I went on a fun hike today in the Boise National Forest to Pilot Peak. It stands at approximately 8,158 feet just below the lookout tower. Getting to the trailhead is easy. Take the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Highway from Boise past Idaho City and prepare to turn off immediately upon reaching Mores Summit. There is a large parking lot available and there are Vault Toilets. It’s a long trip, who can’t appreciate those?

You will set off for the Sumit traveling North-East. Travel is via a forest service road which is in pretty rough shape. While on this hike was passed (very slowly) by a couple 4×4 trucks and at least 10 ATVs which had no trouble with this road. There is very little water available on this hike due to the creek being far below the road. There are a couple stream crossings, though they are supposed to be going under the road.

The most memorable part of the actual hike was the typical 15%-20% grade you fight the entire way up. The climb (according to the new Garmin) is just shy of 3,000 feet gain over only 4 miles to the top. No wonder I am so tired!

Eventually I reached the top. There is a lookout tower on this peak, covered in solar panels. It appears to be unstaffed, with only video cameras mounted around the roofline. The view did not disappoint, though the haze and cloudcover did affect my ability to take great photos.

After a quick 10 minute rest to take photos and enjoy the wildflowers, I took off back to the trailhead. I advise taking it slow though, plenty of opportunity to trip on the many rocks sticking up through the road surface.

From the parking lot, you can head the other direction to Sunset Mountain lookout. There is even more gain on that one, due to the up and down over the terrain, so that is best to wait for a second trip. I expect to have fun with that one in another week or two. I need to take the motorcycle on that one though. Such nice twisties on that road!

Tjd