Galena Summit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Galena Summit |
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Sawtooth Valley from the overlook
below Galena Summit |
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| Elevation | 8,701 ft (2,652 m) |
| Traversed by |  SH 75 |
| Location | Blaine County, Idaho, U.S. |
| Range | Boulder Mountains Rocky Mountains |
| Coordinates | 43°52′12″N 114°42′47″W / 43.87°N 114.713°W |
 Location in the United States
Location in Idaho
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Galena Summit is a very high mountain pass in central Idaho, in the western United States. It sits at an elevation of 8,701 feet (about 2,652 meters) above sea level. This pass is found in the Boulder Mountains, which are part of the larger Rocky Mountains. It is also located within the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area of the Sawtooth National Forest.
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Galena Summit: A High Mountain Pass in Idaho
Galena Summit is a special place because it is the highest point on a highway in the Pacific Northwest. The pass is on State Highway 75, which is also known as the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. This highway is a very scenic route that takes you through amazing landscapes.
Location and Surroundings
Galena Summit is located in the northwest part of Blaine County. It is about 29 miles (47 kilometers) northwest of Ketchum and the famous Sun Valley ski resort.
Highway 75 used to be part of a bigger road called U.S. Route 93. Now, U.S. Route 93 goes a different way, through the Lost River Valley to the east.
What You Can See There
Galena Summit marks a natural boundary. It separates the areas where water flows into the Big Wood River from where it flows into the Salmon River.
Just over a mile (about 1.6 kilometers) west of the summit is the Galena Overlook. This is a fantastic viewpoint at 8,400 feet (2,560 meters) high. From here, you can see the stunning Sawtooth Mountains to the northwest. You can also see the beginning of the Salmon River in the Stanley Basin. Highway 75 follows the Salmon River north towards Stanley and then east towards Challis.
The overlook was first opened in 1964. In 2006, it was renamed to honor Frank and Bethine Church, who were important figures in Idaho. The overlook was also updated in 2010.
Fun Activities and History
Near the summit, you'll find the Galena Lodge. This lodge is at 7,290 feet (2,222 meters) on the Ketchum side of the pass. It is a popular spot for cross-country skiing.
In the past, Galena Summit has been a site for sports events. In 1947, college alpine ski races were held here. This happened because there wasn't enough snow at Sun Valley at the time. Supplies for these races were even dropped in by airplane! Also, the Ore-Ida Women's Challenge bicycle race, which ran from 1984 to 2002, had a stage that went over the summit.
What is Galena?
The name "Galena" comes from a mineral called galena. Galena is a lead sulfide, which means it's a natural compound of lead and sulfur. It is an important source of lead. Sometimes, deposits of galena also contain silver.
