The weather had turned for the better. Late summer rains put out the fires and the skies were incredibly clear.

I was in Hailey, so I decided to sneak in a peak before heading home.

Needing something with 2-wheel drive access and not too long, I decided on Amber Peak (Peak 10161) near the Amber Lakes in the Boulder Mountains.

I got to the trailhead right at 8am. It was beautiful weather, albeit chilly, with a temperature of 26 degrees at the trailhead. After signing into the register, off I headed on the West Fork trail.

With a bit of wind, shade, and the chilly temperature; I was hiking fast and not sweating! Anyone who knows me can confirm that is a big deal.

After a quick mile, you reach a junction. The Amber Lakes trail forks to the left (south). This trail is very nice and signed, but is not on the topo. This is the trail I planned to follow to Lake 9028.

Whoever created this trail must have been getting paid by the mile! It wasted a lot of time switchbacking up the north facing slopes and eventually to Amber Basin. There were great views of my target peak, avalanche chutes, etc...

I eventually reached a meadow. It was still frosty in the meadow as I left the trail and headed westerly toward Lake 9028'. There might be a trail, but cross-country was easy enough. As I crested the ridge below the lake, I was shocked to find the lake nearly empty! It looked like a fairly large lake, but was reduced to a small pool.

A lengthy break in my first sun of the day got me energized for the last 1200' of elevation gain to the summit. There were many options, but straight up seemed fine and turned out fine. There was good footing most of the way and a few sections of some easy, but fun scrambling.

The summit had a cairn and maybe a register. After moving around a few rocks I gave up and took pictures. It was a glorious day, without any haze and a great view of the Pioneers and Boulders. I soaked in the sun, before deciding to head down.

On the way out, it was time to crank some DMB on the iPod. Great day in the mountains!

Drive 5 miles north on Idaho 75 from Ketchum and turn right at the SNRA headquarters. From there, follow the road (which soon turns dirt) about 5 miles to its end.

The road is rough in places, but you can get a sedan to the trailhead.

The trailhead is for 2 different trails, the North Fork trail heading to Ibex Pass and the West Fork trail. Make sure you take the West Fork trail, which heads left and west from the trailhead.