Sitting high above the road, the routes at Paramount offer great exposure and relief from the afternoon summer sun. Chuck Oddette, Steve Reiser and Jed Miller established the routes from 1989 to 1990. While not the hardest climbing around, Paramount is home to great lines in the 5.9 – 5.10 range – a perfect place for the budding lead climber. All routes except Fly By Night, Positively Negative, and Spraypaint can be done with a 50-meter rope.

  • Type of climbing: Sport, with a few trad lines
  • Number of routes: 14
  • Difficulty range: 5.8 – 5.11b
  • Type of rock: Basalt
  • Season: Summer through Fall
  • Camping: Yes
  • Guidebook: Sweet Spots of Eastern Idaho, by Jerry Painter and Matt TeNgaio

Getting There

From Idaho Falls drive east on Highway 26 for about 16 miles and turn left at the signs for Kelly Canyon Ski Hill and Heise Hot Springs – continue following the signs to the ski hill. At 3 miles, turn right after crossing the Snake River and continue past the hot springs. Just past the golf course, Heise Rock comes into view on the left. Continue on past Heise. Drive past the first cattle guard and follow the road as it turns left sharply and begins to climb – there is a small parking area to the left about 200 yards up the road. Follow the loose trail up to the base of the climbing area. You can also park further up the road to the left in the parking area of Little Kelly Canyon just before the second cattle guard.

** Look inside the Sweet Spots Second Edition Sample **

Sweet Spots 2nd Edition Cover

Sweet Spots 2nd Edition Cover