Boulder Lake Peak

Elevation: 11,080 ft
Prominence: 320

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This peak is not in the book. It is perhaps, the second most difficult Idaho 11er (behind True Grit), Derek Percoski provided the East Ridge route. Judi Steciak and Carl Hamke provided the South Ridge route. Updated August 2020


Ranked as the 103rd-highest peak in the State of Idaho, Boulder Lake Peak is just shy of being a member of Idaho’s highest 100 peaks. It is a seldom-climbed summit because of its remote location and climbing difficulty (Class 4). USGS Standhope Peak

Boulder Lake Peak viewed from The Box. George Reinier Photo

Boulder Lake Peak as viewed from The Box. George Reinier Photo

Access

Follow the Boulder Lake Trail [(FST-057 (C)(1)(a) on Page 259] to Boulder Lake. Derek Percoski notes “Accessing this peak via either route requires crossing Wildhorse Creek. In the fall this is a breeze; in June it’s almost impossible. If you go early summer and wade the creek, remember that it could be more treacherous in the afternoon when you return. I was able to find a log crossing for the east ridge route when I visited in early August. It’s wise to save this peak for later in the season.”

East Ridge, Class 3* by Derek Percoski

The east ridge route gains 3500’ in under 2 miles. If you’ve got powerful legs and like shortcuts, this could be the route for you! It is actually a great route—solid terrain the entire way. The route starts from Wildhorse Road, 1.5 miles south of the campground. A massive avalanche path can be seen from the road—climb up to the left of this and the east ridge will gradually take shape. I climbed directly over the first tower I encountered (~10,200’), then the remainder of the way I stayed left of the jagged ridge crest. There were plenty of places that looked like a dead-end was approaching, but I kept moving and always seemed to get lucky. I eventually made it to a gully that led directly up to the “summit”. Your trip could end here, or you can keep exploring if you want to be thorough…

From the top I could see that 500′ south of me was another point that appeared slightly higher. I wasn’t excited about this discovery as the connection looked tedious. I made my way out there and atop the south summit I believed I was on the highest point. This was confusing to me since the south summit only has an 11040′ contour and the north summit has a small 11080′ contour. After returning home I asked around and the first ascent party told me they used a level to determine the highest point. Their summit photos show them on the south summit as well. For now the ‘Lists of John’ summit marker has been moved based on the postulation that the south summit is missing the 11080′ contour on the map.

*The east ridge is Class 3 to the north summit. The connection to the south summit is more difficult, and I did one Class-4 section. Perhaps a larger downclimb could avoid this. Once you arrive at the south summit you’ll circle around it clockwise and make a Class-3+ ascent on the Boulder Lake side.

Midway up the ridge. Derek Percoski Photo

Midway up the ridge. Derek Percoski Photo

The upper ridge. Derek Percoski Photo

The upper ridge. Derek Percoski Photo

The final gully leading to the north summit. Derek Percoski Photo

The final gully leading to the north summit. Derek Percoski Photo
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South Ridge, Class 4 by Judi Steciak and Carl Hamke

Follow the Boulder Lake Trail [(FST-057 (C)(1)(a) on Page 259] to Boulder Lake. Circumnavigate the Boulder Lake on its west shore and ascend the eyebrow cliffs from their West Side. From here, ascend to the east on steep talus towards Point 11024, eventually bearing north past this point on the west. Cross ribs to reach ledges and short gullies that lead to the knife-edged ridge below the summit. George Reinier and Pat McGrane reached the summit on August 21, 2008 with no signs of previous ascent.

Boulder Lake Peak. Pat McGrane Photo

Boulder Lake Peak. Pat McGrane Photo

East Face Variation, Class 4

North of Point 11024, cross over to the East Side and traverse farther north until you can climb steep flakes and cracks to the summit. Carl Hamke climbed the East Side Variation on August 21, 2008.

Additional Resources

Mountain Range: Pioneer Mountains

First Ascent Information:

  • First Ascent Year: 2008
  • Season: Summer
  • Route: They followed fairly closely to the S Ridge route listed above. They found a crack in the cliff bands above the lake (follow the stream running through) instead of wrapping around and above them.
  • Party: George Reinier and Pat McGrane.

Longitude: -114.12282   Latitude: 43.79669

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