Sawtooth rock climbing trips range from half-day introductory programs on the Redfish Boulder to multi-day expeditions to Warbonnet Peak. Some of the best alpine granite in the country can be found on the Elephant's Perch and Finger of Fate, which are just a short hike into the Sawtooth Wilderness. By late July most of the technical peaks in the Sawtooths can be done as pure rock climbs (see our Alpine Page for more info), including Mt. Heyburn and Warbonnet. We also offer guided programs at the City of Rocks and Castle Rock State Park, a world-class cragging destination in southeast Idaho. See our Summer Calendar for pre-scheduled courses and climbs at discounted rates.

Full-Day Introductory Climbing

This is a great day in the mountains and an excellent way to round out your Stanley or Ketchum/Sun Valley area vacation! The Super Slabs are located behind Redfish Lake and are accessed via a ten-minute boat shuttle and a short hike (about an hour) up glacially sculpted Redfish Canyon. ‚"The Slabs" offer easy to moderate climbing on clean granite in a spectacular setting. Routes range from single to multi-pitch and no previous climbing experience is necessary. The Slabs are also a great tune-up for bigger routes in the range, such as those on the Elephant‚Äôs Perch and Finger of Fate.

Half-Day Introductory Climbing

The Redfish Boulder is the perfect way to get young kids and families on the rock. We also use the boulder for introductory lead climbing classes and self-rescue clinics. Combine a half-day climbing program with a float on the Salmon River, a mountain bike ride, or a dip in Redfish Lake with your crew of family and friends! We schedule both morning and afternoon sessions.

Mountaineers Route, III 5.9

The ultimate rock climb in the Sawtooths! We usually ascend "The Perch" via the eight pitch Mountaineer's Route (III 5.9). This route has it all including straight-in cracks, lie backs, chimneys, face climbing, and an exciting warm-up mantle! 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!

Sideline/Astro Elephant, IV 5.10- (or 5.9+ by Sideline variation)

Named in reference to the Yosemite test piece Astroman, this intricate line weaves its way up the southwest prow of the wall. The crux comes on the first pitch with more moderate climbing all the way to the top summit. The Sideline variation to the ledge a top pitch four softens the grade and makes this a good step up from the Mountaineer’s Route.

The Direct Beckey, IV 5.11

This is the classic Perch route. A steep, clean crack leads almost continuously from the bottom of the wall to the top, with nary a long sling required to straighten out the rope line. Like many Perch routes the crux is on the first pitch, but unlike others the Beckey does not let up, with 5.10 climbing all the way to the Beckey tree at the top of pitch eight.

The Fine Line, IV 5.11+

A bouldery crux off the ground leads to enjoyable cruising (5.9 and 5.10) on perhaps the most obvious line on the wall. This route follows a right leaning crack to a prominent roof and then traverses left to join the Beckey.

Open Book, III 5.8

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.

The City of Rocks is a world class climbing area located in Southeast Idaho. "The City" is a unique collection of large rock boulders, pinnacles, fins and interesting summits nestled in rolling hills of Juniper and Pinyon Pine. The City offers sport and traditional routes for all climbing levels.

Our guided programs at the City of Rocks (and also nearby Castle Rock State Park) range from fully catered camping and climbing trips, to discounted group instruction. See our Summer Calendar for more information on pre-scheduled courses.

See our rates page for prices.

Summer

Main Pages

General Info

Resources