Outdoors / Mountain West

Standhope Peak via Jarvis Trail

Day 1:

I woke up in my tent in corral canyon, north of Sun Valley. I had gotten the last spot and it was beautiful beside the creek. I packed up my tent around seven AM and realized that the food I had brought for my objective- climbing Standhope Peak- was insufficient. I had also forgotten my cooking pot and spoon.

I drove back to Sun Valley to pick up supplies, but all the places that sold camp meals didn’t open until 9 AM. I decided to get breakfast. I went to a place called Wrapcity and struck up a conversation with an older fellow named Bob because he was wearing Chacos (I was also wearing Chacos). I ate my turkey club wrap with Bob and we swapped climbing stories. Bob, if you’re reading this, you’ve got my email feel free to say hello.

After breakfast I stopped at a bookstore and picked up Anthony Hopkin’s “We Did Okay, Kid” from the donation section before heading to Elephant’s Perch Outdoors Store and stocking up on food and supplies, and then started the two hour drive to Broad Canyon campground. The road to Broad Canyon from Sun Valley is bumpy, circuitous, and long, but full of spectacular views.

Upon reaching Broad Canyon campground at about 7500’, I loaded up and set off on the north fork of the Jarvis Loop Trail. The first mile was easy going. The second mile was a brutal climb. Around the third mile, I was scared half to death by a trail runner coming up behind me. He said he was on his third lap of the day. Freak.

From mile 3 on, the views are great and only get greater. However, the vertical was intense and I had packed a good deal more than I needed. The climbing was difficult as I approached 10,000’ elevation. At mile 5.25, I arrived at the gorgeous alpine Betty Lake. Standhope Peak can be seen shooting out of the earth slightly beyond.

I hopped in the lake to cool off which was extremely effective, because the lake was still surrounded by numerous patches of snow. I made a quick Peak Refuel lunch of coconut chicken curry and only slightly burned my hand in the process. After changing into a less disgusting pair of underwear I set out on the remaining half mile trek to Goat Lake. The trail from Betty Lake to Goat Lake passed over a saddle from which I would climb Standhope Peak the next day, and then down into a basin. From the saddle, the route I planned to climb looked terrifying.

Goat Lake is said to be the highest elevation lake in Idaho, and it is beautiful. I did pass another lake higher up near the saddle, but it was much smaller. I guess technically it was a pond. I had hoped to camp at Goat Lake but was worried I might need to move farther down the mountain to get out of the wind. Fortunately, I found a great spot with a phenomenal view yet still out of the wind. After pitching my tent, I hopped in for a swim. The water was brutally cold, but at least I can say that I swam in the highest lake in Idaho, if not the highest pond. I rinsed off my grossest shirt and settled in to read my new book at around 6:30 PM. After a dinner of Peak Refuel chicken Alfredo at 7:15, I read until sunset and then hunkered down to sleep.

Day 2:

I woke around 5:30 AM. I had fortunately pitched my tent in such a manner that I was able to open the vestibule and watch the gorgeous sunrise without even leaving my sleeping bag. I rehydrated peaches and cream and took in the reddish gold morning. It was a moment that I am sure will stay with me for a long time.

I was on the trail again, this time with my day pack, and reached the sadlle at 6:45 AM. Time to climb. The south face of Standhope Peak rose imposingly above me. I only had half a mile to go, but over 1000 feet to climb. The going was slow, difficult, and I stopped often to admire the views behind or to contemplate the best route before me. I finally reached the summit after an hour of climbing. The 360 degree panorama was among the best I have ever seen. I signed the log book and took some photos, and then simply sat for a good while longer, taking in the vista. I could see five lakes from the top, Altair Peak to my left, The Fin to my right, and many more for miles beyond. Eventually, it was time to head back down.

After another quick dip in Goat Lake and a quick lunch, I packed up my tent and headed down the south fork of the Jarvis Trail. At Baptie Lake, I saw a marmot and a bald eagle. The trail continued to sharply descend until I once again returned to Broad Canyon Campground, and headed home.