Distance

8.4 mi to summit

9.2 mi total

Elevation

5,016 ft start

8,717 ft max

Vertical

3,461 ft gain

Time

4 hr 5 min to summit

4 hr 20 min total

A great, long day in the mountains with close to 20 miles covered in a roundtrip up to a remote peak I have been wanting to do for some time. Watchtower Peak is in the wild wilderness of the West Fork of the Bitterroot, and sees very little traffic. The peaks are tucked away, with long approach miles and remote trailheads. Had climbed Mt. Jerusalem many years ago and saw this peak from the top -- great to get up there on a beautiful late summer day in Montana!

Obstacles

routefinding, stream crossing, bushwhacking, blowdowns

Key gear

trekking poles, GPS device