Find Nearby Peaks

This peak is not in the book. Published May 2020

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Donkey Benchmark is the highest point in the Donkey Hills. It is located at the northwest end of this Lost River Range subrange. The USGS and the Coast and Geodetic Survey have both surveyed from this summit. The views of the Lost River Range and Lemhi Range from this summit are stunning. USGS Donkey Creek

Access

Primary access is from the Pahsimeroi Highway [(A) on Page 289]. To reach the south end of the Donkey Hills, proceed north from Howe, Idaho up the Pahsimeroi Highway to Wet Creek/Pass Creek Road [(A)(5) on Page 289]. Turn west and follow this road until you can access the Dry Creek Road [(A)(6.1)]. Follow the Dry Creek Road to its unsigned junction with the Long Creek Road. Turn north and follow this road to the junction shown on the map below. Follow the 4WD road for 4.3 miles to the base of the southwest ridge. This is a rocky road with deep ruts in places but it is not steep.

Southwest Ridge, Class 2

The southwest ridge is broad, steep in places, and always scenic. From the end of the 4WD road, angle northeast to the ridge top. Follow the ridge to the summit. This route eventually crosses a minor ATV trail (which comes up from the north) in the last saddle before the summit. The round-trip route covers 3.5 miles with 1,228 feet of elevation gain.

North Slopes, Class 2

This route was climbed by Rick Baugher. His trip report is linked below. Unfortunately, the route that Rick followed is blocked by private property. It is still possible to climb the peak from the north by skirting the private property on its east side. The maps below shows the access route and the public and private property. Park when you reach the gated private property.