Hike to Hyndman Peak

At 12,009 feet, Hyndman Peak is the ninth highest peak in Idaho and the tallest peak in the Pioneer Mountains. The hike to Hyndman Peak will take you up 5,000 feet in elevation over six miles. Once you've made it to the top, you can take in one of the most stunning 360-degree views of other Idaho mountain ranges, including Mount Borah, Idaho's highest peak.

Getting There:
Get on Highway 75. Between Hailey and Ketchum, turn east on East Fork road. Pass the small town of Triumph, drive 1.2 miles, and take a hard left on an unmarked dirt road (which is actually Road 203/Hyndman Creek Road). Follow this road another three miles. At the T in the road, turn left and drive until you see a bathroom and a sign for Hyndman Creek trailhead.

The Trail:
The first two miles of the hike are a gradual 800-foot gain meandering through aspen groves. At the base of Cobb Mountain, the trail turns left and here's where some serious elevation gain begins.

After another mile—which takes you through pines and crosses over the creek—you'll come to the basin. Cobb Mountain will be on the left, Old Hyndman in the middle, and the giant peak of Hyndman will be right in front. At the base of Hyndman is a beautiful lake where a few campers can be found. Shortly past the lake, you will reach the tree line. From here, the trail fades and the tallus begins; just head for the ridge line between Old Hyndman and Hyndman. From the ridge line, you will get excellent views of Wild Horse Canyon.

The Class 2/3 scramble starts here. The daunting 1000-foot peak face is all scree and boulders, but still fairly solid. Stay along the ridge line following a small goat trail to the summit.

Feeling like extending your stay? Camp at the lake the first night to cut the 12-mile hike into two parts.