The 2016 version of the Idahosummits Spring Outing was a climb of Scorpion Mountain in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho.

I arrived around 3pm at Copper Creek Campground the day before. I found the place empty. I figured people would arrive around 5pm, so I continued up the road and drove to the end of Mormon Hill Road for a quick hike up Swede Peak.

In addition to a nice hike, this also allowed me to spy snow conditions on Scorpion Mountain for the next day's ascent.

When I returned to the campground, 6 people had arrived. I set up camp and then enjoyed conversation with old friends as people slowly trickled in. Eventually, we had 19 in camp... some new faces included.

You'd think the organizer of the outing would be the top entertainer, but George took that prize with some incredible Jambalaya and campfire magic.

Eventually we wandered off to our tents for some sleep.

The next morning was warm without a cloud in the sky. We actually got moving only 20 minutes later than planned... not bad.

Within 10 minutes, we faced a raging creek where a road used to be. Sometimes we took off boots and crossed, sometimes we side-hilled, sometimes we did daring rock hops over... I wasn't a popular person at this point.

Eventually we overcame the creek and brush as we journeyed higher. The group split here, with some heading for a spicier gully climb and some opting for a ridge walk. I opted for the later.

The snow-free rib I had been eyeing did the job (though steeply) and soon we were at 10,000 feet and looking at the north ridge to Scorpion Peak.

The ridge looked tricky (as they often do), but John Platt put in excellent steps that made it quite safe and fun.

It was a tough push, but eventually I joined the growing crowd on top. People were abuzz on top about the incredible day (no haze and deep blue skies), the views, the summit register, and the fun routes we just did.

In total, 20 of us shared the summit:
Dan, George, John R., John F., John P., Will, Carey, Terri, Tory, Mark, Deb, Matt, Andrea, Rodolfo, Tod, Rob, Larry, Margo, Steve, and Brett

Again on the way down, we went numerous directions. Some headed directly down the west ridge, some down the southwest ridge, some down a scree/snow slope just north of the saddle between Pincer/Scorpion, and some headed over to Pincer.

The creek crossings on the way out weren't as annoying as earlier, as everyone pretty much just plowed through the water, ignoring wet boots as we knew the cars and dry socks were minutes away.

Another great outing with a awesome group. Very cool dynamic with everyone sharing food, beer, stories, and beer (worth repeating).

Looking forward to the next outing!!!

From Carey, Idaho take a left at the north end of town to a signed road to Little Wood Reservoir. Drive past the reservoir. About 1.5 miles after the reservoir, the road heads right. The road is signed in several spots, just always head for Garfield Ranger Station and always stay on the most traveled road.

After you see the signs for Copper Creek CG you are getting close to the turnoff for Garfield Canyon. The Garfield Canyon road is on the right. Follow the road 3/4ths of a mile Until it forks at 7000' (there is a yellow sign here). The left fork drops into Garfield Canyon. Park here.

Follow the old road up Garfield Canyon. In high water, it is difficult to follow the road and you will have to bushwhack a bit. Eventually, get on the road above the creek and make for the mining shacks at around 7600'. Continue on the road as it curves around and back into Garfield Canyon. The road peters out. Continue hiking toward the saddle between Pincer Peak and Scorpion Mountain.

Once at the saddle, follow the north ridge of Scorpion Mountain to the summit.