Donaldson Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Donaldson Peak |
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![]() Mount Breitenbach and surrounding peaks
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 12,023 ft (3,665 m) |
Prominence | 303 ft (92 m) |
Parent peak | Mount Church |
Geography | |
Parent range | Lost River Range |
Topo map | USGS Leatherman Peak |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Scrambling, class 3 |
Donaldson Peak is a tall mountain located in the Lost River Range in Idaho, USA. It stands at about 12,023 feet (or 3,665 meters) above sea level. This makes it one of the highest peaks in Idaho! In fact, it's the eighth-highest mountain in the entire state and the seventh-highest in its own mountain range.
Donaldson Peak is found in Custer County, within the beautiful Salmon-Challis National Forest. This forest is a huge area of protected land, full of trees, wildlife, and, of course, mountains!
Location and Neighbors
Donaldson Peak doesn't stand alone. It has some impressive neighbors! It is located about 0.65 miles (or 1.05 kilometers) east of Mount Church. Mount Church is considered its "parent peak," which means it's a taller mountain that Donaldson Peak is connected to.
To the west, about 1.4 miles (or 2.3 kilometers) away, you'll find Mount Breitenbach. These peaks are all part of the same mountain chain, the Lost River Range, which is known for its rugged and high mountains.
Reaching the Summit
Climbing Donaldson Peak is an adventure! The easiest way to reach the top involves something called "scrambling." Scrambling is like a mix between hiking and rock climbing. It means you might need to use your hands to help you climb over rocks and steep sections, but it's not usually as difficult as full rock climbing.
The difficulty is rated as class 3 on the Yosemite Decimal System. This rating means it's a challenging hike where you might need to use your hands for balance, but ropes are not typically needed.
The Lost River Range
The Lost River Range is a very important mountain range in Idaho. It includes many of the state's highest peaks. These mountains are part of the larger Rocky Mountains system that stretches across North America. The range is a popular spot for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers who want to explore Idaho's wild beauty.