Climb a mountain, raise some money, and possibly contribute to saving lives. It all sounds jolly good, which is why the Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research is setting about encouraging anyone willing to climb the 11,714 foot Ryan Peak in the Boulder Mountains to get in shape.
This, the third climb in the "Five Peaks In Five Years" series, will be made Saturday, Aug. 19. In 2004, a group tackled the highest peak in the Sawtooths, Thompson Peak, and in 2005, a record 21 climbers successfully reached the summit of Hyndman Peak in the remote Pioneer Mountains. Last year, nearly $30,000 for breast cancer research was raised. Another 10 climbers participated as support team members. "Five Peaks in Five Years" was conceived by breast cancer survivor Courtney Kapp, a board member of Expedition Inspiration, as a series of summit climbs up the highest peaks in Idaho's rugged mountain ranges to raise funds and awareness. Upcoming climbs will include Castle Peak in the White Cloud Mountains and Idaho's highest peak, Mt. Borah, in the Lost River Mountain Range.
The Ryan Peak team, led by Sawtooth Mountain Guides of Stanley, will begin their climb at the end of the road out the North Fork of the Big Wood River. The trail climbs about 4,800 feet from the trailhead to the summit. Climbers will hike along the North Fork of the Big Wood River and gain elevation on a steep trail en route to West Pass at 10,040 feet. After some steep and rocky areas, the trails are easy with exposed scrambling along the summit ridge. The 360-degree views take in Castle Peak to the north, Kent Peak to the south, the Pioneer Mountains to the southeast beyond Kent, and the distant Lost River Range.
These adventures are structured to empower by raising funds above and beyond the cost of the adventure to help fund cutting-edge breast cancer research projects.
Sign up now to start fund raising and training for the event. The guides suggest climbing, hiking or running daily carrying a 10- to 15-pound daypack. The cost of the climb is $1,200, with all but $200 tax deductible. It includes lunch and a celebratory dinner.
Contact the Ketchum-based Expedition Inspiration at 726-6456, ei@expeditioninspiration.org or visit expeditioninspiration.org.
Climbers celebrate at the summit of Hyndman Peak in 2005.
