Hiking to Boulder City, ID: What You Need To Know

If you have been following our blog for a while now then you know that we all enjoy hiking. One thing that Tyrell and I are currently attempting is to try new hikes in Idaho as often as we can while we still live here. Due to some internet research, I found a cool hike at Boulder Basin which leads to Boulder City. Boulder Basin is a mountain within the Sawtooth Range about 12 miles outside of Ketchum, ID. What stood out to me about it was the mining equipment! It is a ghost mining town that has many cabins and equipment left behind. The hike itself seemed doable and the views looked awesome! So one Sunday morning we made the trek to the trail head and headed up the mountain.

Now if you have read any of my other hiking posts you know we always bring our backpacks with our bladders full of water, lunch, snacks, and first aid. I also recently added a bear spray to my backpack! We also have hiking boots, hiking socks, and clothing that can sustain a hike. This is important for you to know that I was fully convinced we were prepared for this hike. Well, we were not. So this is what I learned from the experience!

The Hike Up

Hiking to Boulder City is approximately 6 miles one way up the mountain. It is a very rocky terrain and very few places to sit and rest. It is also not shaded most of the way so be prepared to get some sun! Due to the time of year we went but parts of the trail were washed out causing us to take a detour or walk through the water. The trails are wide because they are ATV trails as well which can be nice! But also keep your eyes open for ATVs to avoid any sort of collision.

Now, that being said, the views the entire way are phenomenal. About a mile in you start to come across the old mining cabins that have been all but forgotten in the woods. Once you get onto the mountain side you can see the entire forest of trees from above. Waterfalls are scattered across the mountain for your viewing pleasure.

Once (if) you reach Boulder City there is an old mill still standing in the river and many pieces of mining equipment. There are also more cabins and so many fascinating remnants from a once thriving mining community.

What you will need

As I mentioned previously we took our normal supplies that seem to work for majority of our hikes. At the bottom of this list are the things we did not bring that we should have. This includes:

• Backpacks
• 3 Liter Bladders (full)
• 2 Water Bottles
• Snacks (Sugar & Protein)
• Lunch (Protein & Carbs)
• Gatorade for electrolytes
• First Aide
• Bear Spray
• Sun Screen
• Bug Repellent
• Dry Cover for Backpack
• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Socks
• Long Leggings
• Rain Jacket

• Walking Sticks
• Sun Glasses/Hat/Visor
• Salt Pills
• LifeStraw
• Chafing Powder

Other things that I personally should have taken are my knee & ankle brace as well as my allergy inhaler for the altitude. I quickly realized that although I have been training my knee to handle hikes, my injured knee could not handle the uneven and rocky terrain. If you have any joint issues I highly suggest bringing all the things you will need on this hike or finding a different one. Also, this is one of the taller peaks we hike in Idaho and if you are not used to getting to 10,000 elevation you may need so additional training.

The Hike Down

The hike down is the reason I highly recommend walking sticks. Because of the rocky paths is scan be unstable and steep. It was also wet which made it even harder to choose foot placement. Had we had walking sticks the way down would have been much easier on my body. The first half of the way down is the hardest. Once you get back into the trees it does become easier and more doable. Keep in mind that when coming down it is essential to watch for ATVs especially if you are coming towards them and will hear them before they see you.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely want to tackle this hike again and make it all the way to the top! There was absolutely a lack of research on our end before getting on the mountain and I’d love to be more prepared. Now that I know, I know I can do it the next time! Even though we never made it to the end, the views were still worth the hike. Also, if you want a hike that is also education this is a great way to learn about the mining community!