Thorn Creek Butte

Trails / Routes 

1. Idaho City Approaches- many possibilities that include Granite Creek to Rabbit Creek Summit where you will find a single-track trail taking off and heading along the ridges. Best for Mountain Biking or Trail Running. The Bannock Creek Approach is best for mountain biking and involves more of a climb.
2. North Fork of the Boise River- This approach starts where the Rabbit Creek Road drops and meets the North Fork of the Boise for the first time. Follow a series of Jeep roads and trails south and west until you reach Meadow Creek where you'll follow the main ridge south to the summit. Best for hiking.
3. Middle Fork of the Boise River- Follow the Haga Creek Pack Trail just north of Twin Springs until you reach the summit area. This route is best for hiking and is subject to logging operations in the vicinity.
4. Thorn Creek Approaches-  Lots of possible routes, mostly all jeep or logging roads. See Routes page for more info.

   Maps:  USGS Arrowrock Reservoir NE, USGS Idaho City, USGS Rabbit Creek Summit

   Getting There

   Follow Idaho 21- For the Thorn Creek Approaches, turn right near milepost 31. For the Idaho City Approaches, turn off north of Idaho City near mile markers 40-41.

   Conditions and Season

   The terrain here is generally warm and dry for a mountain, but snow usually lingers on the south slopes until April, while the north slopes have snow until late May / early June.  The first major snows usually come from in December.  Generally, temperatures are not much colder during the day than the lower valleys near Idaho City. Summer days can be very warm with temperatures in the 90's.  

   Nearby Idaho City Climate Data

   	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Annual
   Average Max. Temperature (F)	35.4	41.3	42.5	48.6	59.0	68.7	77.0	88.1	77.4	64.4	45.9	36.5	60.8
   Average Min. Temperature (F)	12.7	15.4	21.2	27.7	34.4	40.1	44.7	43.0	35.6	28.5	22.0	15.1	28.4
   Average Total Precipitation (in.)	3.63	2.75	2.38	1.76	1.79	1.39	0.44	0.49	0.88	1.46	2.90	3.62	23.50
   Average Total SnowFall (in.)	24.3	16.4	7.0	0.9	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.00	0.7	9.2	22.3	81.0
   Average Snow Depth (in.)	17	19	11	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	8	5

     National Weather Service-Boise

   On the east side is the Bald Mountain Campground which provides drive up camping. Hundreds of other primitive camping can be found virtually anywhere.

   Flora and Fauna

   • Numerous wildflowers can be viewed in the springtime such as the Arrowleaf Balsamroot, a common sunflower that grows in warm and dry conditions with thousands of variations. 
   • Herd animals will often be seen- Mule Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn (on the lower slopes). Idaho is good at preserving herd animals for hunting purposes, so these will be commonly seen.
   • Less commonly seen are Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Moose, Wolf, Badger, and Red Fox.
   • Other more commonly observed animals include the Coyote, Belding's Ground Squirrel, Douglas Squirrel, Red Tailed Hawks, Turkey Vulture, and Golden Eagles.
   • Songbirds seen in the Thorn Creek Butte area are:  Lazuli Buntings, Western Tanagers, Black Headed Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, Crossbills, Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpecker, Lewis's Woodpeckers, Flickers, Black Capped Chickadees, White Breasted Nuthatches, Juncos, and Red Breasted Nuthatches
   • Reptiles that may be seen include the Western Fence Lizard (Blue Belly), Gopher Snakes, and Rubber Boas

   
   
   

   Images

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