Pioneer Mountains: Goat Lake/Standhope Peak (Multilevel))

I’m always saying the Pioneer Mountains are Idaho’s hidden gem. While often overshadowed by the Sawtooths, they're quieter, more remote, and every bit as spectacular.

Join us for a two-day backpacking trip into the heart of the Pioneers to visit Goat Lake (10,443'), Idaho's highest alpine lake, with an optional scramble to Standhope Peak (11,878'). While the core planned trip is a level 3/5, you make it a level II/5 by camping at one of the lower lakes ~ 4 miles & ~1000 feet elevation gain (no climbing Standhope Peak).

Trip Video from last year
https://youtu.be/97gELiYd-K0?si=JbadjvyV9ifQT5uj
Trail Information
http://idahoalpinezone.com/index.php?p=2_42
Standhope Peak approaches
https://climbingidaho.com/standhope.htm

## 🥾 Itinerary

Saturday

• Meet at the junction of Highway 93 & Trail Creek Road at 10:00 AM (Google Maps often misroutes to the trailhead).
• Backpack 6.5 miles to our camp at Lake 10,148.
• Approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain, including one steep 2-mile climb.

Sunday
Choose one of two options:
Option 1 –Standhope peak ia the South West Ridge.
Hike between the saddle of Standhope peak and near by Peak 11887. This is considered a class III route. Climbing helmet required.

Option 2 – Standhope Peak (Led by Scottie). Climbing helmet required.
An early start to scramble Idaho's magnificent Standhope; we then descend via Southwest Ridge. Strong scrambling experience is required.

We will all meet up at camp and descend to the trailhead together on Sunday

## 📊 Trip Details

• Level 3/5 Backpacking Trip (see details below)
• Distance: ~13 miles backpacking plus optional day hike/scramble. Elevation gain~ 3,000 feet.
• Camp Elevation: 10,148 feet
• Prior backpacking experience and good fitness are recommended.

## 🎒 Required Gear

• Bear-resistant food storage (Ursack or bear canister)
• Bear spray
• Warm layers (expect cold nights above 10,000 feet)
• Rain gear
• Headlamp
• Water filter
• Personal first aid kit
• Trowel or wag bag
• Climbing helmet if doing the scrambling route.

Camping is available near the trailhead Friday night for anyone arriving early. Please arrange with me in advance so I can provide you directions.

## 📋 Group Policies

• No alcohol or drugs
• No campfires
• Follow Leave No Trace principles
• Be honest about your fitness and experience so everyone has a safe and enjoyable trip.

This is one of Idaho's premier alpine backpacking adventures, featuring turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, crisp fall air, and far fewer crowds than the Sawtooths. If you've never explored the Pioneer Mountains, this is the perfect introduction!

What is a Level 3 trip?

Level 3:
Physical ability standard (excellent)

• You exercise 3-4 times per week for over an hour. Or a minimum total of 6 hours per week on average.
• You occasionally put in a full 6-8 hour days of physical activity. Hiking up to 11 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a lightweight pack is fine for you.
• Hiking up to 9 miles a day with 1500 ft of elevation gain with a 35-45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) on a multi day backpacking trip is fine for you.

•*NB: We don’t recommend a pack over 30 lbs (some exceptions)*

Experience level (competent):

• You have a good knowledge of your gear. You may still be testing your equipment out. You are not “dialed in.”
• Your base-weight is average or below average. You feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. You can hike in the dark with a headlamp comfortably.
• You are fine with some elevation gain.
• You could organize a backpack at this or lower levels or possibly co-organize a level 4 trip.

Trail description: The trail may be faint in some places or off trail. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2-2+). The trail is typically 10-20 miles round trip or up to 10 miles per day. Examples: Goat Lake (Pioneer Mountains), Alice-Toxoway loop

Pace Average/Moderate: 1.5 to 2.5 mph. The most common range, allowing for steady progress while still accounting for varied terrain and normal rest stops (1.5-2 hrs).

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.