Nice weekend weather was predicted. I spoke with John Fadgen about getting out and he was interested. In addition, I also invited the "Facebook Peakbaggers" and Jordan and Margo from that group were interested. We were set for a 5am departure from Boise, grabbing Margo en route in Arco.

I suggested Porphyry Peak in the White Knobs. I assumed easy access (other than crossing the Big Lost River), limited snow (it's in the rain shadow of the Pioneers), and a moderate day (perfect for a short fall day). Plus I knew the peak had a lot of prominence and would thus have great views! John was fine with that selection.

As we drove towards Arco, I received a text from Deb stating her group was in a pickle up Sawmill Gulch Road (they were there to climb White Cap Peak). Their vehicle had slid off the road and they required assistance. Well, I was with John and he had the chain and vehicle to pull it off, so we volunteered. Around the same time we got a text from Margo that she was not feeling well enough to join us.

Once we got to Sawmill Gulch, it probably took an hour to drive to Deb's location, pull them out, then drive back to US 93 to continue our trek to the trailhead for Porphyry Peak. Since they felt it was too late to do White Cap, their group of Victor, Deb, Rob, and Matt joined us for Porphyry Peak.

Once at the start of the hike, we had the much dreaded (over-hyped) river crossing to contend with. I put on my river shoes and rolled up my pant legs and crossed the river in 30 seconds (after carefully sinking the beer for later). Sure it was cold, but after a minute feelings were back to normal. 15 minutes later, everyone was across, booted back up, and ready to roll.

The route follows a trail in the Castle Creek drainage. We made our way up in sunny skies, taking in great views of towering Castle Rock, looming right over us. Higher up, there is a neat slot where the creek flows through a tight, rock-walled gap.

At 8000' we turned west to gain the south ridge of Porphyry Peak. John and Jordan continued up a little further and took a different ridge that was more direct and steep.

As we progressed up our ridge, every step up opened up more views. The weather also remained spectacular and we made great progress towards the summit. Our route was scenic, but had great footing. Once within 300 feet, our route hooked left and followed the southeast ridge to the top. Here the pitch steepened, but the footing remained good. Hiking just right of the steep west face made for an enjoyable finish.

John and Jordan had made it to the top prior to us and were waiting. We enjoyed the views in all directions, as Porphyry Peak is well-situated, with especially great views of the Lost River Range (nearly in its entirety)! The weather remained good, though a bit chilly from a breeze at times.

We debated ways down, settling on following the south ridge down about a mile, then dropping back into Castle Creek and following the trail back out.

After another splash through Big Lost River, it was beer time. Then we drove to Mackay for some well-deserved hamburgers at Amy Lou's.

Wonderful trip with a great group of people. Maybe I will continue to get lucky and get a December summit with nice weather???

If you haven't done Porphyry Peak... add it to your list, it is a really nice area!

Make your way to the Copper Basin Road turn-off from Trail Creek Road. Follow Copper Basin Road for 7.75 miles until you are across from the Castle Creek drainage. Park here.

We stopped on Copper Basin Road directly across from the Castle Creek drainage. We waded through the Big Lost River. Once in the drainage, find the trail along the fence line heading north/northeast. We followed the trail to 8000', then forked right and up a ridge until it joined the south ridge of Porphyry Peak. We then headed up the ridge, aiming for a small patch of trees. Once in the trees, the ridge hooks left and climbs the southeastern slopes of Porphyry Peak.