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11006 Hits
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81.84% Score
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14 Votes
Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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44.12580°N / 113.0856°W |
County:
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Lemhi |
Activities:
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Hiking, Mountaineering, Scrambling |
Season:
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Summer, Fall |
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Elevation:
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11598 ft / 3535 m |
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Overview
Location: Eastern Idaho, southern Lemhi range, just south of Diamond Peak
Nearby Peaks: Diamond Peak, Bald Mountain, Foss Mountain, Bell Mountain
Linkups: Diamond Peak
Difficulty: Rugged Class 4
Usage: Scrambling
Terrain: Rugged and mostly loose rock, serrated north ridge, steep talus slopes to the east and south
Traffic: Very light- nearby Diamond Peak sees most of the traffic. The Riddler, if attempted at all, is usually an afterthought.
Summit Register: Yes (2002)
History / Etymology: Rick Baugher was the first to report on a route (SE Face)- Perhaps it was so named because the peak is not easy to climb and provides many "riddles".
Getting There
Nearest Paved Roads: ID-28
Nearest Dirt Roads / Conditions: Pass Creek Road (decent- recommended 4WD), There are spur roads extending off of Pass Creek Road that can take you higher.
Approach Trails / Conditions: No approach trails- rugged off trail travel
Routes
Main Route: North Ridge (Diamond-Riddler traverse) Class 4- Carefully descend the SW slopes of Diamond over very loose rock. Follow the rugged ridge south bypassing towers. Just before the Riddler summit, the crux moves involves climbing a 50 foot chimney. Once atop the chimney, the summit is easily reached. Descent is difficult- either retrace your steps (not recommended) or carefully follow the east ridge of the Riddler. About .20 miles east of the summit, there is a gully that drops off the ridge to the north- Do not take this gully as it cliffs out just above the valley floor. Instead, find a gully that drops to the valley south of the ridge. This gully is extremely loose, but manageable. Once in the valley near Pt 9884, follow this valley toward Point 8512. There is a beautiful and lush valley in this area. From here, contour north to your parking area.
Main Route Stats: 7.5miles / 6006 (round trip)
Average RT Time: 6-8 hours
Other Routes: The SE Face route is described in Lopez. This route, by Baugher, avoids climbing Diamond, but still requires some route finding and a good mix of climbing skills on variable rock.
Red Tape
Jurisdiction: Targhee National Forest, Challis Salmon National Forest
Permit: None
Other Users / Issues: Hunters (uncommon)
Maps: USGS Quad- Diamond Peak
Guide Book: Tom Lopez, Idaho: A Climbing Guide
When To Climb
Climbing Season: June through September
Ideal Climbing Time: July through September
Nearest Weather Station: Basin Lake, Moonshine, Meadow Lake
Weather Relative to Region: slightly drier
Camping
Car Camping Sites: Birch Creek area, Pass Creek Area
Backpacking Sites: Valley SE of the Riddler East Ridge, Generally not ideal because of the lack of lakes and year round water sources
Flora & Fauna
Potential Wildlife: Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Cougar, Coyote, Elk, Marmot, Marten, Grouse, Pika
Confirmed Wildlife: Pronghorn, Coyote
Vegetation: Sage
