Parked at 7000' and ascended via south ridge of Little Mac and descended via the gully, which is the better route. Contrary to what I expected, the ridge was a lot of loose garbage (lower section) while the gully was mysteriously both smooth and stable. A little chunky down low, but it steadily improves.
I brought a register to donate and left it on Little Mac, assuming there was already one on McCaleb. I was wrong.
aaronjames - Oct 12, 2015 11:54 am Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2015
Lost River Scree
Nice hike, I was a little demoralized when I saw the never ending talus towards the top, but it wasn't that bad once you hit the saddle. Great views of Borah, bell, diamond and east all the way to Big Southern butte. Great summit for a half days hike up the west ridge.
live4hills - Sep 1, 2015 10:07 pm Date Climbed: Oct 26, 2014
Brrrr
It was cold and a little snowy, but when we reached the summit the clouds parted and a stunning view came into site. Love this climb! Too cold to hit little Mac in the way back. Maybe next time!
Mlasky - May 15, 2013 9:50 am Date Climbed: May 12, 2013
Sportier route
Started off on the standard route but broke off and took a snow line to the east to obtain the face. Stayed toward the south of the standard route. Had a little snow to work with below the saddle. Quite loose. Recommend the standard route. Took it back down. Still a great climb with great views. Look out for tics at high camp...most we've seen in awhile.
SawtoothExplorer - Jun 16, 2011 4:26 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2011
Perfect Conditions
Climbed via the standard west approach
boisedoc - Jun 20, 2010 12:08 pm Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2010
finally good snow
after a season of crummy snow conditions, finally good snow to crampon up. A little glissading on the way down. The views into Upper Cedar Creek and the surrounding peaks were excellent. With weather moving in, we made for a quick trip. The road to the trailhead is not great but also not as steep as I had expected.
Super Dave - May 1, 2007 5:38 pm Date Climbed: Apr 28, 2007
West Ridge
Very cool peak. Climbed it on an awesome spring day, then had a fun glissade back down the west face. Here’s a write up and some photos.
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: December 18, 2005
No snowshoes nor cramp-ons needed on this day. It was clear and cold (-10 when we started). We went up Little Mac (11,071) first ,a steep ridge, then down to the prominent saddle between Little Mac and McCaleb. The scrambling was 50 /50 windblown snow / rock. Things went well and we did 5hrs and 20min car to car.
Was trying to solo a new line on the south face and had to back off a couple hundred feet from the summit. The climbing never got terribly technical - mid 5th class I'd guess - but the rock is absolute crap. In fact, I have old spaghetti sauce that's harder. Worse yet, there are almost no places for pro. My guess would be that this face stays unclimbed for a while.
SawtoothSean - Sep 16, 2019 9:25 pm Date Climbed: Jun 28, 2019
Quick AscentCasee and I on a fun day up high
LazyJSkwires - Sep 7, 2019 10:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2013
With the old manMy dad came out to visit and we had a good time doing this one.
derekperc - Sep 27, 2018 2:54 pm Date Climbed: Sep 26, 2018
from Little MacParked at 7000' and ascended via south ridge of Little Mac and descended via the gully, which is the better route. Contrary to what I expected, the ridge was a lot of loose garbage (lower section) while the gully was mysteriously both smooth and stable. A little chunky down low, but it steadily improves.
I brought a register to donate and left it on Little Mac, assuming there was already one on McCaleb. I was wrong.
aaronjames - Oct 12, 2015 11:54 am Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2015
Lost River ScreeNice hike, I was a little demoralized when I saw the never ending talus towards the top, but it wasn't that bad once you hit the saddle. Great views of Borah, bell, diamond and east all the way to Big Southern butte. Great summit for a half days hike up the west ridge.
live4hills - Sep 1, 2015 10:07 pm Date Climbed: Oct 26, 2014
BrrrrIt was cold and a little snowy, but when we reached the summit the clouds parted and a stunning view came into site. Love this climb! Too cold to hit little Mac in the way back. Maybe next time!
Mlasky - May 15, 2013 9:50 am Date Climbed: May 12, 2013
Sportier routeStarted off on the standard route but broke off and took a snow line to the east to obtain the face. Stayed toward the south of the standard route. Had a little snow to work with below the saddle. Quite loose. Recommend the standard route. Took it back down. Still a great climb with great views. Look out for tics at high camp...most we've seen in awhile.
SawtoothExplorer - Jun 16, 2011 4:26 pm Date Climbed: Jun 11, 2011
Perfect ConditionsClimbed via the standard west approach
boisedoc - Jun 20, 2010 12:08 pm Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2010
finally good snowafter a season of crummy snow conditions, finally good snow to crampon up. A little glissading on the way down. The views into Upper Cedar Creek and the surrounding peaks were excellent. With weather moving in, we made for a quick trip. The road to the trailhead is not great but also not as steep as I had expected.
Super Dave - May 1, 2007 5:38 pm Date Climbed: Apr 28, 2007
West RidgeVery cool peak. Climbed it on an awesome spring day, then had a fun glissade back down the west face. Here’s a write up and some photos.
skunk ape - Feb 27, 2007 12:19 am
Ski tripsAnother great BC. ski Mt.
patascent - Feb 18, 2007 4:04 am Date Climbed: Jun 20, 2004
East Ridge (snow climb)Chopped through a huge cornice at the summit.
IdahoKid - May 17, 2006 4:12 pm Date Climbed: May 15, 2006
Big And Little MacClimbed Big Mac and Little Mac with IdahoSummits on a beutiful very warm spring day.
SawtoothSean - Dec 30, 2005 2:19 am
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: December 18, 2005No snowshoes nor cramp-ons needed on this day. It was clear and cold (-10 when we started). We went up Little Mac (11,071) first ,a steep ridge, then down to the prominent saddle between Little Mac and McCaleb. The scrambling was 50 /50 windblown snow / rock. Things went well and we did 5hrs and 20min car to car.
rok_doc - Jul 17, 2005 1:13 am
Route Climbed: North Face Date Climbed: June 25, 2005Good day!
Andinistaloco - Sep 1, 2004 11:38 pm
Route Climbed: south face Date Climbed: 2003Was trying to solo a new line on the south face and had to back off a couple hundred feet from the summit. The climbing never got terribly technical - mid 5th class I'd guess - but the rock is absolute crap. In fact, I have old spaghetti sauce that's harder. Worse yet, there are almost no places for pro. My guess would be that this face stays unclimbed for a while.