Our hopes of climbing Diamond Peak this year were dashed but with the expected high winds today we opted for a less spicy climb in the Beaverhead Mountains. Notice I finally got edition right? Come on AI help a guy out!
After a short drive we were on our feet. Notice the timbered tree protection.
The bulk of today’s climb was in a fairly protected draw with no exposure.
Some rock scrambling was required and notice the snow?
Our crew makes our way out of the trees.
Near the top of the ridge we get great views of the Beaverhead Mountains.
Crossing the open tundra near 10,000 feet. We definitely felt today’s cold wind.
Our first summit of the day comes into view. This is an unnamed peak with an elevation of 9998 feet. Prior to modern technology it was thought to be the lowest 10000 foot peak in Idaho but LIDAR scans revised its elevation and now it’s the second highest 9000 foot peak in Idaho. We dubbed it FULP Peak.
John approaches the summit sporting a great jacket for photography.
John and Diamond Peak.
Tom tries to buy a house from the top of the Beaverheads.
Across the valley is Bell Mountain.
Summit selfie! From left to right, Tuesday Dave, Tom, Michael, John, and Brian.
Our NTP tribute to JP.
The view looking north over the Beaverhead Range. We were keeping our eye on the skies as there was a non zero chance of rain again today.
Looking off to the east, clearly Montana was getting some storms.
We head off the peak and onto the broadest saddle in Idaho….. Our next peak will be Dead Horse Peak which is off to the right.
Another view of Bell Mountain.
Dead Horse Peak has a radio repeater on top. This image, taken above 10,000 feet, shows basically arctic tundra.
John and Michael take in the views on the broad summit of Dead Horse Peak.
Easy down climbing.
Back into the timber and the snow flurries commence.
Yes, that is a snow squall…. Time to head back to reality, a big thanks to all the FOJ’s (Friends of John).
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