Bell Mountain Rock Climbing
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Elevation: | 11,315 ft | 3,449 m |
GPS: |
44.23627, -113.19519 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 6,384 total · 79/month | |
Shared By: | Orphaned User on Oct 2, 2018 | |
Admins: | Mike Engle, Eric Bluemn |
Description
Arguably the most dramatic summit in the Lemhi Range, though second to Diamond in elevation, Bell Mountain is an unmistakable peak in the center of the range. While it clearly resembles a monolithic bell, the mountain's name actually derives from the state's early inspector of mines, Robert Bell.
The summit block poses interesting, albeit not terribly difficult, opportunities from all aspects. The west face route (3rd class) is the easiest and most popular route, though even in prime season, you'll likely find yourself alone on the mountain.
The summit block poses interesting, albeit not terribly difficult, opportunities from all aspects. The west face route (3rd class) is the easiest and most popular route, though even in prime season, you'll likely find yourself alone on the mountain.
Getting There
For routes up the west face, southwest gully, and south face, use the western approach.
For all other routes, use the eastern approach.
WESTERN APPROACH: Drive 29-30 miles north of Howe on the Pahsimeroi highway. Roughly when the gravel ends, be looking for an unmarked road on the right. It's a bit of a challenge finding the right one (even if you've been there before!), so it's best to scout in the daytime. Many roads wander about in the desert on the east side, but you'll know you're on the correct one if you can manage to find the road marked Bell Creek (about halfway from highway to trailhead). Continue driving up the drainage as far as your 4WD (mandatory) will allow you to go.
EASTERN APPROACH: This one's easy. From Tom Lopez's phenomenal book, Idaho: a Climber's Guide--Idaho hwy 28 to FR 188 (13.3 miles from lone pine). Take this road 5 miles to the charcoal kilns. 2WD ok.
For all other routes, use the eastern approach.
WESTERN APPROACH: Drive 29-30 miles north of Howe on the Pahsimeroi highway. Roughly when the gravel ends, be looking for an unmarked road on the right. It's a bit of a challenge finding the right one (even if you've been there before!), so it's best to scout in the daytime. Many roads wander about in the desert on the east side, but you'll know you're on the correct one if you can manage to find the road marked Bell Creek (about halfway from highway to trailhead). Continue driving up the drainage as far as your 4WD (mandatory) will allow you to go.
EASTERN APPROACH: This one's easy. From Tom Lopez's phenomenal book, Idaho: a Climber's Guide--Idaho hwy 28 to FR 188 (13.3 miles from lone pine). Take this road 5 miles to the charcoal kilns. 2WD ok.
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