Thompson Peak - South Coulior, October 2010
Easily identified from downtown Stanley, Thompson Peak is the highest summit in the Sawtooth Range. At 10,751-ft, Thompson offers unobstructed views of the broad valleys that define the northern and eastern boundaries of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, not to mention the bulk of the Sawtooth Range immediately to the south. The approach features a pleasant albeit long approach (~6.5 miles) with a remote feel that requires somewhat more routefinding skill than Mount Regan to the northwest.
Following a climber's trail that all but disappears once the basin between Mount Williamson and Mount Thompson is reached, one is left to follow his/her nose on a cross-country trek, up and over a high alpine saddle and around the south side of the peak seemingly into the unknown. A most tedious talus slope guards the final exit via the standard South Coulior route, and deposits one at the base of a short, but steep and exposed summit ridge. The final moves definitely get the blood pumping and make for a fitting finish to what amounts to a great day in the mountains! (more...)
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