I try to organize 2 outings a year with the folks that post on the Idaho Outdoors Message Board and follow Idahosummits.com. Sometimes this is a challenge given weather and/or my schedule. Finally both cooperated and the 2018 Fall Outing was all set.

The peak that was chosen was Hope Peak in the Pahsimeroi Range. Hope Peak is just over 11,000 feet and offered a challenging, but not over-the-top route that would allow us to catch-up with each other as we hiked to the top.

With late notice of the outing, we only had 8 people in attendance. We met the night before in our Christian Gulch camping spot (which was incredible) and had great conversations around the campfire.

In the morning we consolidated into 2 vehicles and made our way to the trailhead. Soon we were heading up the forested east slopes of Hope Peak.

The slopes weren't too bad, just steep in a few places. It was great talking with everyone on the ascent. At around 10,000 feet we found a neat large cliff climber's right of the east ridge. A few of us messed around on the surprisingly good rock before continuing up the mountain.

The higher slopes continued to have good footing. The final summit ridge was fun, with a little exposure on a narrow ridge.

The summit was a bit windy, but not too bad. We found that just 10 feet below the summit we could enjoy food and conversation without being blasted. Soon everyone arrived, celebrated, and took photos.

On the descent, John and I wanted to explore a little further north from our ascent line. This was a good move, as it offered up a neat view of the north face of Hope Peak.

All-in-all, it was a great peak and trip! Great to catchup with old friends.

We followed the road up Christian Gulch until about 7900'. We took a right onto the 4WD shown heading northeast. We followed this narrow, rugged road to an open meadow at about 8100' and at the base of the east ridge. This road requires high clearance.

Basically follow the east ridge. This ridge is forested until around 9800' and then becomes less steep and the views open up. The route is class 2 the entire way.