Boulder-White Cloud Wilderness Traverse
The largest unprotected area in the lower 48 states sits just south of the Canadian border in Idaho, it is being considered for protection and by the sounds of things it is an area that should not be missed....
While there’s no place like home with my family, adventure in the mountains is always calling. It presents an opportunity to connect with good friends in an inspirational setting, allowing me the chance to unplug from the daily distractions of cell phones, emails and… well… other people. Sometimes I like to call “time-out” on everyday life to refocus priorities and renew my appreciation for all that I’m blessed with. Inevitably, the trip comes to an end and the reentry process begins. After eight days of phenomenal climbing and skiing through central Idaho, we were high on life and hoping for a soft landing in the “civilized” world. Instead, it was a rude awakening from a wonderful dream.
The Boulder-White Cloud Mountains of Idaho are located immediately to the northeast of my hometown, Sun Valley. As someone who has spent the better part of life exploring wild and scenic, snow-covered places, it’s strange that I’ve spent more time getting to know mountains in far away places — especially since these peaks hold some of the most spectacular skiing I’ve ever seen. Lately I’ve become more interested in rediscovering my own backyard and, lucky for me, I live at the gateway to America’s Wilderness heartland.
Not much is known about the skiing in the Boulder-White Cloud Range and for good reason -– it’s remote! Getting into position for one of the many classic descents typically requires the use of a snowmobile or lightweight touring equipment and reliable overnight gear. The largest remaining unprotected natural area in the lower 48, the Boulder-White Clouds have recently become the subject of much debate. Congress is currently deliberating over a Wilderness Bill that will determine the future management style and modes of recreation allowed. Signed into law, the area would be protected under the Wilderness designation, which inherently limits public access by outlawing mechanized use.
It seems every Idahoan has an opinion on the proposed Wilderness though few seem based on hard facts or relevant experience. Instead, they are aligned in reference to the type of adventure toys in their garage. As someone who owns and operates just about every recreational device known to the mountain universe, I’m sitting uncomfortably high on the fence when it comes to adding more public land to the National Wilderness Preservation System. With more than 9 million acres of roadless territory, Idaho has more de facto wilderness than any other state outside of Alaska, but much of it is unprotected from future “development.” As someone who has tremendous respect and appreciation for wild lands, I figured the only way off the fence was through the heart of the Boulder-White Clouds.
Read Firstascent.com for the full story.
Story by Zach Crist