Donkey Hills

Hikes: D.
Total Distance, D: 7 miles.
Difficulty: Level II.
Season: June 15-October 1.
USGS Maps: Donkey Creek.
Forest Service Map: Challis N.F.
Dirt Road Miles: 2 1/4 gravel.
PLSS Location: Section 16, T13N R33E.

Introduction: The Donkey Hills sit midway between the Lemhi and Lost River Ranges, and suffer in comparison. One of many tragedies of BLM's Idaho wilderness studies is that this area did not make WSA status. Yet they offer good early-season hiking when their big brothers are still closed by snow. And, the hikes offer that indescribable moment of ecstasy: when you climb up onto a ridgeline and see the Lost River Range and Lemhis.
  There are two hikes here. The first, main one climbs from overgrazed Donkey Creek onto nice hillsides, with the potential for a loop hike; its only drawback is one short nasty stretch of road (that didn't really seem quite so nasty on the way out).
  The second is an alternate for easier car access. It starts on the main Pahsimeroi Road, and climbs the big open hillsides as far as you wish to go.

The Hike: If you take the main hike around Donkey Creek, start climbing from T1 up the gentle hillside to the right (west). Eventually, you'll reach the ridge line and the wonderful scenery. What happens from here is up to you: you may choose to follow this ridge all the way to the summit of the Hills, or you may do as the author did: hike up to the convenient summit at 8461 (D), and then mosey back to the car, dropping off the ridge a little earlier and following Donkey Creek.
  The author also thinks you could circle the head of Donkey Creek, and cross to the other side. He may try this this summer.
  The author is somewhat concerned about starting at T2: he saw evidence of trail bikes and/or four-wheelers here. If they aren't around, this looks like a good place to climb up the ridge to a nice view.

Access: Drive 37 miles north of Howe along the Pahsimeroi Road, to the northerly junction with Pass Creek Pass Road from Mackay, right at the Butte-Custer County line (W1). Continue 5 1/2 miles to Summit Creek Crossing, where you may car camp. Continue 6 miles to the high point on the gentle divide between the Lost River and Pahsimeroi drainages, just past a fence. A poor road leads a short distance to the left (west), to the upper trailhead (T2).
  Continue a short 2 1/2 miles to a point where the main Pahsimeroi Road bears left, and turn left (south) on a fair to poor dirt road (W2). Drive 2 1/2 miles south on this road, up into Donkey Creek, until a moderate drainage opens up to the right and it just feels like time to park your car (T1).