🏔️ Mount Church & Donaldson Peak Backpacking and Summit Climb (Level 4)

# Mount Church & Donaldson Peak Backpacking and Summit Climb

***CLIMBING HELMENT REQUIRED***

## Trip Overview

Join us for an unforgettable two-day alpine adventure into the heart of Idaho's Lost River Range. We'll backpack into the beautiful Jones Creek Basin, establish a high camp beneath towering peaks, and summit both Donaldson Peak (12,023') and Mount Church (12,200') the following morning.
This is a challenging expedition designed for experienced hikers who are comfortable with long days, steep terrain, off-trail travel, and high elevations. The rewards include spectacular alpine scenery, a remote high-country camp, and two of Idaho's highest summits.

***

## 📅 Itinerary

### Day 1 – Backpack to High Camp

We'll backpack approximately 4 miles up the Jones Creek drainage to the upper basin, where we'll establish camp in a beautiful high cirque near a small alpine tarn at approximately 10,800 feet.
After setting up camp, we'll relax, enjoy dinner, review the summit plan, and get to bed early for our alpine start.

***

### Day 2 – Summit Day

We'll begin well before sunrise with our headlamps on and climb the East Ridge Route to the summit of Donaldson Peak. From there, we'll follow the spectacular connecting ridgeline north to Mount Church, enjoying incredible views of the Lost River Range along the way.
After reaching both summits, we'll return via the same route to camp, pack up, and hike back to the trailhead.

***

## 📊 Trip Statistics

Peaks: Donaldson Peak (12,023') & Mount Church (12,200')
Backpacking Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Summit Day Distance: Approximately 10–12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain (Summit Day): Approximately 1200 feet

Terrain:

• Maintained trail
• Steep off-trail hiking
• Scree and talus
• Loose rock
• Mostly Class 2 terrain with a short Class 3 scrambling section

Estimated Summit Day Time: 10–14 hours

Difficulty: I am calling this a Level 4 as the day is long and a class 3 scramble is required. This a guideline rather than a requirement. Endurance is a must! The class 3 section is short.

Idaho Hikers and Backpackers defines a level 4 backpack as:

Physical ability standard (excellent+):

• You exercise 5-6 times per week, sometimes for over 3 hours. Or a minimum total of 10 hours per week. At least twice a month you put in full 8-10 hour days of activity.
• Hiking 12-14 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a 30 lbs pack is fine for you
• Hiking on steep off trail and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to 5000 feet while carrying a lightweight pack should be ok for you . You can handle a class 2-3 scramble if that is part of the trip.

Experience level (proficient):

• You are knowledgeable on your gear. You can quickly set up and take down your tent.
• Your base weight is below average ( approx. 5-10 lbs).
• You are comfortable with route finding and off trail hiking.

***

## 🚗 Meeting Location & Transportation

We'll meet at Sammy's Gas Station before driving to the trailhead.
To minimize parking at the trailhead, we'll try to consolidate into two vehicles. I've previously left vehicles in Mackay without any issues, and we'll work out the parking and shuttle details when everyone arrives.
Trailhead access is via US-93 north of Mackay. The final 6–8 miles are on rough dirt roads with rocky sections.
High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
Lower-clearance vehicles may need to park before the end of the road and hike additional miles.

***

## 🧭 Skills & Expectations

This is not a beginner backpacking trip.
Participants should be comfortable with:

• Hiking 10–14 hour mountain days
• Sustained steep climbing at high altitude
• Off-trail navigation
• Traveling on loose scree and talus
• Exposure to rugged alpine terrain

Previous experience on Idaho's 12,000-foot peaks (such as Borah Peak) or similar alpine climbs is highly recommended.

***

## 🎒 Required Gear

A climbing helmet is REQUIRED for this trip. No helmet, no climbing!
Please also bring:

• 3–4 liters of water (or a reliable filtration system)
• High-calorie food and trail snacks
• GPS, map, or downloaded navigation
• Trekking poles
• Backpacking gear suitable for a high-elevation camp
• Warm clothing and rain protection
• Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Sun protection
• Personal first-aid kit

***

## ⏰ Trip Plan

• Early alpine start (exact departure time will be announced later)
• Expect a long and demanding summit day
• A strict turnaround time will be enforced
• Our goal is to be off the ridge by 2:00 PM to reduce exposure to afternoon weather.

***

## ⚠️ Safety

Mountain conditions can change rapidly.
Participants should be prepared for:

• Sudden weather changes
• Strong winds
• Loose rock and potential rockfall
• No cell service
• High-altitude travel

The group will maintain a steady pace appropriate for the objectives. Safety decisions, including turning around due to weather or group conditions, are final.

***

## 🙌 Final Notes

This is one of Idaho's classic alpine adventures—remote scenery, a beautiful high camp, challenging climbing, and the opportunity to stand atop two of Idaho's highest peaks in a single trip.
Come prepared, train beforehand, bring a positive attitude, and be ready for an unforgettable weekend in the Lost River Range.
Let's go earn two summits!

## RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

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.