Sheep Point is located in central Idaho’s Soldier Mountain Range. The peak is found on the southern edge of the range, near Fairfield. Thanks to a plowed trailhead at Chimney Creek, the peak is accessible in winter via a 6 mile round trip trek. The open terrain offers great views of the Camas Prairie and Smoky Dome. It should be noted, the winter approach crosses private property. This appears to be acceptable due to the ACCESS YES program, but that could change at any time.

Michael and I made the 90 minute drive from Boise, and were the first vehicle to arrive in the spacious snowmobile parking lot. The car thermometer said negative one degree, but with the blue sunny skies, and calm conditions, it didn’t feel that cold.

We carried our snowshoes for the first half mile of road hiking then strapped them on as we headed uphill toward the northwest. To our delight, the snow was firm and supported our weight as we made our way up. The terrain was fairly mellow as we climbed, and just one steeper section on the final climb to the summit.

From the highpoint we had great views of Smoky Dome, Iron Mountain, Chimney Peak, and the Camas Prairie down below. It was sunny and beautiful, but a little breezy on the summit. So we bundled up first before hunkering down for lunch. The views were great, but my fingers were frozen by the time I finished my PB&J! On the way down, we just retraced our path back to the parking lot, which was now full of rigs with snowmobile trailers.

Thanks to the firm snow, we made good time covering the 6 miles and 1900’ of elevation gain in just over 4 hours. Pretty quick for snowshoes! It was a beautiful day for snowshoeing, and I even made it home in time for some honey-dos.

Map of the route our route, 6 miles and 1900' gain round trip.	First to arrive at the snowmobile parking lot.	Wind scoured snow on the way up.	Sheep Point comes into view.	Following the ridge toward Sheep Point.
Michael climbing, with the Camas Prairie and Chimney Peak in the background.	Nearing the summit of Sheep Point.	Victory shot on the summit.	Iron Mountain in the distance.	Smoky Dome and the main Soldier crest from Sheep Point.
Map of the route our route, 6 miles and 1900' gain round trip.First to arrive at the snowmobile parking lot.Wind scoured snow on the way up.Sheep Point comes into view.Following the ridge toward Sheep Point.Michael climbing, with the Camas Prairie and Chimney Peak in the background.Nearing the summit of Sheep Point.Victory shot on the summit.Iron Mountain in the distance.Smoky Dome and the main Soldier crest from Sheep Point.