Cervidae Peak

Overview

Cervidae Peak is the highpoint on a main ridge line near the confluence of Mores Creek and Lucky Peak Reservoir (Middle Fork of the Boise River). It provides an excellent steep, fast scramble in the summer and a nice snow climb in the winter.  It's close proximity to Boise (17 miles) makes it a nice quick mountain destination, especially when the bigger peaks are blocked by avalanched roads or closed approaches. The views from the summit are all encompassing and include Shafer Butte, Thorn Creek Butte, Mt. Heinan, Sunset Peak and Pilot Peak.  You can create a very long ridge run / hike that would include this high point. Antlers and weather balloons have been found on this ridge.

Routes on Cervidae Peak:

1)  East Route (Class 2) - 1.1 miles past the Spring Shores Marina, climb northwest up the very steep hillside until it joins the main ridge north to the summit in 2 miles with 2000 feet of elevation gain..

2)  Southwest Ridge (Class 2) - Starts just past the high bridge and follows the steep SW ridge until it joins the north ridge. (2.1 miles / 2100 ft elevation gain)

3)  Direct West Ridge (Class 2)- 1.8 miles past the high bridge ascend the steep west ridge. (1 mile / 1800 ft elevation gain). I often ran (barely) this for mountain speed training.

4)  West Ridge (Class 3)-  1 mile past the high bridge park and ascend. There is a section of very steep and crumbling rock if your interested in increasing the difficulty. I've needed an ice axe in the winter for this route. (1.5 miles / 1800 ft elevation gain)

This peak was named by Dan of IdahoSummits.com.

Name Origin:  Cervidae is in the order Artiodactyla (cloven-hoofed animals) There are many Elk and Deer on this ridge. It's a large migration area with the confluence of two major rivers. In 2004 the migrating elk were crossing a partially frozen river just below the peak and fell through and froze to death. Over 80 elk were frozen in place for months.

Getting There

Take Idaho 21 north from Boise past Highland Valley summit. Cross the high bridge near mile marker 18. proceed straight to the turnouts for the West routes. Turn right immediately after the bridge for the SW (park immediately) route and the East Route (Proceed Past Spring Shores)

History

Nearby Arrowrock Dam was once the tallest dam in the world, before Hoover Dam.  In fact, there was a small city near Arrowrock Dam complete with railroad running along the Middle Fork of the Boise (now Lucky Peak Reservoir) down to Barber and Boise.  In low water you can still hike in front of the dam and see the building foundations and other junk.  Fishing is also exceptional on the nearby Mores Creek and there is definite evidence of Native American presence in the vicinity of Cervidae (lithic debitage). 

Wildfires have ravaged the slopes around Cervidae. In the late 1990's the Toll Road Fire charred most of the western slopes and in 2005 a fire burned much of the north slope. The vegetation typically recovers in 1-3 years, but during the recovery, the slopes are more likely to mudslide.  This occurred during one particularly heavy downpour and a mudslide temporarily blocked ID-21.

Red Tape

• No permits of any kind are required.

• No fees or passes are required.

• There is campfire restriction during most of the summer and early fall.

• There are hunting seasons in this area.

When To Climb

One of the greatest aspects of Cervidae is year round access with a short drive from town. While the slopes may appear tame from some angles, they are actually quite steep and can be treacherous during some winters. Conditions may vary greatly. It can be extremely hot in the summer and very cold and windy in the winter. Regardless of the season or conditions, this peak will provide a nice workout and will reward you with terrific summit views.

Camping

There are many drive-in camp sites along the Middle Fork of the Boise (past Spring Shores) and near Idaho City (further up ID-21).

• It's also fun to camp on the summit ridge if your up for that. Meteor showers and the Northern Lights have been seen from this ridge.

External Links

Spring Shores / Lucky Peak
Mores Creek Hydro Data

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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SawtoothSean - Jan 8, 2006 1:45 am - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

Yes that would be very accurate- the main ridge is in a major migration area and the confluence of two major rivers in the area. Thanks for looking.

IdahoSummits - Jan 8, 2006 10:11 am - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

I named the peak about 5 years ago and you are the first person to figure out the name. Cool!

SawtoothSean - Jan 8, 2006 1:47 pm - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

Dan- I didn't know that you named it- I guess I just read it on different sites, one of which was yours. I added a small note on the Overview that you named it. Is there anything more to the naming of it? If so, let me know so I can add that information to the page. Thanks

desainme - Jan 7, 2006 11:51 pm - Voted 10/10

Untitled Comment

Plenty of Wapiti and Deer.

SawtoothSean - Jan 8, 2006 1:45 am - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

Yes that would be very accurate- the main ridge is in a major migration area and the confluence of two major rivers in the area. Thanks for looking.

IdahoSummits - Jan 8, 2006 10:11 am - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

I named the peak about 5 years ago and you are the first person to figure out the name. Cool!

SawtoothSean - Jan 8, 2006 1:47 pm - Hasn't voted

Untitled Comment

Dan- I didn't know that you named it- I guess I just read it on different sites, one of which was yours. I added a small note on the Overview that you named it. Is there anything more to the naming of it? If so, let me know so I can add that information to the page. Thanks

MCCreamer - Feb 16, 2013 7:44 pm - Hasn't voted

Old Glory on Cervidae

I first placed the flag "pole" and an American flag on Cervidae in the spring of 2003. I had been using Cervidae as a training climb for several years. Shortly before I left for the Alaska Range to climb Foraker in May of 2003, America invaded Iraq. Several of my friends in the reserves were called up and would be leaving while I was in Alaska. So I hauled up a length of oak 2x2, a roll of electric fencing wire, four heavy duty tent stakes and a sledge hammer to put up the pole and a flag in honor of our servicemen and women. I never thought that poll would last as long as it has given the winds up there--have often thought of putting in a taller steel pole that would make the flag more easily seen from the highway, would keep the flag up above the shrubs and snow, and would be less likely to someday snap in the wind and blow away. It's nice to see that this summit is so popular, and that the flag is replaced often. On numerous occasions I have taken a replacement flag up only to find a fairly new one already there. Thanks to the community of hikers who keep the register supplies stocked, including the 2013 New Year's grog of bourbon! Keep climbing!

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