I was in Hailey for a project that would require me to sit with 25 others in a cramped room for 5 days. Things didn't really get started until Monday afternoon. So when I woke up to cloudless skies on Monday morning, I couldn't resist the urge to go for a hike.

One peak that had my attention for a while and would allow me to get into work on time was The Peanut. The Peanut is the rounded peak rising almost due north of the Hyndman Peak trailhead. The peak is actually quite steep on 3 sides and I assumed would have great views of Hyndman Peak, Cobb Peak, and Old Hyndman.

My route of choice was the steep, but obstacle-free southwest ridge from the Hyndman Creek trailhead.

I arrived at the trailhead just as the sun was coming up. It was chilly, with frost covering the ground. I started heading down the old road that leads up North Fork Hyndman Creek. After about a half a mile, I branched off and crossed the creek. Even in low flow, this was a challenge, especially given the rocks were icy. After crossing, I side hilled until I attained the southwest ridge on the peak.

As I made my way up the ridge, the sun was out. The combination of the deep blue skies and the fall colors in the trees made for some spectacular scenery. I made great pace up the peak and soon crested to the flat, large summit.

In addition to the expected impressive views of the Pioneer Mountains, I was rewarded with an elk herd hanging out on top. They didn't stay long, but it was quite a scene with the elk in the foreground and Cobb Peak behind.

While not 10,000 feet and surrounded by bigger mountains, The Peanut is still an very worthwhile objective!

Turn east onto the East Fork Wood River Road from Highway 75. The turnoff is about 5.5 miles south of the town of Ketchum. Reset your odometer. You will reach the small village of Triumph at 5.8 miles, just keep heading east on the road. Shortly after Triumph the road becomes dirt. Continue east on the road when you see the turn-off for the Hyndman Creek trailhead at 7.2 miles. Take a left onto Forest Service road 203 at the fork. Follow 203 until it meets up with the confluence of the North Fork Hyndman Creek and Hyndman Creek and the trailhead. There is a bathroom, informational sign, and large parking area here.

I followed North Fork Hyndman Creek for about 1/2 a mile, then crossed over and headed up the southwest ridge to the top of the peak.