STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Did you know that the Pioneer Mountains are as geologically unique as you can get?
“They contain some of the oldest rocks in Idaho—perhaps, two billion years old, but some of the youngest metamorphism next to rocks that are nearly undisturbed? Now how is that possible?!” said Josh Johnson.
Find out for yourself when the Idaho Conservation League leads a four-part hike series on the geology of Central Idaho. The hikes, which are free, will delve into the geology out our back door while connecting those places to the issues that the ICL works on, such as wilderness, public lands use, wildlife and clean energy.
Johnson, Central Idaho conservation associate for the Ketchum office of the ICL, will lead the first hike on Saturday, June 23, following it up with hikes in other mountain ranges in July, August and September.
“The Sawtooths, for instance have such classic geologic features that the range could be featured on the cover of both a glacial geology and tectonic geomorphology textbook—not too many other places can say that,” said Johnson, who has a master’s degree in geology and several years experience as a naturalist and interpretive guide in national parks.
“And the White Clouds are one of the tallest mountain ranges in the country not readily visible from a paved road. Why are they so hard to see but yet so blindingly white when you actually get a glimpse of them?”
Here’s the schedule:
- Saturday, June 23—Geology of the Pioneer Mountains
Learn about the Pioneers, which have rocks and structures unique to this part of Idaho via a hike to Pioneer Cabin near Sun Valley. Topics to be covered include metamorphic rocks, detachment faults, mountain building and ICL’s public lands work.
The nine-mile round trip rock will feature a gain of about 3,000 feet in elevation and is rated moderate to difficult.
- Saturday, July 14—Geology of the Sawtooth Range
Learn about the geology of the Sawtooths, one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in Idaho. Topics to be covered include igneous rocks, normal faults, glaciers, climate change and ICL’s energy work. The eight-mile hike to the Bench Lakes near Redfish Lake will gain about 1,200 feet and is considered moderately difficult.
- Wednesday, Aug. 22—Geology of the Smoky Mountains
Learn about Ketchum’s backyard range, along with volcanism, erosion and ICL’s public lands work. The five-mile hike to Norton Lakes encompasses a gain of 1,400 feet and is considered easy to moderate.
- September (date to be announced)—Geology of the White Cloud Mountains
Learn about the sublime geology of the White Clouds, which is one of the most geologically unique spots in the area. Topics to be covered include sedimentary rocks, glaciers, wilderness and ICL’s mining work. The six-mile round trip hike to Ants Basin Divide involves 1,200 feet of climb and is considered easy to moderate.
Space is limited and registration is required. To sign up, contact Johnson at 208-726-7485 or jjohnson@idahoconservation.org.
To become a member of ICL, visit http://www.idahoconservation.org/.