The first Idahosummits.com group outing was in the spring of 2004. 7 people showed up and we had a blast. Since then, it has been a bi-annual event to get people together that post on the Idahosummits message board.

For the Fall 2010 outing, we ventured into the Sawtooths for the first time. In addition, we targeted a peak under 10000 feet for the first time. For the peak, we chose El Capitan, Idaho's version of the popular rocky peak in California. The peak is a class 3 scramble after a scenic approach hike.

Some last minute changes caused me to not arrive until Saturday morning, instead of the night before as usual. Precisely at 7:58am, we drove into the parking lot. The group that had stayed looked COLD. It was only September, yet the peaks were snow covered and it was cold at the trailhead (below freezing).

It took the group a while to assemble, but we headed for the peak around 8:30am. The group size was 12, ranging in age from 15-year old Dylan, to several 50+ year-olds (no names mentioned)!

We headed up the trail in foggy, cool conditions. However, once the sun hit us, it quickly warmed up. The day was beautiful, with a brilliant blue sky overhead.

We eventually reached the start of the off-trail route to the gully on the northeast side of the peak. We scrambled through forest for the first 400 feet, before entering the tree-less gully. At several points, we stopped for interesting conversation and even a snowball fight.

It wasn't until around 9400' before we could see the remainder of the route. It looked steep and rocky, but doable. Off we headed, spread out over the 500 feet between the final break spot and the summit. The climbing was easy, until the final 20 feet, which were challenging and required care. The summit was small with drop-offs on all sides. However, it held us all. I hung out on top for nearly an hour before finally heading down. The 12 people summiting set an outing record.

On the way back, Bella entertained us by "soaking her feet" in the creek and doing yoga poses. Others made wise-cracks that only got worse as the day progressed (poor Dylan). But we had a blast and everyone appreciated the weather and the great company. We were slow though, as this group was particularly chatting and had trouble getting moving after a break.

Thanks Kris, Jacob, John, Dylan, Bella, Pam, Steve, Margie, Margo, Dave, and John P. for a great day in the mountains. Can't wait until spring to see everyone again!

From ID-75, approximately 19 miles south of Stanley, turn west on FS-208 (the Pettit Lake road) and follow the signs to the Tin Cup hiker trailhead. Parking at the trailhead is abundant (over 100 cars).

Follow the trail towards Alice Lake. At approximately 8400' in elevation, head southwest into the large gully on the northeast side of the peak. Follow the fall line of the gully until about 9400'. Then hit the south ridge and follow it to the summit. The last 20 feet are challenging, but not too exposed.