Mackay, Idaho - USGS Peak

USGS did not hit the 12,000 feet mark by a hair. But it is an enormous mountain, with more prominence than other 12'rs So few people climb it and the summit offers fantastic views.

The route is class 3, and if the plan is to ascend the ledges at the end it requires good route finding skills.

The beginning of the trail has recently been repaired (2021). At 1.5 miles there is detour to a waterfall -actually a hole in the rock- where the creek starts. Really worth checking it out.

After the detour the trail ends and the hike becomes an ugly bushwhack though trees, rocks, and deadfall. The route starts to the west of the creek, but changes sides as needed. After 1.5 miles of breaking through the forest, you hit the treeline with the realization that 1. There is still a 3500 feet mountain to climb. 2. The climb is only 2 miles. 3. There is a veritable sea of scree up there.

Fortunately the scree is quite solid and it can be climbed quickly. The canyon is magnificent, enormous walls surrounding acres and acres of rock. At 10400 feet the space opens up to show the walls at the end of the canyon. The trail goes all the way to the end and to the left, around the last prominent rocks.

Then the difficult part starts. A system of ledges leads to the top. One route uses the very obvious gully to the left of the ledges, which can be covered with snow even in summer. This is straightforward but the terrain is very unstable. The distance is longer because it reaches the ridge further south.

The other alternative is climbing the ledges. Not climbing per se, because this is rotten rock that cannot be trusted. Rather look for gullies that break the cliffs. It is difficult route finding and a tricky climb. The route indicated follows a gully close to a very visible patch of white rock. Still a class 3 route can be found.

Equipment recommended, trekking poles and helmet (a lot of loose rock). If you plan to climb the snowfield, bring crampons.

There is a good gravel access road, suitable for passenger vehicles, which does not show in some maps. The start of the road is indicated in a waypoint.