Highland Peak
Highland Peak
Elevation 4375'

June 19, 2011
43.5563°N / 116.0283°W
View north from Highland Peak.

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What better way to spend Father’s Day than a nice hike close to home. Highland Peak (Peak 4375’) is located just outside of Boise off highway 21. We parked at Hilltop, and headed uphill to the east. Thanks to a wet spring, the grass was still green and there were plenty of flowers still in bloom. We climbed about 400’ to the first false summit, and then headed east and south toward Highland Peak. The terrain was open, with lots of opportunities for exploring. We stuck with the ridge for the most part, wandering through the grass as it waved in the breeze.

Once at the base of the summit block, we gathered our strength in order to assault the imposing northeast face of the peak. After 250 vertical feet of climbing, we reached the summit. It was breezy on top, but nothing we couldn’t handle. The views were great, and we snacked on some granola bars before heading down. On the way back, we picked wildflowers, then stopped for victory ice cream on the way back to town. A day in the hills with my favorite people is hard to beat.

Map of our route, 2.8 miles round trip and 900' total gain.
Map of our route, 2.8 miles round trip and 900' total gain.
Start of the hike.
Start of the hike.
Taking a break on the way up.
Taking a break on the way up.
Highland Peak from the north.
Highland Peak from the north.
Sidehilling along the way.
Sidehilling along the way.
The final climb.
The final climb.
Splattski shot on the summit.
Splattski shot on the summit.
Black Widow in the summit cairn.
Black Widow in the summit cairn.
View of Cervidae and Heinen.
View of Cervidae and Heinen.
On the way back.
On the way back.

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