Snowshoe Adventure: Mores Creek Summit → Sunset Mountain

Please read full description carefully. This is a moderately difficult snowshoe. Expect to be out 5-6 hours and snowshoe up to ten miles round trip.

Join us for a winter snowshoeing adventure through the beautiful Boise National Forest near Idaho City! This route from Mores Creek Summit to Sunset Mountain offers a rewarding mix of forested terrain, open ridgelines, and expansive winter views—perfect for those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy the mountains in snow-covered solitude. At the top is a fire lookout.

We’ll travel at a steady, conversational pace, taking time for breaks, photos, and route-finding as conditions allow. Expect a true winter backcountry experience, with variable snow depth and potentially cold, windy conditions near the summit.

Learn more: https://www.explorumentary.com/adventure-blog/sunset-lookout-snowshoe

Route Overview

• Start: Mores Creek Summit
• End: Sunset Mountain
• Distance: Moderate (exact mileage depends on conditions and turnaround points). 8-10 miles
• Elevation Gain: Gradual with a final push toward the summit. 1,700 feet (trailhead at 6,143 feet, lookout at 7,869 feet).
• Difficulty: Moderately to strenuous winter travel (snowshoes required). You should have a good to excellent level of physical fitness to enjoyable complete the trip. It's up to you to decide based on the available information and past experiences how difficulty an event will be as this is very individualized.

What to Expect

• Snowshoeing on unplowed forest roads and trails
• Scenic winter landscapes and quiet backcountry travel
• Changing weather and snow conditions
• A supportive group focused on safety and teamwork

Required Gear

• Snowshoes (with appropriate traction)
• Trekking poles with snow baskets
• Winter layers, insulated gloves, hat
• Extra food, water, and emergency supplies
• Bring a lunch.

* Depending on the weather, snow goggles rather than sunglasses may be helpful.
* I don't allow water bladders on my winter trips. Please bring two wide mouth Nalgene bottles.
* Hand/toe warmers are nice if your hands/feet get cold easily.
* A thermos will a hot drink is very nice to have.

Important Notes

• This is a winter trip; participants should be comfortable traveling in snow and cold conditions.
• Final route and turnaround time will be determined by weather, snowpack, and group dynamics.
• Parking is limited at Mores Creek Summit Parking lot. We need to get there before 8 am therefore we are starting early and let's try to carpool.

If you’re looking to get out into the winter backcountry, enjoy some fresh air, and build snow travel experience with a great group—this trip is for you!

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.