Baron Peak is one of the more accessible peaks in this part of the Sawtooth Range for hikers and scramblers. It's Class 3 slopes provide exceptional views of the surrounding terrain including the Monte Verita Ridge, where many Class 5 towers and peaks are situated.  Nearby Warbonnet Peak, Baron Spire, Tohobit Peak, and Grandjean Peak provide a stunning foreground to the rest of the range while looking south from the Baron Peak summit.  The trail portion of the approach involves 4.5 miles of gradually ascending terrain, while the lower Moolack Creek scramble requires careful traversing of the edge of the creek to avoid heinous bush-whacking.  Once into the upper Moolack Creek talus field, the terrain changes to a typical alpine environment with little vegetation, plenty of scree, large blocks of rocks and lingering snow-fields.  The west ridge often has the elusive mountain goat and the summit contains a summit canister placed by Greg Parker with a handful of names in the log.  An impressive gold benchmark adorns the summit, placed in 1928.

In 1989 the Sawtooth climbing pioneer Louis Stur fell and died on Baron Peak while exploring a new route.  Stur is responsible for pioneering many of the moderate rock climbs in the range including the Stur Chimney on Mt. Heyburn.   In it's day, Louis Stur's routes were anything but moderate; they were considered extreme.  While much of Baron Peak contains some of the less vertical routes in the area, the rock is incredibly loose in spots and the undocumented north side is nearly vertical. Neaby Peak 103330 is actually taller than Baron Peak and contains many challenging routes, yet there is no documentation beyond the Tom Lopez mention. This neighboring peak is a prime candidate for a name and some exploration.

Baron Peak Routes.  

Moolack Creek Approach / West Face:  Follow the Moolack Creek drainage from where it crosses the Baron Creek Trail, stay on the west side of the creek until it splits. Follow the ridge that divides the two forks of the creek until about 7600 feet where you'll cross the creek and head east into the upper bowl, just west of the peak. Either access the saddle that separates Peak 10330 from Baron Peak, or ascend the ridge just west of Baron peak. Look for narrow slot on the west face. Follow this narrow slot up until it becomes a Class 3 ledge system.

7.5 miles and 5764 feet elevation gain (one-way)

West Ridge Approach / SE Face:  Just past the Moolack Creek crossing, leave the trail and ascend the steep slope staying near the edge of the trees and open brush. Set a course toward Point 8962, but be sure to stay just south of this point.  If you end up northwest of this point you'll get cliffed.  From near 8962 follow the ridge toward the west face of Baron Peak. Traverse south of the summit until you come to a prominent rugged SE ridgeline. Follow this steep Class 2-3 slope to the summit.

5.9 miles and 5527 feet elevation gain (one-way)

Ascending nearby Peak 10330 in the same day is possible. After Baron peak, descend to the prominent saddle north of Baron Peak.  You'll need to bypass a vertical tower on the way up 10330 by going just west of this tower and follow the steep southern slopes.

Key:

p=potential, but unknown

Road Approach

Follow ID-21 to the Grandjean turnoff (signed). Follow this dirt road for seven miles to the trailhead. There is camping and limited supplies nearby.

Trail Approach

From the Grandjean trailhead, follow the trail along the South Fork of the Payette River until it forks and follow the Baron Creek Trail.  After 3.5 miles, cross the creek utilizing a large log. Stay in the South Fork of baron Creek with views of Baron Peak and Tohobit Peak.  Leave the trail after another mile near the Moolack Creek crossing.