Idaho Routes

Wheat Thin is the most-climbed route at City of Rocks and the perfect introduction to Idaho crack climbing. A flared hand crack splits the northeast face of Elephant Rock — the holds are positive, the gear placements obvious, and the line is absolutely plumb vertical. If you're new to crack climbing, this is where to start. The name comes from the thin, cracker-like granite flake that forms the left wall of the crack on the middle section. Top-rope it first, then lead it — you'll be smiling on the walk back to the car.

Too Much Fun is the most popular sport route at City of Rocks and arguably the best single-pitch warm-up at the crag. Eight bolts protect a rising traverse to a two-bolt anchor on the upper arete of Bumblie Wall. The movement is varied — foot rail, sidepull, layback, and a final reach to the anchor. The name is accurate: you'll want to lap this one.

The Mountaineer's Route is Idaho's most celebrated alpine multi-pitch climb. Eight pitches of solid granite rise 1,000 feet above Redfish Lake, with the summit delivering a 360-degree panorama of the Sawtooth Range, White Cloud Peaks, and the Salmon River Mountains. The climbing is sustained 5.6–5.8 with one 5.8 crux on pitch 5 — a steep layback corner above a bomber cam placement. The route is well-traveled and mostly clean, though some loose rock exists on ledge systems. Sawtooth Mountain Guides has guided this route for 40 years and can provide complete instruction for first-timers.