Idaho was having a nice stretch of fall weather. I wanted to take advantage of this nice weather and get into the high country one last time. I had been talking with John Fadgen all week about joining him and John Platt on WCP-1 and 3. However, Friday night, my wife put the kibosh on those plans, but did give me Monday as an option. Since Monday was void of the typical meetings at work, that it worked out.

With one last day of sun and warmth predicted on Monday, I kept the thought of something high in elevation. I reviewed my list of peaks for a solo ascent (class 2 or easy 3) and a reasonable road approach for my vehicle. I spun the wheel and it said Purgatory Peak (Peak 10942) near Devils Bedstead East. I was excited about this trip, mainly because I didn't get to see the drainage or face of DBE during my climb of that peak because it was snowing.

I left Boise Monday morning at 6:30am and arrived at the trailhead at 9:30am and was hiking 8 minutes later.

The trail up Boulder Creek is well maintained. It was also shady, so that combined with a slight breeze and a departing temperature of 32 degrees, I was actually able to hike briskly and not sweat profusely. I hiked at a nice pace, reaching 8900' and my first sun of the day where the trail reaches the upper basin and opens up (and turns south).

After a nice break, I headed up the trail to 9050' and just headed straight up to the un-named lake at 9860'. There were some interesting areas of slab climbing and ramp following to get to the lake, but with nice Pioneer rock, it was fun!

I chose a poor route from the lake to 10300', but it worked. As anyone that has done DBE knows, the last 380' to the saddle between DBE and Purgatory Peak is on loose and steep scree and dirt, not fun. But soon I was standing at the saddle with minimal wind and in the sun... not bad for October!

In addition to separating the two peaks, the saddle also separates geology as well. On the DBE side, the rock is gray granite and blocky. On the Purgatory Peak side, it is red and black, broken, metamorphic rock. Interesting distinction.

From the saddle, the peak is an easy stroll on stable terrain. The top was a bit chilly with a steady wind. I bundled up and enjoyed lunch and snapped a bunch of photos. The views are all encompassing, with great views of the Lost Rivers, White Clouds, Smokys, etc... The face of DBE dominates to your south!!!

On the hike out, I found a much better route to the lake, then a much nicer route from the lake to the trail. Soon I was cruising down the trail without a care in the world. Around 8000' I whipped around a corner and caught a large dark object to my right. Laying 15 feet away was a large moose. She stood up and stared me down for about 3 seconds, before she decided to head off quickly the other direction. Not sure why, but I was never fearful. I was just impressed with the mass of the animal and the fact that we were eye-to-eye and I am a tall man. It happened so quick I never got to the camera in time.

Soon after I was at the trailhead. Despite the 10+ miles of hiking and all the gain, I was feeling great. No sore feet or legs at all and still plenty of energy.

I enjoyed the drive out, taking in the snow-free views for possibly the last time this year. Great fall day to get out!

From Trail Creek Road, turn onto Copper Basin Loop Road. After 2.25 miles, turn south on Wildhorse Canyon Road. Follow that road 5.5 miles and park at the signed Boulder Creek Trailhead.

A sedan can make this drive.

Follow the Boulder Creek trail. The trail is well-graded and maintained. I followed the trail to 9050', then headed cross-country to the un-named lake at 9860'. From the lake, head to a small basin at 10200, then up a zig-zag scree trail to the saddle at 10,580'. From the saddle, turn right and climb to the top of Purgatory Peak at 10942 feet high.