About a month earlier, I attempted Chimney Peak solo. I failed due to poor snow and lack of time. This time I brought a crew with me. In addition, the snow was a vast improvement over the conditions I saw before.

Without much debate, Zach, John, and I decided to attempt Chimney Peak. They were relying on my knowledge and were really along for the ride. We were expecting mostly cloudy skies and a 20% chance of snow. On the drive over, we hit snow just past Tollgate. As we traveled between tollgate and Cat Creek Summit, it actually snowed at a moderate pace. We were all thinking it might be a cold, windy, and white day. However, as we got on the Camas Prairie, the skies slowly cleared until become sunny around the trailhead. What luck!!!

We arrived at the trailhead around 8am. This beat the snowmobile crowd. So we hiked the 1.5 miles on the hiking trail without running across any snowmobiles. We then left the trail and hit the slopes. We debated some route plans, but ended up deciding to utilized the route I used previously. The steepest section before was loose and miserable. This time it was a cruise, as John led, barely breaking through. What took me 45 minutes took us 10 or 15 minutes.

The snow on the ridge above wasn't as good, but wasn't bad either. The weather was clear with a slight breeze and the scenery was great. We were having a blast. We took turns leading, but John did most of the work. We eventually reached my turn-around point and took a break to catchup on food and water. The rest of the route was quite scenic and fun... We cut across a neat basin, hiked along a cornice, then through some trees, and up the final summit slopes.

The top was in fog when John first arrived, but as Zach and I got there it cleared. It was an impressive peak with views in all directions. Had it not been for 2 cloud banks over Steel Mountain and the Trinity Range, we would have probably had a greater show. The way out was uneventful and the day ended up as well as could be expected... a new peak, old friends, and good weather. The beer at the trailhead topped it off, thanks Zach!

Turn north (left if coming from Boise, right if coming from Fairfield) at virtual mile marker 144.2 on 800 W. Follow 800 W for 1.9 miles to 200 N. Turn left. Follow 200 N for 2.7 miles and turn right onto 1800 W. Drive 1 mile and park in the plowed lot.

From the parking lot, find the sign marked "Chimney Creek Trailhead". Beyond this is road that is used by snowmobilers. It is sometimes groomed, but always packed in. Follow this road for 1.28 miles. At this point, turn west and cross the creek. Then climb up a slope to gain the east ridge. Once on the east ridge, follow it to the summit.