Find Nearby Peaks

Climbing and access information for this peak is on Page 357 of the book. Livingston Douglas provided the new routes set out below. Published November 2019

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Weston Peak is located on the Bannock Range Crest due west of Clifton, Idaho and just north of Old Baldy. USGS Clifton

Northwest Ridge, Class 2

Access

Same as for Buck Peak. This is one leg of the ridge traverse from Peak 7870 to Weston Peak.

The Climb

From the saddle at the base of the northwest ridge, follow FST-443 (a MC trail) briefly south then southeast onto the crest of the northwest ridge. When the trail leaves the ridge to contour around the west face of Weston Peak, leave the trail to scramble/bushwhack up the ridge directly to the summit. Initially, there is a weak game trail on the ridge crest that flames out when you reach the forest at about 7,700 feet. The final 450+ feet of uphill is no picnic. The ridge is a mix of dense forest, underbrush, and narrow rocky outcrops. This is a tedious bushwhack. The summit of Weston Peak is semi-open with scattered mountain mahogany trees. A modest cairn sits on the high point at the base of one of these trees.

Southwest Ridge, Class 2

Access

Same as for Buck Peak. This is one leg of the ridge traverse from Weston Peak to Old Baldy Peak.

The Descent

From the summit, scramble southwest down the ridge/face toward a saddle. There is no trail on the southwest ridge of Weston Peak. The terrain here is somewhat steep, with loose dirt and scree/gravel amongst scattered mountain mahogany. It goes quickly but does require some weaving around. When you reach the Weston Peak/Old Baldy Peak saddle, you will find two jeep roads/trails. One of the roads crosses the ridge. The other heads up the north ridge of Old Baldy Peak.

Northeast Slopes, Class 2

Access

Same as for Buck Peak. This descent is the final leg of a 4-peak day above Clifton Basin.

The Descent

From the summit of Weston Peak, descend east on a ridge briefly then left/northeast on another ridge. This upper ridge area is somewhat rocky and narrow. You soon reach the pine forest and lose your visuals so a compass is helpful here. Work your way down through the relatively-easy pine forest in a northeasterly or northerly direction. The terrain is a convoluted mess of minor shoulders and gullies. Let the terrain push you downward toward Clifton Basin as easily as possible.

If you err, then go too far left/north and find the dry drainage that ends at Clifton Basin (FST-444 is in the center of the drainage). Do not wander too far to the east. This is not a short bushwhack. It is at least 1-1/2 miles long so stick with it. Eventually, you will reach an old road (FST-444). Follow it briefly northeast to reach Clifton Basin, where FST-444 intersects FSR-045. This is an unsigned junction and, unless you’re looking for it, you are likely to drive past FST-444 and not even notice that it is still there.