The Best Alpine Climbing Trails in Idaho (United States)

Mackay, Idaho - USGS Peak

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

10.26mi

Elevation +

5325f

TrailRank

31

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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 pla...

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Ketchum, Idaho: Devi's Bedstead East

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

9.46mi

Elevation +

4931f

TrailRank

27

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DBE is not the highest peak in the Pioneers, but it towers over the Trail Creek valley. It is a beautiful sight, and it begs to be climbed. The route starts up the Boulder Creek trail, easy and well maintained. The cr...

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Mackay, Idaho: Mount Church from Jones Creek

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

4.48mi

Elevation +

4767f

TrailRank

26

The south face of Mount Church is an almost vertical cliff visible from the road. The problem is that the north face is pretty much as steep. On paper, the hike does not look too bad: 4.5 miles one way, 5000 vertical ...

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Ketchum, Idaho: Standhope peak

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

12.11mi

Elevation +

4551f

TrailRank

26

This is a very scenic peak, surrounded by beautiful alpine lakes, and an excellent viewpoint of the Pioneer mountains. The hike is class 3, it requires a little climbing, so you need to feel comfortable in that type of t...

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Stanley, Idaho: Snowyside peak

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

8.79mi

Elevation +

164f

TrailRank

26

The trail to Alice Lake is very popular because this is one of the pretties lakes in Idaho. The hike to Snowyside is long, but very neat. After Alice Lake the trail runs high above Twin Lakes to reach the saddle below...

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Arco, Idaho: Diamond Peak

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

5.73mi

Elevation +

4022f

TrailRank

19

Among the Idaho 12ers, this is the only one that provides a nice, scenic climb on a ridge and steady calls 3 climbing on decent rock. Depending on the capabilities of the vehicle, there is a suitable camping spot at 8...

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Stanley, Idaho: Castle Peak

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

5.74mi

Elevation +

4245f

TrailRank

19

Castle is an impressive mountain that you cannot miss, because it is the huge chunk of rock visible from the Sawtooths. And the walls to the Southwest make it seem unapproachable. Fortunately, that chute on the South fac...

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MacKay, Idaho: Lost River Peak

Alpine Climbing

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rjodra

Distance

2.39mi

Elevation +

4485f

TrailRank

14

Lost River has a bad reputation because it includes the infamous Super Gully, and ugly pile of slippery scree. For that reason some prefer a snow climb. But in truth only the very top of the Super Gully is bad, so this i...

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