We were at our usual 4th of July camping spot near Baker Creek north of Ketchum. We had some options for peaks, but decided to do Peak 10522 (Red Meridian).

Red Meridian is located in the Boulder Mountains near Hunter Creek Summit. The peak has over 1000 feet of prominence and has a unique viewpoint of the surrounding mountains.

There is a great road leading you into the wild area of the North Fork Big Lost River. The road is improved until you reach the final turn signed "Hunter Creek Trail". Here, high clearance is recommended.

From the trailhead, the views of the Boulder Range are impressive. There is a small burn area near the trailhead and for maybe the first 1/4 of the hike, but nothing beyond that (we had heard the whole drainage had burned, not the case).

Our plan was to follow the trail and then ascend the a south facing ridge to around 10200', then hook a right (east) and head to the summit. The plan worked and this was a great route.

The finally 400 feet were on tundra-like terrain with lots of small flowers.

Soon we were on the summit checking out views of the Lost Rivers, Pioneers, White Clouds and Salmon River Range. This was a really enjoyable summit for us.

We did have a bit of discussion about making a loop of it and dropping down the south ridge and then angling back to where we left the trail. However, we didn't want to jinx a great day and stuck with the known.

Highly recommended peak with very reasonable stats!

Drive Trail Creek Road and turn onto the signed North Fork Big Lost River Road. This road is improved for most of the way. Eventually you will reach a turn-off for Hunter Creek where you will turn right. Follow this road to the end. This road requires high clearance, but not 4-wheel drive.

We hiked up Hunter Creek trail until the trail forks left at around 8560'. The trail banks left, we went slight right into the drainage. Then we got on the treeless south ridge led us to the base of the peak. This ridge is pretty obvious and has great footing. Once above 10k, you'll hike more easterly on barren slopes covered in small wildflowers. The footing remains good on this section.

I will say waterproof boots are highly recommended as you cross Hunter Creek or subsidiary streams on at least 10 occasions!