Mount Church / Donaldson Peak
Mount Church and Donaldson Peak are unique among Idaho’s 12ers because they are typically climbed together during the same outing. Reached by the North Fork of Jones Creek, this route leads hikers into a scenic cirque before gaining a high ridge that connects both summits. While neither peak is as famous as Borah, the combination makes for one of the most rewarding and strenuous hikes in the Lost River Range. This Mount Church and Donaldson Peak hiking guide covers the route, difficulty, key hazards, and what to expect on this classic two-summit day.
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Route Overview
The hike begins in the North Fork of Jones Creek, where a moderately defined trail follows a rocky creek bed before climbing toward the upper basin. Higher up, the route enters a scenic cirque with the Upper and Lower Ponds, which can at times resemble small glacial lakes. From there, the climb steepens toward Donaldson Peak before continuing along the connecting ridge to Mount Church. The ridge section is the defining feature of the route and keeps hikers at high elevation for an extended period of time.
How Hard is Mount Church and Donaldson Peak?
This is one of the more demanding outings among Idaho’s 12ers because it combines two summits, substantial elevation gain, extended time above treeline, and several exposed Class 3 sections. Neither summit is especially technical on its own, but the cumulative difficulty of climbing both in a single day makes this a serious route. Hikers should be comfortable with scrambling, route-finding, and spending long stretches on rugged alpine terrain.
What Makes the Ridge Challenging?
The long ridge walk between Donaldson Peak and Mount Church is the crux of the outing. It includes several exposed Class 3 moves and demands careful footing throughout. Unlike a route with one short crux, this hike asks you to stay focused over a longer period of time while already at altitude. That sustained effort is what makes the route feel bigger than the mileage alone might suggest.
Best Time to Hike
Mount Church and Donaldson Peak are generally best climbed in summer and early fall when the ridge is free of lingering snow. Earlier in the season, snow can add difficulty to both the ridge and the gullies below. Because the route spends so much time high on an exposed ridge, stable weather is especially important, and afternoon thunderstorms should be taken seriously.
Tips, Gear, and Common Mistakes
Water is usually available low on the route, but late-season conditions can reduce or eliminate access at the ponds, so plan accordingly. An early start is strongly recommended due to the length of the day and the exposure to afternoon storms. One common mistake is underestimating how tiring the ridge will feel after already climbing Donaldson. Another is assuming the route is just a hike; while much of it is non-technical, the exposed scrambling between the summits requires attention and comfort with Class 3 terrain.
Should You Hike Mount Church and Donaldson Peak?
If you are looking for a rewarding two-summit day in the Lost River Range, this is one of the best outings in Idaho. Strong hikers with prior scrambling experience will likely find it memorable for both the scenery and the ridge traverse. Those new to exposed Class 3 terrain may want to build experience on simpler 12ers before attempting both peaks in a single push.
Planning to climb more of Idaho’s 12ers? My guidebook covers all of them, including routes, maps, and practical tips to help you link peaks like Mount Church and Donaldson into efficient and rewarding days.
