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Misses the peak by PaleoRob  Warning
The trail, while gentle, does involve gaining over 1,500 feet of elevation over not-quite three miles. Be sure you are adjusted to the altitude and be prepared for minimal shade along most of the route. This route is open to motorized vehicles less than 50" in width, so be aware and share the trail. Overview The Gibson Peak 015 trail at the Gibson Jack area takes the hiker up towards (but not to!) Gibson Peak, and provides great views of southern Pocatello and the surrounding mountains.
The hike starts at the junction of the 015 and 018 (Slate Mountain) trails. The trail is straightforward as it follows the ridgeline up from the junction towards the Gibson Peak highpoint. Occasionally the trail will wind around the north slope of a ridge, showcasing the microclimates of the Pocatello area as you wander through short sections of fir/spruce/oak forest before reemerging onto the sagebrush steppe slopes. The trail bypasses Gibson Peak proper through one of these forest stands, though it would not be difficult to wander off-trail to get the peak. This is about 2.5 miles from the 018/015 junction below, and from this point, it is not much further to the 027 junction. The trail contours along below a long, prominent ridge before popping out onto it at the 027 junction. It should be noted that the 027 junction is not signed/marked in any way besides a buck-rail fence. The 015 trail continues to the right and up a higher ridge, while the 027 putatively crosses the fence line and follows a narrow ridge out to the southeast. At this time, with the fence and lack of signage, along with the lack of an obvious trail, it may be that the 027 trail is no longer maintained. Likewise, it could be poorly used so that it is not obvious. In either case, this fence marks the end of this description; you may hike further on the 015, attempt to follow of 027, or return down the 015 the way you came. Water Sources None, bring all you need. Camping The Caribou-Targhee National Forest has designated this area for day use only. Check out the Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community. One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
