Location and surroundings
Camp Peak lies in Caribou County, Idaho, within the United States. Its broader geographic lineage descends through the North American Cordillera, Rocky Mountains, Western Rocky Mountains, Southeast Idaho Ranges, and Peale Mountains, before culminating in the Wooley Range. Within this specific sub-range, it holds the rank of the highest of 2 named peaks in the Wooley Range. The surrounding terrain consists of undulating ridges and valleys typical of the region.
Neighbouring peaks
Several peaks and passes sit in the immediate vicinity of Camp Peak. The nearest elevations include:
- Robbers Roost (peak): 1,923 m, 3.4 km E
- Crater Mountain (peak): 2,138 m, 5.8 km NW
- Limerock Mountain (peak): 2,276 m, 6.9 km NW
- Badger Knoll (peak): 1,916 m, 8.3 km W
- Meadow Creek Mountain (peak): 2,264 m, 11.6 km NW
- Reservoir Mountain (peak): 2,167 m, 12.0 km SW
- Henry Peak (peak): 2,526 m, 12.8 km E
- Little Crater (peak): 1,972 m, 14.3 km SW
Standing at 2,268 metres, Camp Peak is slightly lower than its nearby neighbour Limerock Mountain at 2,276 metres, which serves as the nearest higher peak located 6.9 km to the northwest.
The view from the summit
From the heights of Camp Peak, clear days reveal several prominent summits across the surrounding landscape. The highest peaks within a 25-kilometre radius comprise Caribou Mountain reaching 2,986 m at a distance of 24.2 km to the northeast, and Woodall Mountain standing at 2,380 m located 23.6 km to the south. Other visible elevations include China Hat at 2,173 m situated 17.8 km south, Mollies Nipple at 2,160 m positioned 21.0 km north, Red Mountain at 2,076 m lying 17.9 km southwest, and North Cone at 1,990 m located 14.4 km to the south.
The range
Camp Peak belongs to the Wooley Range, which forms a subdivision of the Peale Mountains within the Southeast Idaho Ranges, Western Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountains, and the wider North American Cordillera. The high point of the range is Wooley Range itself, and Camp Peak stands as the highest of 2 named peaks in this specific range.
Climate and weather
Climate figures are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering the years 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted specifically to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in July at about 17 °C, while January is the coldest month with a mean of about -10 °C. Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 700 mm annually, with January acting as the wettest month with about 75 mm of precipitation, and July being the driest with about 25 mm. Typical regional weather hazards include rapid temperature drops, sudden storms, and strong summit winds.
Best time to visit
The favourable window for visiting Camp Peak aligns with the months that experience mean temperatures above freezing at the summit: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Among these, July stands out as the driest month with about 25 mm of precipitation, offering drier conditions for outdoor activities compared to the wetter winter months such as January.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Camp Peak displays vegetation typical of the Southeast Idaho Ranges, transitioning from lower elevation shrubs and grasses to subalpine flora near the summit. Wildlife common to this part of Idaho includes various small mammals, birds of prey, and occasional larger ungulates navigating the mountain slopes and valleys.
Guides and organised ascents
For climbing high terrain and remote peaks in the country, visitors often turn to established entities. The national mountain guide association for the United States is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating within the United States include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Permit rules in the United States vary by location, with some peaks requiring climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali requiring registration at least 60 days ahead and Mount Rainier requiring them on glaciers or above high camps.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height requires careful preparation, proper gear, and self-sufficiency regarding changing weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number across the region is 911, which connects callers to dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team, typically run by the county sheriff.
Interesting facts
Camp Peak holds the distinction of being the highest of 2 named peaks in the Wooley Range. Its nearest higher neighbour is Limerock Mountain, standing at 2,276 metres just 6.9 kilometres away to the northwest.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Camp Peak? Camp Peak stands at an elevation of 2,268 metres.Where is Camp Peak located? It is located in Caribou County, Idaho, in the United States, and forms part of the Wooley Range.
What range does Camp Peak belong to? It belongs to the Wooley Range, part of the Peale Mountains within the Southeast Idaho Ranges, Western Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountains, and the North American Cordillera.
What are the nearest peaks to Camp Peak? The nearest peaks include Robbers Roost at 1.923 m (3.4 km E), Crater Mountain at 2,138 m (5.8 km NW), and Limerock Mountain at 2,276 m (6.9 km NW).
Is there water on the way to Camp Peak? There are no verified natural springs or huts with water listed on the paths, so visitors should carry sufficient water, typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day excursion depending on heat and length.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on the mountain? Coverage in these hills is generally patchy and depends heavily on the operator. It is recommended to download maps before setting out, keeping in mind that emergency numbers can often reach available networks.