Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness
This special area is located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and was designated a wilderness area, along with the White Clouds Wilderness, in 2015. The Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness is unique in its geological formations and location near the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness and the White Clouds Wilderness. The Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness was renamed in 2018. This Wilderness area is includes various forks of the Salmon River and Big Wood River and many creeks including King Creek, Ibex Creek, and Lost Mine Canyon Creek. There are several very high elevation peaks and many deep canyons which make for wonderful habitat for numerous species of wildlife to thrive including mountain lions, wolves, mountain goats, elk, and moose. Some of the tallest peaks in the area include Galena Peak, Easley Peak, Silver Peak, Ryan Peak, Kent Peak and Glassford Peak, several of which are over 11,000 feet in elevation. There is tremendous fishing available in the rivers and creeks in the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness as well as incredible hikes with terrific opportunities to view nature and the abundant wildlife. Photography is very popular in this wilderness area because of its unique blend of natural structures and incredible landscapes. This wilderness offers opportunities for recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation and historic purposes. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted in any designated wilderness areas.
At a Glance
| Area Amenities: | Tent camping |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Permits are not required for parties, but users must sign-in at trailheads when entering the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness – see Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness Map. Groups may not exceed 12 people and 14 head of stock, excluding pack goats which may not exceed 9 total. If you have wilderness area questions, please call the Sawtooth Stanley Ranger Station (208) 774-3000. |
| Restrictions: | Travel & Camping: Motorized equipment and mechanized travel is not allowed in any designated wilderness areas, including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, carts, and drones. Camp on already impacted surfaces, never camp on meadows or green vegetation. Good campsites are found, not made. Fire: Campfires are not allowed above 8,800 ft. elevation - see Campfire Restriction Map. If you build a fire, use only use dead and down wood and please use existing rock fire rings – do not create more. Fires damage vegetation, sterilize soil and scar the land. Wood-burning camp stoves are prohibited in areas closed to all fires. Human Waste: It is necessary that users dig catholes 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources. Given our rocky terrain, we strongly recommend digging tools. WAG Bags are encouraged to carry out waste. Toilet paper should never be buried and needs to be carried out with users. Bears: All food should be stored in a bear safe way, in a bear box, bear bag or bear hang. Bear hangs must be 10 ft up and 4 ft out from the base of the tree. Hang all scented items such as snacks, toothpaste, wrappers, garbage, dirty dishes and dog food. Dogs: Dogs do not have to be on leash in the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness. Control your pet, loose dogs can harass wildlife and stock, and disturb other visitors. Sanitation: Pack out all trash. This includes food scraps. Help remove evidence of your stay and keep the area clean. Wash 150 feet away from lakes and streams. Even "biodegradable" soap pollutes. Keep it pure! Stock: Stock must be contained 200ft away from lakes or springs (except at agency provided tie-ups), and no grazing within 200ft of lake shores. Groups must not exceed 14 head of stock. Feed must be certified noxious weed free. Goats are limited to 3 head per person, with a maximum of 9 per group. Goats must be tethered within 30 ft of humans at night, must be on lead on trails with leads attached either to collars or halters, and pack goats are not allowed within 100 yards of bighorn sheep. To minimize contact between bighorn sheep and domestic pack goats, please see our Bighorn Sheep Protection Measures so you can help protect our native sheep populations. |
| Closest Towns: | Ketchum, Idaho or Stanley, Idaho. |
| Information Center: | For information please contact the Sawtooth NRA at (208)727-5000, the Ketchum Ranger Station at (208) 622-0090, Stanley Ranger Station at (208)774-3000, or the Supervisors Office at (208)737-3200. |