This was just a quick afternoon hike on a nice spring day. Townsend Gulch is scenic and packed with aspen trees. The views from the cairn packed summit of Rattler Butte are quite good.

The road in Townsend Gulch was closed just after the turnoff to the last residence in the gulch. I parked near the large snow pile in the middle of the road. I just followed the closed road up the gulch and eventually to Point 5971, which is due west of Rattler Butte. From Point 5971 I headed up the steep west ridge to the summit. The peak is surprisingly steep and pointed from this aspect.

Rattler Butte's summit offers good views of the Boulder Range. Decent views of the Pioneer Range. I thought the views to the south were exceptional.

This made for a quick and fun trip that was really close to my employer's Hailey office.

From Bellevue, turn west onto Broadford Road and cross the Big Wood River. Soon after the river crossing, turn left onto Lower Broadford Road. Take Lower Broadford Road for about 1/2 a mile, then turn right onto Townsend Gulch Road. This road will head toward the hills, then follow the base of the hills before turning west into Townsend Gulch. Once in the gulch the road turns to dirt. The road is closed from Dec - May after the last house (about 1/2 a mile from pavement), near a cattleguard.

From the cattleguard, I simply hiked the road up Townsend Gulch. Eventually the road reaches point 5971 due west of Rattler Butte. Follow the west ridge up to the summit on easy terrain.