Ryan Peak (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ryan Peak |
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![]() Ryan Peak viewed from below Castle Peak
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 11,714 ft (3,570 m) |
Prominence | 3,194 ft (974 m) |
Geography | |
Parent range | Boulder Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Ryan Peak |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | Simple Scramble, class 2 |
Ryan Peak is a really tall mountain in Idaho. It stands at 11,714 feet (3,570 m) above the ocean! This makes it the highest point in the Boulder Mountains. You can find Ryan Peak in Custer County. It's also right on the edge of the amazing Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the huge Salmon-Challis National Forest. Part of the mountain is even inside the special Hemingway–Boulders Wilderness area.
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Discovering Ryan Peak
Ryan Peak is a very important mountain in Idaho. It is the highest peak in the Boulder Mountains. This mountain is also the second highest peak in the entire Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Only Castle Peak is taller within that area.
How High is Ryan Peak?
Ryan Peak reaches an elevation of 11,714 feet (3,570 m). This makes it one of the tallest mountains in Idaho. In fact, it is the 16th highest peak in the whole state! Another tall mountain nearby is Kent Peak. Kent Peak is the second highest mountain in the Boulder Mountains. It is about 0.75 miles (1,210 m) southeast of Ryan Peak.
Where is Ryan Peak Located?
This impressive mountain is found in Custer County. It sits about 0.5 miles (800 m) north of the border with Blaine County. Ryan Peak is special because it touches two important protected areas. It is on the border of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Salmon-Challis National Forest. A part of the mountain is also within the Hemingway–Boulders Wilderness. These areas help protect the natural beauty and wildlife.
How to Get to Ryan Peak
If you want to visit Ryan Peak, there is a main path to follow. The journey usually starts north of Ketchum. You would take Idaho State Highway 75 to reach the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters.
Starting the Hike
From the headquarters, you need to drive north on National Forest Road 146. This road will lead you to the trailhead. The trailhead is where the hiking path begins.
The Trail to the Top
Trail 115 goes up a ridge to the southwest of Ryan Peak. Once you are on this ridge, Ryan Peak is about 1 mile (1,600 m) away. This last part of the hike is off the main trail. It is considered a simple scramble, which means it involves some easy climbing over rocks.