AE7AP's blog

Climb:                 3.3 mi, +2,461 feet

Approach:           6.4 mi., +874 feet, -535 feet

May 23, 2024

We stayed at the Wenatchee Guard Station and drove along FS-44 to 3C Spring, where we were stopped by a snowdrift and walked the 3-miles from there to Kelly Camp - then up to the summit.  There was still lots of snow cover along the road - it looked like it would be another 2-weeks or so before the road was open to Kelly Camp.  The foot trail to the summit was still heavily drifted, so we went up the nearby slope that had a southern exposure.  It was a great hike.

1.3 mi, +513 feet

This is a super pleasant hike on nice trails.  It would also be a great winter activation with skis or snowshoes.  There is a very nice enclosed warming hut near the top (within the activation zone) with a wood stove and a picnic table.

Although this isn't a very spectacular summit, it is located on the Continental Divide and can be either a drive-up in the summer, or a ski-up in the winter.  There are also possibilities to snowshoe up in the winter.  Each of these options is summarized below.  During our activation we hiked up the "Northern Approach".  The activation zone for this summit is very large.

Northern Approach Directions (From Priest Pas)

4.4 Miles, +1,233 feet, -30 feet 

Winter Access Directions to TH:

From I-15 north of Helena – Exit at Lincoln Road (Exit-200) – Head West on Hwy-279 for 22.3 miles

Turn Left (west) towards Stemple Pass – drive 8.3 miles to the Pass (Pass is plowed in winter)

Park in the parking area on the left (west) side of the road at the pass.

4.9 miles, +2,632 ft, -124 ft; Nice Hike

Driving Directions from Ovando, MT

1.7 miles, +884 ft, -47 ft;  On ATV Trail

Driving Directions from Checkerboard, MT

4.3 miles, +1,135 ft, -297 ft; Mostly on ATV Trail

Driving Directions from Lennep, MT

Drive Up – True Summit is 459 Feet from Vehicle, +23 ft

Driving Directions

1.3 miles, +1,083 ft

Driving Directions