Lucky Peak via Adelmann Mine Hiking Guide
Lucky Peak is the tower-topped summit that closes off the eastern end of the Boise skyline. The route from Highway 21 climbs past the ruins of the old Adelmann Mine, then keeps going up a long, dusty ridge to the top at about 5,900 feet, gaining around 2,400 feet along the way. The view over the reservoir, the city and the Boise Front is one of the best in the foothills — but you have to earn it on a hill with no shade.
The Route
The full out-and-back to Lucky Peak is about 8.6 miles with roughly 2,375 feet of gain on mapping apps, and other guides report similar figures. A shorter option turns around at the Adelmann Mine, about 4.7 miles round trip with around 1,270 feet of gain. The lower miles are steep, dusty and completely shadeless; the upper ridge follows the Lucky Peak road to the radio towers on the summit.
Adelmann Mine
The mine site partway up makes a natural rest stop and turnaround. Stay out of any remaining mine structures; they are unstable and dangerous. The summit of Lucky Peak is also a stop on the Idaho Birding Trail.
Heat and Hazards
Idaho Trails Association advises against this hike in midsummer. There is no water and no shade, and the lower slopes soak up the heat. Rattlesnakes are common on warm days. In June and July, swarms of Mormon crickets can cover the trail. Spring and autumn are the right seasons; in winter, snow and mud can make the upper ridge difficult.
Fire and Access
The July 2026 Claremont Fire brought temporary closures to parts of the Boise foothills. The BLM emergency closure expired on August 1, and in July the Lucky Peak road was restricted to non-motorized travel because of fire activity. This hike follows the road on foot anyway, but check Ridge to Rivers and Boise National Forest alerts before going after any fire activity.
Practicalities
The trailhead is a small gravel lot off Highway 21 near Highland Valley Summit with room for about eight to ten cars; overflow parks on the highway shoulder. Parking is free. The area is part of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area, where dogs must be leashed from November 16 to April 30, and hunting takes place in season, so wear bright colours in autumn.
Hiking tips for Lucky Peak via Adelmann Mine
- Skip midsummer — the lower slopes are shadeless and there is no water at all.
- Turn around at the Adelmann Mine for a shorter 4.7-mile outing.
- Stay out of the old mine structures; they are unstable.
- Leash dogs from November 16 to April 30 under Boise River WMA rules.
- Wear bright colours in autumn; hunting is allowed on the wildlife management area.
Nearby trails to explore
- Cervidae Peak
- Table Rock
- Camel's Back and Hulls Gulch Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lucky Peak is one of Boise's best summit days, and the long climb goes faster with a partner. Use TrailMates to find Boise hikers for a spring or fall ascent. Download the TrailMates app to connect.