Boulder Basin - Boulder Mountains
September 14, 2007
A wonderful hike for the curious explorer, Boulder Basin has it all: remnants of Idaho’s mining history, high altitude lakes, soaring peaks and meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring.
Total Distance: 7 Miles
Highest Elevation: 9,528 Feet
Elevation Gain: 2,210 Feet
Rating: Moderate
Access: Dirt Road (4×4 Recommended)
To The Trail: Drive north from Ketchum 12.5 miles and turn right onto Boulder Creek Road, located at the top of Phantom Hill at mile marker #141. Follow the dirt road, going left at the first junction. After approx 1 mile follow the sign indicating ‘Boulder Basin 5′ to the right. Continue on, the rough road crosses through Boulder Creek and then up into the canyon. Around 1.5 miles after the last junction there is a place to park in an area of sparse, tall pines and cut down stumps. Park here. A registration box is up to the left, next to the road.
The Trail: From the parking area the trail is on road all the way up into Boulder Basin. First following along the bottom of the canyon, through forest before turning up and to the left when it begins climbing along a long exposed slope of shale and rock. It eases off a bit past the first long climb into the bottom of the valley again before resuming the climb up a series of switchbacks of rocky road.
Reaching the top of this climb the road passes through pine forest and begins to make it’s way into Boulder Basin. There is a stream crossing just before getting into the first meadows of the basin, which may be deep in high water. Past here the road crosses some big meadows and scattered forest as it slowly curves left up in the valley, eventually reaching a junction.
- Going left leads, on easy walking road, to the remains of historic Boulder City, the popular destination. Built in the 1890s and active until 1950, several dilapidated buildings still stand.
-
Going right continues to climb, reaching another junction approximately .75 of a mile up at the base of steep rockfall underneath a cliff. There is a dark mine shaft here with rusty, twisted railway metal sticking out.
- From here going left leads up a short climb to the biggest and most perpetual of the Boulder Basin Lakes. There is an old cabin here.
-
Going right, again continues to climb, curving up and around a rocky knoll before eventually topping out near the base of the cliffs and near a small glacial pond/tarn area. Here there are vantage points where you can walk out to the edge and look back down into the basin.
Boulder Basin Images:
Field Notes:
-Rocky road, sturdy footwear recommended.
-Stream crossings may be problematic in the spring.
-These roads are open to motor vehicles - don’t be surprised to see motocycles or 4×4s.
-Old mines & structures are very dangerous and should be observed only.
Last hiked: 9/8/07 - DS
Comments
Been on this trail lately?
