Ketchum, Idaho: Phi Kappa mountain
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 7.65 mi
- Elevation gain
- 3,140 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 3,140 ft
- Max elevation
- 10,591 ft
- TrailRank
- 26
- Min elevation
- 7,913 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Coordinates
- 1408
- Uploaded
- August 3, 2016
- Recorded
- August 2016
near Sun Valley, Idaho (United States)
Viewed 255 times, downloaded 4 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Usually the tallest peaks get all the attention, but there is something to say about the second line of peaks that give the perfect view of the giants nearby. Phi Kappa provides an incomparable view of the Devils and other Pioneers.
These two routes are suitable for ascent or descent.
Going up Summit Creek trail around 2.5 miles, there is a prominent buttress just below peak 10585. The route is a bushwack up this buttress. Cross the creek wherever it can be stepped over. The North side of the creek is messy because of boggy soil and deadfall, but the going gets easier beyond the first line of trees. The terrain is steep but open with good footing. Around 10000 feet lean right to reach the saddle at 10200 and follow the easy ridge.
The other route is much more enjoyable because it follows the ridge all the way. Leave the trail as soon as the line of trees opens up, West of the enormous scree field above the creek. Sidetrack this scree field to reach the ridge and follow it all the way. The ridge is easy class 2. In most cases it is better to keep to the top rather than traverse around the high points. The occasional steep section can easily be avoided.
These two routes are suitable for ascent or descent.
Going up Summit Creek trail around 2.5 miles, there is a prominent buttress just below peak 10585. The route is a bushwack up this buttress. Cross the creek wherever it can be stepped over. The North side of the creek is messy because of boggy soil and deadfall, but the going gets easier beyond the first line of trees. The terrain is steep but open with good footing. Around 10000 feet lean right to reach the saddle at 10200 and follow the easy ridge.
The other route is much more enjoyable because it follows the ridge all the way. Leave the trail as soon as the line of trees opens up, West of the enormous scree field above the creek. Sidetrack this scree field to reach the ridge and follow it all the way. The ridge is easy class 2. In most cases it is better to keep to the top rather than traverse around the high points. The occasional steep section can easily be avoided.
Waypoints
Waypoint
10,515 ft
Phi Kappa mountain
Waypoint
10,203 ft
Saddle
Waypoint
8,074 ft
Head towards ridge
Waypoint
7,946 ft
Summit Creek trailhead
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