OverviewThis is a long hike (7 miles one way) to the top from about Stanley Lake, and has fabulous views for the effort. A few parties a year seem to do this by the register, and it is a trail all the way to the top (class 1).
There are a few streams to cross, with two of them maybe a problem for beginner hikers. Log bridges have to be crossed, as in the photo, with one rock hop crossing. One may wade across unless the water is too high.
Getting ThereFrom Stanley, Idaho, go west on ID 21. A sign states 7 miles to Stanley Lake. Turn left (south) at the signed side road, and proceed to the end of pavement. Follow the signs straight ahead to "Parking," and take a spot. There's room for about 30 cars.
Take the signed trail, and shortly come to the road to the nearby campground. Head right. Come to the well signed trailhead, with a signboard and map. Proceed southward on the wide foot trail, and pass through a number of flat meadows. About two or three miles along, an unsigned fork is encountered. Take the left, upper fork, then pass a sign indicating Bridalveil Falls. The trail comes to a major signed junction; go left--presumably the right trail goes to a mine. At a low saddle, a sign marks the peak trail right. This goes up, switchbacking, and is narrow in spots. The distance given by the sign states "1," but it seems a bit longer. A cairn and new register mark the highpoint.
You may approach this peak from two other trailheads, one at Iron Creek (3 miles from Stanley along ID 21), or from Grandjean, further along ID 21, approached from Boise, ID. This route from Stanley Lake seems to be the most popular and what is recommended. The others don't save much on miles or gain, if at all.
Red TapeYou will be required, for parking, to have a USFS Forest Pass, $5 for three days, or $25 a year. The green tag goes up on your windshield or rear view mirror column, date side up.
These passes are had from the local USFS ranger stations, or by a few vendors in the area. A clothing shop in Stanley was the last to be open (7 p.m., midweek) to obtain one of these.
A self-service wilderness permit station is located about 5 miles up the trail, at a major trail junction. You might best bring along a blank copy of the USFS wilderness permit form, lest there are no blank forms left in the box to fill out!
When To ClimbSummer seems to be the best time. The approach roads don't seem to be plowed during the snow season, but I suppose there are no major difficulties to snowshoe or backcountry ski, except for the longer approach. There may be avalanche hazard--being in a canyon with steep enough walls. The area is heavily forested, and I saw no signs of major avalanche tracks or debris.
CampingStanley Lake offers a campground near the trail start. There are good backcountry camping spots along the way, mainly in the first few miles. The trail runs along a creek, until after about 5 miles. No huts, or fees other than the Forest Pass.
Mountain ConditionsPlease visit the PETE'S THOUSAND PEAKS website for my July 23, 2004, account and photos. I will e-mail photos of the trail and sights enroute, such as Bridalveil Falls, a popular, shorter, destination for hikers. I snapped photos all of the trail signs, and many of the summit views.
The peak is located in the Sawtooth Wilderness. The Sawtooth National Forest visitor center at Redfish Lake (9-5 M-F, MST) should have local information.
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