Verita Ridge: From the Main Crest to Warbonnet Peak

The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Ray Brooks Photo

The exact location of several formations as been in question. Thankfully, Brian Westphal has determined through LiDAR analysis the exact elevation of the formations. Additionally, he researched the literature covering the climbing history of the ridge and pinned down the locations of the named formations. This page has been revised based on Brian’s findings. Based on his research the locations of Dinner Tower and Breakfast Tower have been switched and the location of Damocles has been pinned down. Read Brian’s comments at this link: Brian Westphal Reserach. Updated December 2025

From the main Sawtooth crest near Alpine Lake an impressive ridge runs 5 miles northwest to Grandjean Peak. The section of the ridge between the main crest and Warbonnet Peak is cluttered with a complex collection of summits, spires, and towers composed of solid granite. These formations historically have received more attention by out of state mountaineers than any other single place in Idaho. The climbing heyday for this area was the early 1960s. This early attention is understandable because the complex is composed of solid granite forming a variety of challenging, enticing shapes. The ridge’s southern exposure (toward Goat Creek) is a steep mass of scree, talus, and hardpan. The north side of the ridge (which rises above Baron Creek) is generally composed of lovely, solid, high-angled slabs. All of the named formations were named by out of state climbers during this period. The best source of historical information for the named formations on Verita Ridge is the American Alpine Journal which can be searched online.

The Monte Verita massif is literally a maze of towers and faces most of which have not been tested. Derek Percoski Photo

From northwest to southeast the named summits and formations are as follows: Warbonnet Peak, Cirque Lake Tower, Cirque Lake Peak, Cirque Lake Spire, Lions Head, Silicon Tower, Damocles, Tilted Slab Pinnacle, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Perforated Pinnacle, Monte Verita, Breakfast Tower, Mikes Pinnacle, Lunch Tower, Dinner Tower and Dessert Tower. These formations are discussed on Pages 186-190 in the book.

The Verita Ridge viewed from the Cony Reward Divide. Warbonnet Peak (left) to Monte Verita. Bob Boyles Photo

The Verita Ridge as viewed from the Cony Reward Divide. Warbonnet Peak (left) to Monte Verita. Blue Rock Dome, Rainy Day Pinnacle and The Mayan Temple are in the foreground starting in the center of the page. Bob Boyles Photo

The peaks and formations found on the Lists of John website are shown on this map. Peak 10100 is known as Damocles.

Access

There is no easy access to the Verita Ridge. Trails will only take you part way. Access the north side of the ridge from FST-101, which begins at either Redfish Lake [(A)(6)c)) or Grandjean [(B)(3)(c)], and the south side of the V ridge from Alpine Lake via the various cross-country routes [(A)(6)(c.1) and (c.3)]. The Warbonnet Peak USGS quad covers all the formations.

USGS Warbonnet Peak/SW