Idaho Hikers & Backpackers - Where Friends and Nature Meet

Snowshoe to Stargaze Point

Sat, Feb 21 · 8:00 AM MST

Albertsons 6560 S. Federal WAY Boise, Idaho, 6560 S Federal Way, Boise, ID, US

Please read the full description carefully. This is a short snowshoe hike of moderate difficulty. Expect to be hiking for 2-2.5 hours in winter conditions.

Join us on our final snowshoe outing of the year. The hike to Stargaze Point near Idaho City is considered a relatively easy snowshoe climb to views of snow-covered mountains in all directions. You must gauge, based on your experience, physical ability, and provided information how difficult this will be for you as this is very individualized. The trail begins at the Beaver Creek Park-n-Ski lot and climbs 600 ft in 1.5 miles to the summit for a round-trip total of three miles.

We will hike at a comfortable pace as a supportive team as we make our way to the summit. We will stop at the summit for a 20-30 minute break before we head back down. Round trip, including our break, will take about 2-2.5 hours. That will leave us time to meet back in Idaho City for lunch after the hike.

Learn More: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/stargaze-point-trail-via-beaver-creek-summit

Route Overview

Trailhead: Beaver Creek Park-n-Ski lot. (Park-n-Ski parking pass required. Purchase passes here: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/park-activity/cross-country-xc-skiing/). We will carpool as much as possible, so we only need passes for those who are driving. If you wish to carpool, you must inform the organizer in advance so that we can be sure to have enough Park-n-Ski passes.
Total Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: Moderate continuous uphill grade, climbing 600 feet in 1.5 miles
Difficulty: I have snowshoed this in good weather and packed snow, and I would consider it moderate due to the grade. Fresh deep snow will increase level of effort. The downhill trip will be easier than uphill.
Lunch: Optional for anyone who wants to stop for lunch in Idaho City on the way back. We will coordinate carpooling so that everyone will have the option to stay for lunch or not.

What to Expect

• Snowshoeing on a trail up to the top of a small mountain
• Changing weather and snow conditions
• A supportive group focused on safety and teamwork

Required Gear

• Snowshoes (with appropriate traction)

• Trekking poles or snowshoe poles with snow baskets

• Winter layers, insulated gloves, hat and hard-shell jacket

• Sunglasses or snow goggles (depending on the weather, snow goggles rather than sunglasses may be helpful)

• Snacks and two liters of water in wide-mouth Nalgene bottles (We do not allow water bladders on winter trips because the drink tubes easily freeze. Wide mouth Nalgene bottles are best in winter because ice in the bottle won’t block access to the water as it begins to freeze.)

• First aid kit

Other Gear to Consider

• Hand/toe warmers are nice if your hands/feet get cold easily.
• A thermos with a hot drink is very nice to have.

Important Notes

• This is a winter trip; participants should be comfortable and prepared for traveling in snow and cold conditions.
• Final route and turnaround time will be determined by weather, snowpack, and group dynamics. Final say is up to the organizer.
• Parking is limited at all the Park-n-Ski lots. We will carpool as much as possible to be sure everyone has a place to park.

This is our last time getting out in the snow for this winter, so come get one last trip in before we say good-bye to winter.

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.

These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.