Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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44.11613°N / 114.62001°W |
County:
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Custer |
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Elevation:
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11500 ft / 3505 m |
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Overview
Caulkens Peak is a massive pile of brilliantly colored metamorphic rock in the White Cloud Range in central Idaho. Standing unnofically above 11,500', it is the second highest peak in the area, falling just 300 feet shorter than the luminous Castle Peak. A twin summited mountain, Caulken's west summit is more easily accessible than the lower, slightly more jagged, east one.Caulkens Peak, is remote, and very steep. Its extraordinary rugged terrain allows only an approach from its south ridge to be practical and accessible to all but the most extreme climbers. The scenery around the peak is outstanding as it towers over more than five high mountain lakes.
Although Caulkens is embedded amongst some of the most scenic and rugged parts of the state, the region receives few visitors due to the difficult access. Caulkens Peak may see 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 will involve much time and planning unless you reside in one of the few, small mountain towns nearby. 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 main 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.
Camping at the trailhead around Slate Creek is not recommended.
1 Routes
derekperc - Jul 13, 2018 8:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Official nameIn various sources this peak is listed as Caulkens, O'Caulkens, Calkens, and O'Calkens. The official name (which may have changed at some point) is Calkens.