Thorn Peak is an unofficially named summit located in the Boise Mountains, just south of Idaho City. It’s the highpoint of the area between Thorn Creek and Mores Creek, at the head of Greyback Gulch. Summer access is possible via numerous jeep roads nearby, including one that passes close to the summit. Or it’s possible to make a winter ascent, with the most straightforward option starting at Thorn Creek Road to the south.

I was looking for a good snowshoe summit to ring in the New Year, and after lengthy discussion, plans were set to visit Thorn Peak with Dan and JJ. We made the 45 minute drive from east Boise, then parked on the side of the road where motorcycle trail 120 begins. It was a less than balmy -7 degrees, so we were anxious to get moving and get the blood flowing.

The route climbed steeply at first, which helped us warm up as we wound through the trees. It felt good when we gained the ridge (and sunshine) a little over an hour later. The views were excellent as we made our way along the undulating ridge. About half way to the summit, we met up with some snowmobile tracks that helped speed our progress.

We made it to the summit just about the time the sun went behind the clouds, and it was too chilly to dawdle, so we didn’t stay long before heading back down. Fortunately, the sun returned later, and we were treated with great scenery on the way back to the trailhead. Just a couple annoying uphill sections on the way back to keep the blood pumping. We returned to the truck pretty tuckered out, but feeling good about the ground we had covered.

Thorn Peak turned out to be a really nice snowshoe hike. Sunny skies, great views, and good friends combined to make fir a great day. Round trip was 8 miles, 2700’ elevation gain, in just under 6 hours.

Map of the route, 8 miles and 2700' gain round trip.	First taste of sun on a cold morning.	Making our way up toward Thorn Peak.	View of the backside of Shafer Butte.	Enjoying the great views from the ridge.
Open terrain on the way up.	View of Mount Heinen in the background as we climb.	Group shot on the summit of Thorn Peak.	Uphill section on the way back.	Descending into the trees.
Map of the route, 8 miles and 2700' gain round trip.First taste of sun on a cold morning.Making our way up toward Thorn Peak.View of the backside of Shafer Butte.Enjoying the great views from the ridge.Open terrain on the way up.View of Mount Heinen in the background as we climb.Group shot on the summit of Thorn Peak.Uphill section on the way back.Descending into the trees.