Peak 11,967's West Slope is class 3.

Topo of the route

Photos by Tad Schafer

West Slopes, Class 3

Access is via Elkhorn Creek, 15.9 miles north of Mackay off Highway 93. Turn east and follow the road to its end just above Elkhorn Creek.

Follow the unofficial trail from the end of the road, cross the creek, and continue uphill crossing the creek a second time. Once above Elkhorn Creek again, continue to follow the trail as it leads uphill, away from the creek ravine. A pleasantly well-worn trail takes you through trees and meadows. Once you reach a large boulder field (at about 8200 feet) on your right, leave the trail and bushwhack for Point 9887. Just above Point 9887 will be a level shelf with a clearing and a band of trees that skirts the base of the peak. Continue through the trees and begin climbing the west slopes to a summit cap at 11,400 feet.

We did this climb on May 1 and encountered surprisingly little snow. The snow fields we traversed were only a few feet deep. We carried ice axes for protection against a fall. At 11,400 feet follow the ridgeline to the summit.

Admire the beauty of Mt Idaho and Borah to the north, frozen Pass Lake below, and Leatherman to the south.