Sawtell Peak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sawtell Peak
Sawtell Peak (left) from Henrys Lake.
Highest point
Elevation	9,884 ft (3,013 m)
Prominence	920 ft (280 m)
Geography
Sawtell Peak Location in Idaho
Location	Fremont County, Idaho, U.S.
Parent range	Centennial Mountains
Topo map	USGS Sawtell Peak

Sawtell Peak, also known as Sawtelle Peak, is a tall mountain in the state of Idaho, United States. It is part of the Centennial Mountains range. This mountain is located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It sits about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) east of Idaho's border with Montana.

The top of Sawtell Peak is close to Henrys Lake and Big Springs. These places are where the Henrys Fork of the Snake River begins. Another important river, the Missouri River, also starts nearby at Brower's Spring. Both of these spots are near the Continental Divide. The mountain was named after Gilman Sawtell, who settled in the Island Park area in 1868.

Mountain Features

Sawtell Peak has two main ridges. The northern ridge is much harder to reach. This mountain is also the easiest starting point to climb Mount Jefferson, which is a mountain close by.

Nature and Wildlife Around Sawtell Peak

The area around Sawtell Peak is home to many animals and plants. It is part of the larger Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This means you can find similar wildlife here as in Yellowstone National Park.

Plants and Flowers

At the lower parts of Sawtell Peak, you will find open meadows. These fields are full of sagebrush and different kinds of native grasses. Higher up, the middle sections of the mountain are covered with evergreen forests. Toward the end of summer, many beautiful flowers bloom. Some of these include the bright Indian paintbrush, the lovely western columbine, and various types of sunflower.

Animals You Might See

Large animals like white-tailed deer live in the forests on the slopes of Sawtell Peak. You can also spot many birds, such as the colorful western tanager. Smaller animals like the marmot are also common. Sometimes, you might even see a grizzly bear roaming the area.

Communication Hub on Sawtell Peak

Sawtell Peak is an important place for different groups to set up communication equipment. Many agencies and organizations use the mountain for their signals.

Air Traffic Control Radar

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a long-range radar site on Sawtell Peak. This radar helps air traffic controllers track airplanes. Since a major event in 2001, this radar has been connected to the Joint Surveillance System. It is part of the Western Air Defense Sector, which is based in Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington.

Radio Repeaters and Stations

There is also an amateur radio repeater near the top of the mountain. This repeater helps amateur radio operators talk to each other over long distances. It is connected to the Intermountain Intertie system. This allows people to communicate from parts of Yellowstone National Park all the way south to Las Vegas, Nevada and Flagstaff, Arizona. A translator for KBYI-FM is also near the summit. This is a radio station owned by Brigham Young University - Idaho and is part of National Public Radio.

Exploring Sawtell Peak

Sawtell Peak is a popular spot for visitors. There is a road that goes all the way to the summit.

Getting to the Top

You can reach Sawtell Peak by a busy road. This road starts from US 20, south of Henrys Lake. The road is about 13 miles (21 km) long. It climbs about 3,440 feet (1,048 m) from US 20 to the very top. Driving this road can be tricky, especially at high altitudes. Sudden snowstorms can happen, and the snow can be very deep, sometimes up to 25 feet (7.6 m). Avalanches are also a risk.

Road Access and Views

The road to the summit is closed from November 1 to June 1 each year. During this time, only people working with the communication facilities can use it. Snowmobiling is not allowed on the road. There are no roads or trails that lead to the north summit of the mountain. From the top of Sawtell Peak, visitors can enjoy amazing views. You can see Yellowstone National Park, the Centennial Valley, the Teton Range in Wyoming, and the Pioneer Mountains in Montana.