -115.545583 or the intersection of Prairie Cutoff Road and Dixie Cutoff Road. 
• Bike: Cannondale SM700
• Link To Photos: https://goo.gl/photos/72B1tza5m8ZHCbL87

High point on the ride was just over 4,900 feet

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 May 5, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

P.S. Mountain Home, Idaho is a town in decline. If you are traveling to the mountain biking destination highlighted in this story, I recommend buying all supplies, equipment, food and drink in Boise, Twin Falls or Fairfield.

Peak 4702 And Teaser Ridge Hike

Last edited on May 1, 2017

April 29, 2017, was the first nice hiking day in the last ten days and I took advantage of it. My chosen route took me up a ridgeline just past some private property in the Syrup Creek area of southwestern Idaho. The hike took me along the self-named "Teaser Ridge," a ridge that overlooks a dirt road located on private property. I wanted to see what I was missing beyond those "Private Property" signs. Coolness and some good hiking and mountain biking possibilities are what I'm missing.

View from near Peak 4702 in the Danskin Mountains

The All Public Lands Hike

Peak 4702 is located in the Danskin Mountains about 35 as-the-crow-flies miles southeast of Boise, Idaho. The trailhead I parked at is mostly surrounded by private property. With a little careful research and determination, I completed the out-and-back hike completely on public lands, This included both State of Idaho and Bureau of Land Management lands.

Actually, most of the land seen in the above photograph is public land. The only private property is located on and near the valley floor. And even some of valley floor is also public property. I did the research and discovered those dirt roads seen in the photo cannot be legally accessed without the property owners permission. See my April 3, 2017, story on this specific issue at https://timbondy.blogspot.com/2017/04/researching-public-lands-access-can-be.html

GPS Track Of This April 29, 2017, Hike


Also see: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nNnsmwTdgV8V5R1S1DwnfasZjyE&usp=sharing

The Cross-Country Characteristics

This hike is mostly a cross-country hike. There were a few places where a trail or fenceline two-track road made the going a little easier. By far the most significant trait of the hike was the steepness of first 3/4 of a mile ascent and last 3/4 mile descent. Calf-burners on the way up and thigh burners on the way down. The rest of the hike was relatively mild and unremarkable.

The views were pretty spectacular with visibility easily stretching over 100 miles to the southeast with the snowcapped Jarbidge Mountains of Nevada clearly outlined on the horizon. The boots-on-the-ground environment was again slightly disappointing. Mainly short grasses and very little sagebrush steppe type vegetation growing on the ridges.

This is cattle country. Old cow patties plus big game droppings were plentiful. The many barbed wire fence lines out in the middle of "nowhere" still have me a little baffled. The private property fences seem to be right where I expected them. However, the border between the state and federal lands aren't fenced. But there are fences semi-close to those property lines. Grazing allotment? That's my guess as to why land management boundaries aren't well defined.

A fence line on my self-named "Teaser Ridge" extends off into the distance.

Geology and History Of The Range

As a recreationist rockhounder, I keep a pretty close eye on the ground and rocks I walk on and around. I also keep an eye on the rock faces looking for rock art or petroglyphs.

The USGS provides a detailed "Geologic Units and Structures" digital map of the western U.S. All the land I tread on during the hike is classified as:
"Rhyolite, quartz latite, and latite ignimbrites and flows; Miocene felsic volcanics; Owyhee Plateau."

From past experience, I knew that would mean I wouldn't be finding many cool or valuable rocks sitting on the surface. The map also indicated I walked along a fault line for about one-third of the outward bound portion of the hike. I saw no indications of this geologic feature.

Rock art is present in the Mount Bennett Hills area according to some literature I discovered. As of now, I have yet to discover any of that coolness during my off-road adventures but I hold out hope. One of these days...

The Statistics and Information

Trailhead coordinates: 43.287315, -115.679190
Peak 4702 coordinates:  43.305865, -115.694153
Hiking Mileage: 3.9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,547/1,548 feet
Slope: Avg = 14.3% Max = 43.5%
Time on trail: 3:15 hours
Topo Map: Syrup Creek, Idaho
From Downtown Boise: 45 road miles
Link to photo album: https://goo.gl/photos/8it47htGry8PjKkR6

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 May 1, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

Wilson Creek East Ridge Hike

Last edited on April 22, 2017

A ridgeline located just east of Wilson Creek, a tributary to southwestern Idaho's Anderson Ranch Reservoir, was the setting for my April 19, 2017, cross-country and solo hike. The views from the narrow and steep ridgeline were spectacular while the local, boots-on-the-ground environment wasn't so nice. It's a hike that I will probably be doing again.

