Location and surroundings
Hartley Peak is located in the United States, specifically within the state of Idaho and the administrative district of Power County. Geographically, it belongs to the North American Cordillera, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Rocky Mountains, the Southeast Idaho Ranges, and finally the Sublett Range. Within this range, it holds the rank of being the highest of 6 named peaks. The surrounding landscape consists of high-desert terrain, rolling hills, and arid valleys characteristic of southeastern Idaho.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area features several nearby peaks and passes of varying elevations and distances from Hartley Peak. The mountain is compared locally to the following elevations:
- Cedar Creek Peak (peak), 2,261 m, 9.7 km NW
- Eyrie Peak (peak), 1,958 m, 11.4 km S
- Eagle Point (peak), 1,992 m, 14.1 km W
- Mollys Nipple (peak), 1,576 m, 14.3 km NE
- Buck Peak (peak), 1,948 m, 14.4 km SE
- Badger Peak (peak), 1,956 m, 18.4 km NW
- Quaking Asp Mountain (peak), 2,201 m, 18.7 km S
- South Chapin Mountain (peak), 1,680 m, 19.1 km W
Standing at 2,269 metres, Hartley Peak towers above all these immediate neighbours, making it the supreme elevation in the immediate vicinity.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Hartley Peak, observers can survey the wider region of southeastern Idaho. The highest peaks located within a 25-kilometre radius include Table Mountain at 1,687 m situated 20.4 km to the north, North Chapin Mountain at 1,681 m located 21.1 km to the northwest, and Little Table Mountain at 1,539 m positioned 24.5 km to the north. These surrounding summits remain clearly visible on clear days across the expansive dry landscape.
The range
The Sublett Range spans across the region within the broader Southeast Idaho Ranges, which are part of the Western Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountains, and North American Cordillera. The range contains 6 named peaks, of which Hartley Peak is the highest point at 2,269 m. The range itself is situated entirely within the United States in the state of Idaho.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for Hartley Peak are estimates based on NASA POWER climate data from 2001 to 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 19 °C, while the coldest month is January with a mean of about -7 °C. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 400 mm a year, with December being the wettest month at about 50 mm and July the driest at about 10 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden summer thunderstorms, high winds across exposed ridges, and winter snowstorms that can make access difficult.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit of Hartley Peak are April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Combined with the drier summer conditions peaking in July, these months offer the most accessible weather window for visitors. Winter brings cold temperatures and snow, restricting travel to properly equipped winter mountaineers.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Hartley Peak features semi-arid mountain vegetation typical of southeastern Idaho, including sagebrush, grasses, and scattered low shrubs at lower elevations, transitioning to sparse alpine-type flora near the summit. Local wildlife includes mule deer, pronghorn, coyotes, various birds of prey, and small mammals adapted to high-desert and rocky mountain conditions.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance in the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, alongside the national alpine club, the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies working in the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Visitors should note that permit rules in the United States vary by location, with some peaks requiring climbing registration or permits from the land agency.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Hartley Peak demands proper physical preparation, navigation tools, windproof and waterproof clothing, and adequate water supply for dry mountain conditions. In the event of an emergency, the emergency number for mountain rescue in the United States is 911, which serves as the general emergency number where dispatchers alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff.
Interesting facts
Hartley Peak holds the distinction of being the highest of 6 named peaks in the Sublett Range. It reaches an elevation of 2,269 metres and serves as the undisputed high point of its mountain range within Power County, Idaho.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Hartley Peak? The summit elevation of Hartley Peak is 2,269 metres.Where is Hartley Peak located? It is located in the United States, in the state of Idaho, within Power County.
Which mountain range does Hartley Peak belong to? It belongs to the Sublett Range, part of the Southeast Idaho Ranges, Western Rocky Mountains, Rocky Mountains, and North American Cordillera.
What are the nearest peaks to Hartley Peak? The nearest peaks include Cedar Creek Peak, Eyrie Peak, Eagle Point, Mollys Nipple, Buck Peak, Badger Peak, Quaking Asp Mountain, and South Chapin Mountain.
Is there water on the way to Hartley Peak? There are no reliable natural water sources listed along the routes, so visitors should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water per person to account for the dry climate and exposed terrain.
What is the mobile phone coverage on Hartley Peak? Mobile coverage in the hills is patchy and depends entirely on the operator; emergency calls can reach services via 112 over any available network, and digital maps should be downloaded before setting out.