I had been coordinating a trip with Sauni from Idaho Public Television. Sauni wanted me to organize a team to climb a mountain and they would film the climb for a future Outdoor Idaho show on mountaineering. For months we stayed in touch and worked out the details. Finally after over 6 months of us originally making contact, the day had come. The weather forecast was for sunny skies, but hot temps.

Our plan was to meet in Howe, Idaho and climb Saddle Mountain in the Lemhi range. After that, the team (minus the film crew) would stay in the Lemhis for 2 more days of hiking.

We met Sauni (producer), Jay (cameraman), and Dave (along for the fun) in Howe. I had brought along Mariel, John P., Tom L., Margo, Steve, John F., and Dylan. Steve was their Sherpa the camera equipment... the rest of us were "actors", "extras", or "the talent" depending on who you asked.

We made the drive to the Saddle trailhead. It was dusty, desolate, and HOT! There were some flat spaces to camp, but be careful to avoid the cactus.

Sauni and the crew pulled me aside for an interview, but the light was bad and the wind was blowing... not good combos for the camera or the microphone. It came up they had different expectations for the location... so did I. I mentioned that the next day we'd be up at a beautiful lake. That caught Sauni's attention. Then I thought "let's go there" now! I convinced the crew, ran it by the cast, and 15 minutes later we were heading toward Meadow Lake near Gilmore.

The Meadow Lake setting was MUCH better. The campground is at 9100' and had just opened that day. It was 70 degrees. Our peak was directly behind the lake. Sauni and I were stoked with the better location.

In addition to the air conditioning, we also were now at a real campsite. Picnic tables, fire pits, RAKED tent pads, etc... The group starting setting up camp and I was rushed off for an interview for the show.

We had an incredible dinner and great conversation around the fire. Then it was off to bed.

The filming started when we first popped our heads out of our tents. We organized our packs and ate breakfast, then set out.

Our peak goal was Gilmore Peak at 10748 feet high. We planned to ascend the 10200' pass north of the peak, then follow the ridgeline to the summit. I knew only that the ridge was class 3 and little else.

It was a beautiful day. We went at a slow pace as the cameras filmed our progress and each of us did interviews about various things along the way. I didn't mind the pace at all and was shocked by the beauty of this area.

The trail to the ridge had excellent tread. Once on the ridge, there was a good climber's trail until just below the true summit. The section to get to the real summit was about 100 feet of easy class 3. It was fun and Jay said it looked great on camera.

We read the register, celebrated, took pictures, and lounged on the top for over an hour. We made it down safely, bid adieu to the film crew, and then had another rockstar-like dinner around the campfire. What a great day!

Meadow Lake turnoff is located 17 miles south of Leadore or 2 miles north of Gilmore Summit on Idaho 28. Turn west and follow a steep, but very good road to the campground at 9100'.

The trailhead is located at the western end of the campground and is marked by a small sign.

Follow the trail leaving Meadow Lake (not shown on the quad). The trail uses frequent switchbacks through the timber and eventually pops out into the rocky basin just north of Gilmore Peak. The trail dies for a bit, but follow cairns to find it as it starts switch backing up the hillside due west of the lake. It eventually reaches the Lemhi Divide at the 10,160' saddle between Gilmore Peak and Peak 10723. From the saddle, follow a well-defined trail heading south on the ridge to the top of Gilmore Peak.