Peak Climbs
The superb granite found in areas of the Sawtooth Mountains provides the adventurer with many challenging climbing routes up the various walls and spires. Sawtooth Mountain Guides offers several different guided trips into the range. With the exception of Warbonnet Peak, each of the following climbs can be done in a single, long day. However, we recommend this option only for fit climbers with previous experience who are game for a challenge. A two or three day itinerary offers a more relaxed pace and time for skills review. We usually make custom arrangements to climb these and dozens of other technical peaks, but see our Summer Calendar for a few pre-scheduled options.
The Sawtooth, being a unique range, is not limited to just the quality granite, but also holds many interesting ways to summit. A trademark of the range is the various snow or ice couloirs that split ridges and summits which are very aesthetically pleasing. Grab a map and lets plan an exciting summit!
There are of course many summits and routes that do not require technical ability. Many summits can be obtained by hiking or scrambling and reward one with the wilderness views.
Our permit also covers the White Clouds, Boulder, Pioneer and Lost River Ranges. Stanley is close to all of these ranges and day trips are possible for peak bagging.
See our rates page for prices.
The ultimate rock climb in the Sawtooths! We usually ascend "The Perch" via the eight pitch Mountaineer's Route (III 5.9). A two or three day trip ensures plenty of time for swimming, photography, or bagging rays in the vicinity of the spectacular Saddleback Lakes. Don’t forget your fishing rod!
The Finger of Fate is perhaps the most dramatic summit in the Sawtooths and via the standard Open Book Route (III 5.8) "the Finger" demands well-rounded crack and face climbing skills. We approach via the Hell Roaring Creek drainage and set base camps at unnamed 9,000 foot alpine lakes. For a one day ascent we like to leave the trailhead by seven in the morning.
Located deep in the range on the western slope, Warbonnet is the most committing and remote climb of the bunch. From a camp in the upper Goat Creek drainage the ascent of Warbonnet requires two thousand feet of scrambling and technical 5.7 rock climbing. The summit pitch is one you’ll never forget.
Climb the Stur Chimney Route on the most dramatic peak in the Sawtooths! A long approach leads to two 5.6 pitches high above Redfish and Bench Lakes. Overnight options utilize a camp at the highest Bench Lake and go for the summit the following morning. Prior climbing experience is not a pre-requisite for this climb.
Idaho's highest peak (12,668 feet) resides in the Lost River range which is in East Central Idaho. The Lost River's lofty summits rise some 5,000+ vertical feet from the valley floor. With no foot hills this is truly a very dramatic mountain range. The West Ridge is the standard route and is about 3.5 miles (one way) and over 5,000ft in elevation gain. This is classic 3rd class "scramble" with a notoriously exciting traverse known as "chicken out ridge". This route requires good fitness, no technical skills, and is done in a long day.
Ph (208)774-3324 Fax (208) 774-3729
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