Caulkens Peak is a massive pile of brilliantly colored metmorphic rock in the White Cloud Range in central Idaho. Standing unnofically above 11,500' it is the second highest peak in the range just 300 feet shorter than omnipresent Castle Peak further south in the range. A twin summited mountain, Caulken's easier accessed west summit is slightly higher than the surveyed east one.

Caulkens Peak, is remote, and very steep. Its rotten rock allows only an approach from the south to be feasible. The scenery around the peak is outstanding as it towers over more than five high mountain lakes.

Although one of the most scenic and rugged parts of the state, the White Clouds, especially the area around Caulkens, recieve few visitors due in the difficult access. Caulkens may say 1-2 visits per year on its sky-scraping summit. A climb up the standard route involves a strenuous 5,000' elevation gain and a small class III section. The 15 minute traverse between the two summits is class III/IV and is worth it!

Getting There

To access the northern White Clouds involves investing time and gas money. The nearest aiport is more than 2 hours to the south in Hailey, Idaho. The nearest services are in Stanley about an hour from the main area of the range. The two focal access points are from Slate Creek along Highway 75 and from Big Boulder Creek Trail off of the East Fork Salmon Road also of of 75.

Red Tape

No red tape in this particular area with the exception of the usual winter road closings and such.

Camping

Opportunities for camping area abundant. The most likely choice would be one of the many lakes that lay at the base of Caulkens Peak.

If not, there is ample for car camping at each of the trailheads and numerous designated campgrounds along Highway 75 in between Stanley and Challis.

External Links

Add External Links text here.

Images