Boulder Mountains (ID)

The Heart of Idaho

The Boulder Mountains are a massive, high, and rugged mountain range in the very heart of Idaho. The range stretches from Ketchum in the South, nearly to Challis in the North. Highway 75 and the East Fork of the Salmon River form its western border while the Big Lost River Valley and the Pioneer Mountains are to the East and South. The range is increasing in popularity especially for backcountry winter sports as the highest portion is quite near the Sun Valley ski resort and is easily accessed from highway 75. Many of the high peaks have broad ridges that are conducive to winter climbing and large bowls with excellent skiing when conditions are right. In the summer the southern end of the range is a fairly popular hiking destination with many developed trails. However, solitude can still easily be found. Popular by Idaho standards means that (Gasp!) you might run into someone else during the day.

Geography

The Boulders rank as one of Idaho's highest mountain ranges with at least 12 summits topping 11,000 ft. and more than 16 other peaks over 10,000 ft. Most of the highest peaks are located in the southern portion of the range along what is known as the Boulder Front. This is the impressive wall of peaks that can be seen along the East side of highway 75 as one travels between Ketchum and Stanley. Here elevation gains can be as much as 4,000+ ft. and there are no intervening foothills. At 11,714 ft., Ryan Peak is the highest peak in the Boulders but it is not visible from any major road.

Geologically the range is quite complex and contains everything from granite to Challis Volcanics. The Boulders were once extensively mined and at one time the mining town of Boulder was Idaho’s highest town at 10,000 ft. Galena, the source of lead, was one of the most heavily mined minerals in the range. There are many landmarks named after the ore including the town of Galena, Galena Peak, and Galena Summit, where Idaho’s highest paved road is.

There is little in the way of technical climbing (although if you know where to go and who to talk to there are a few good snow and ice climbs) because the rock is so loose and rotten. As Tom Lopez puts it in his book, Idaho: A Climbing Guide, “Although there is stiff competition for the honor, the Boulder Mountains win the prize for being Idaho’s most rotten mountains. Even rock that appears solid will crumble in your hands.”

Climate

The area near the Boulder Front is heavily forested and is green and verdant. As you go to the North the range becomes more desert like and there a lot fewer trees. During the winter the Boulder Front can receive a large amount of snowfall that can linger on into the summer months.

Source: U.S. Climate Data

All the typical Idaho wildlife is present in the Boulders including a very large population of Mountain Goats. They can commonly be seen on the steep slopes of the peaks along the Boulder Front. In fact, there is a mountain goat viewing site along the highway to the West of Boulder Peak.

Weather

Management

As of August 2015 Rep. Mike Simpson's Wilderness bill for this area has passed creating nearly 300,000 acres of new Wilderness in the Boulder-White Cloud area. More info will be added as it becomes available.

Peaks

The range is divided into four major divides by Tom Lopez in Idaho: A Climbing Guide. Those divisions will be followed here. The class column refers to the easiest route to the summit.

Northern Divide

Sheep Divide

East Fork/North Fork Divide

The Boulder Front

Getting There

Highway 75 provides easy access to the high peaks of the Boulder Front. There isn't very far to go off the road to begin climbing. Getting into the heart of the range is another matter. Many of the roads are high clearance, 4WD only and are some of the most rugged in the state. The range can also be accessed via the Trail Creek Road and the East Fork Salmon River Road. For more specifics I refer you to the many wonderful guidebooks and peak pages available for the area.

Red Tape

What's that? This is Idaho! Wander to your heart's content.

Camping

There are many wonderful campgrounds in and around the Boulders but there are limitless opportunities for backcountry camping in the range.

Please remember to practice Leave No Trace when camping in pristine areas.

External Links

Sawtooth National Forest-Ketchum Ranger District

Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Idaho: A Climbing Guide The Idaho Climbing Bible.

Idaho Outdoors Forum. Where the locals chat about the mountains.

Splattski.com Great trip reports and pictures. This link goes to his Boulders page.

Idahosummits.com Parent site of the Idaho Outdoors Forum with tons of trip reports.

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Images

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