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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: July 20, 2002
- Miles Hiked: 5.5
- Elevation Gain: 4,600'
- Hiking Partner(s): None
- Description:
- There are 9 peaks in Idaho over 12,000', and Diamon Peak is number four on the
12er list at 12,197'. Three down, six to go.
- Since I was working in Idaho Falls the week of July 15th, I thought I
would take advantage of being in eastern Idaho and scramble to the top
of Diamond Peak. Located in the Lemhi Mountain Range, Diamond Peak
is one of two 12ers not located in the Lost River Range. At
12,197', it is only surpassed by Borah, Leatherman, and Church in terms
of height.
- From Idaho Falls, I drove north on the interstate and took the Rexburg
exit west. After going through Terreton, I went north on Highway
28 to Pass Creek where jeep roads take you to the base of the
mountain. I got to the trailhead in the early evening and had some
dinner and a couple of beers before going to sleep in the back of my
Blazer.
- I got up around 6:00 and was on the move at 6:30. Needless to
say, it was an extremely difficult hike with an average grade of
31.7%. The first mile climbs a grassy slope around the north side
of a hill before reaching a saddle where the talus and scree
begin. The going gets even more steep here and starts to follow
the main east ridge of Diamond Peak. The ridge heads northwest for
a short way before it straightens out directly to the west. This
is where the scrambling really begins.
- Although the talus and scree give way to more solid rock, the final
section still takes a while and is mentally challenging because of a
number of false summits. I would definitely have to rate this hike
more technically challenging than Mount Borah although it isn't quite as
physically difficult. In my opinion, you are required to cross
sections similar to Chicken Out Ridge at least four or five times.
- I made it to the top in 3:05 and signed the summit register but only
stuck around long enough to take a few photos. The sky's were
actually a bit gray and I had to drive all the way back to Boise.
I was down in 2:15. After having another beer to celebrate, I was
on the road.
- Maps:
- Click here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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