Williams Peak Winter Hike

With the winter snowpack in Idaho being pathetic, Dan and I decided to ascend a big peak that is normally inaccessible in mid-winter.  We chose Williams Peak in the Lost River Range, a peak with good vehicle access and a low-angle canyon approach.  We left Boise just after 5am and were hiking just after 9am.

The ascent was very straightforward and the route up the canyon was much less difficult than we remembered from our last visit (climbing Mount Church and Donaldson Peak) in 2003.  The canyon is a little bit brushy and rocky but almost always offers a decent route choice.  The snow was not very deep in most places and we didn't even put on snowshoes until we reached 9000'.  From there the snowshoes were really only helpful until we reached the summit ridge at 10000'.  The final push to the summit was windier but on easy talus which was mostly blown clean of snow.  Temperatures were likely in the low 30s and aside from the wind, it was quite pleasant!

The summit views were a little disappointing due to the clouds shrouding all of the nearby big peaks.  However we were thankful that visibility was never a problem on our ascent.  We retraced our route on descent and made it back to the vehicle before 4pm.  On the way through Arco we stopped at the Deli Sandwich Shop which was pretty decent.  Another dining option discovered! 

Williams Peak Winter Hike Pictures!
GPS Track
Dan's Trip Report