Peak 4987 (AKA Cervidae Peak)

Cervidae Peak - 4987'

Location: 43.61412°N, 115.97396°W

West Route Stats:
Time: 2 hours
Length: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

South Route Stats:
Time: 3 hours
Length: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet

Trip Report:
Cervidae Peak is a small peak that rises steeply above Idaho 21 just after you cross the high bridge over Mores Creek/Lucky Peak. Located only 30 minutes from town, the peak is a popular outing location for locals and on spring weekends dozens of people will sign into the register.

In addition to being accessible and thawing out early, the peak also offers wonderful views in all directions. From the top the Danskin, Owyhee, Trinity, and Boise mountains are visible, as is Lucky Peak reservoir to your west and south. The peak will instill a sense of power, as you stand almost 2,000 feet seemingly straight above ID 21, as you watch ant-sized cars drive below you.

Animal life is another positive for the peak, as you can spot elk and deer on the slopes at all times of the year (especially winter and spring). The name Cervidae was actually derived from that, as the Cervidae family is where elk and deer meet up in the animal kingdom.

The peak can become real in the winter. On a December 2001 trip, the peak even had avalanche remnants on the west side, which is evident in some of the photos on the right.

Drive:
Follow ID 21 out of Boise to the Mores Creek bridge. For the Spring Shores route, turn right onto a signed road that leads to Spring Shores Marina (and eventually Atlanta). Follow the road about 2 miles and park by some corrals on the north side of the road, just past Spring Shores marina.

If taking the west routes, keep on ID 21 past the bridge for about 1 mile. From this point, the next 1/2 mile of highway offers several turnouts that will provide starting points for your ascent of Cervidae Peak. My favorite starting point is about 1.5 miles after the bridge, just before mile-marker 20. Look for a little two-track road on the right hand side of the highway heading west for a 1/8th of a mile or so. Park at the end of this road.

All starting points mentioned are accessible by passenger autos.

Hike:
Like the driving directions indicated, there are numerous routes up this mountain. My favorite are the west side routes, for their short, but sweet lines to the top. Any route on the peak provides easy access to a climb that is short, but steep.

To climb from the west, follow the directions in the "Drive" section and climb any of the steep, but open ridges to the top.

To climb from the south, head north from where you parked for about a 1/10th of a mile, then briefly follow the power lines east to a ridge. Follow this ridge northwest until it turns due north to the summit. This route is longer and gains more elevation because it goes up-and-down the ridgeline.

Photos


Elk wintering on the slopes of the peak.	On our way out, Elk seen traversing a ridge.

A cool shot of an avalanche and a cornice that has collapsed and is ready to slide.	Looking down the initial route from the south (notice the cars parked just off the road).

Lucky Peak reservoir, with the Treasure Valley and Owyhee Mountains in the background.	The south ridge.

Flowers that seem to dominate the slopes in May.	The Robbins boys, out for a Sunday stroll.

Looking south.	This is a view of Cervidae Peak from Highway 21, about 1/2 a mile west of the peak.