My wife loves Copper Basin, so when we finally had an open weekend in Idaho, it was easy to convince her to head that way. The peak was an easy choice too, as Copper Basin Knob has been on my list for over 10 years.

Copper Basin Knob is a pointy peak that is prominent from many aspects in Copper Basin. While I knew of 3 ascents, there weren't many details, nor had I seen a photo of the class 3 summit block. Time for an adventure!

We arrived in Copper Basin on Saturday afternoon. After getting camp setup along Starhope Creek, we went on a fishing expedition. Carrie hooked one, but fishing was pretty slow. We then headed back to camp for a nice dinner, listened to some Boise State football on the radio, then hit the tent.

It was cold and breezy in the morning, but we finally got moving. We arrived at the trailhead around 9am.

We decided to use the Charcoal Creek approach from the north. I think this is the route Rick Baugher used as well. We basically parked at a meadow at the head of the canyon which can be reached by a rutted road. From the end of the road, we basically followed cow trails along the creek until the canyon opened up at around 9200'.

We had planned to head to the Copper Basin Knob/Point 10316 saddle, but decided the route directly up to the peak wasn't that bad. Turned out it wasn't and we soon gained the ridge line at 10400'.

The last 300 feet are a bit confusing, as there are towers all around, but we correctly identified the summit block and headed up.

The final 100 feet are scrambling, but the rock is pretty good and you never face a lot of exposure.

Views from the top are amazing, with a lengthy view of the Pioneer crest. Atlas and Big Lake are visible to the west, with Smiley Mountain visible to the south. To the east, you have a great view of the White Knobs and Lost River Range.

Our descent was uneventful and fast, making for a under 5 hour trip.

Great weekend in the mountains and fun scrambling on Copper Basin Knob!

We turned onto the north spur of the Copper Basin loop road. We took the first road heading across the flats toward the head of Charcoal Creek. There is one fence to open en route.

This road is rutted, but in pretty good shape. It ends in a grassy meadow with large trees.

We hiked up Charcoal Creek, then climbed directly towards the peak, gaining the ridge at 10,400 feet.