View looking east from the ridge is expansive

The Distant Idaho Mountain Range Views

The views from this hike were amazing. Starting with creek and cliffs views along the easy hike from the trailhead at Wilson Creek and Reservoir Road to the place I picked to head up to a narrow "flat" east of the creek. Once I got up on the flats, the views gradually expanded to include the Soldier, Smoky, Trinity, Boise, Danskin and Bennett Mountains. Once I peaked out at an elevation of 5,812 feet it was hard not to just sit and stare. Beautiful.

The snow-covered House Mtn is framed by a wildfire burned pine tree.

Being mid-April, the last vestiges of mid-elevations snow added a nice juxtaposition to the "just starting to green-up" landscape. The higher elevations were still showing a deep snowpack and something I haven't seen this late for a quite a number of years.

The Views From The Local Environment

This area was burned rather thoroughly in August 2013 during the massive wildfire called the Elk Fire. From the flats leading up the ridgeline, there is very little vegetation at the current time. I suspect that before the fire, vegetation was sparse also. But it's likely worse 4 1/2 years later especially considering the years of drought we experienced in this part of Idaho during that time.

A majority of the trees on this geologic peninsula ridgeline are dead and the brush and bramble are sparse also. The most abundant vegetation in the immediate area is grass and that explains why there was so much deer and elk droppings along this cross-country hike. I had the company of a herd of mule deer from the time I got on the flats to the time I peaked out.


What I Wanted And What I Did - The Map - All 100% Public Lands Hike

Limited By Fear Of Falling

This hike was a perfect distance, both in mileage and vertical gain/loss for my current fitness level. However, that irrational fear of falling off planet earth persists when I'm on steep terrain. And the wide open and steep upper reaches of the ridgeline gave me the willies. I wouldn't even look downslope during the final attack on the ridgeline. I know ... irrational.

New Balance 703s boots still making tracks on Idaho

Once I got up near Peak 5812 the trail flattened out quite a bit, However, the mountainsides drop off sharply on both sides of that ridge. Once I spied how steep and foreboding my planned route back to the valley floor was, I decided to head back the way I originally scrambled up the ridgeline. I was still apprehensive of doing that even. In the end, the walk down the ridge felt quite safe. The fear was, again, all in my mind.

The Stats For The Day

• Trailhead location near Anderson Ranch Reservoir: 43.380888, -115.436823
• Peak 5812 Coordinates: 43.398324, -115.432376
• Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,804 feet / 1,947 feet
• Mileage: 4.82 miles
• Slope: Avg =  14.8% / Max =  51.7%
• Feet Wet Creek Crossings: Only one but possibly more if local erosion continues on the Wilson Creek stream bank. Bring water shoes or be prepared to get your boots wet until at least mid-May 2017.
• Landownership: All lands tread upon during this hike were public lands. 
• Link To More Photography: https://goo.gl/photos/Cwb24tQ1jiHFzF5J8

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 22, 2017.

Thanks,


Tim Bondy
Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

Idaho's Cat Creek Summit Panoramic Photograph

Last edited on April 15, 2017

The Cat Creek Summit area is about 26 miles west of Fairfield, Idaho and is a rather historic location. U.S. Highway 20 cuts straight through the summit before heading towards various points east and west.

Click for a bigger version of the view of the surrounding Rocky Mountains

Link To A Google Photos version: https://goo.gl/photos/NAN6jiJPCEyEiQLA9

Photo Details:

• Taken on April 12, 2017, at 3:50 P.M.
• Looking: West through north-northeast (left to right) 
• Coordinates: 43.3010556, -115.3156222
• Photographer: Tim Bondy - Freelance Writer
• The peaks in the left foreground will be a destination for a future hike

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 15, 2017.

Thanks,

Tim Bondy

Freelance Writer & Citizen Journalist

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

.

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

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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!"
.

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!"

.

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!"

.

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!"

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