Located in the extreme southern tip of the Lost River Range just southwest of Howe lie the Fins. Highlighted by vertical-to-slightly-overhung pocketed limestone that rivals Sinks Canyon in Lander, Wyo., the Fins is truly a unique climbing area to eastern Idaho.

  • Type of climbing: Sport
  • Number of routes: 55
  • Difficulty range: 5.8 – 5.13+
  • Type of rock: Limestone
  • Season: Late Spring through Fall
  • Camping: Yes
  • Guidebook: Sweet Spots of Eastern Idaho, by Jerry Painter and Matt TeNgaio

The main concentration of climbing sits at the head of Eightmile Canyon and extends southward following the descending ridgeline. Sitting at about 7,600 feet this is a great summer area. However, the morning sun on the east facing walls can be brutal up there as there is no shade until about 1 p.m. The rock is sharp in nature but offers great texture. The climbing is steep, somewhat powerful and sustained!  A majority of the routes are in the 5.12 range, with a few 5.13s and the possibility for 5.14. A 60m rope is recommened but not needed for all routes.

Dean Lords on a Fins Yellow Cake Wall route

Dean Lords on a Fins Yellow Cake Wall route

Getting There

From Idaho Falls, head west on Highway 20 towards Arco for about 57 miles. Before reaching Arco, turn right on Highway 33 and drive north towards Howe. At about 9 miles turn left, west, at a gravel pit onto an unmarked dirt road entering Eightmile Canyon. At about .5 mile down the dirt road, turn right through a gate and at another .5 mile veer right as the road descends down a small hillside. At about 3.6 miles the lower parking area is found on the left side of the road and for now only accomodates about four cars. Two-wheel drive vehicles will want to park here. Four-wheel drive cars may continue up the steep road for another 1.5 miles to the saddle, however, this road can be very loose and it is quite steep in some sections. From there, turn left up a two-track road that climbs to a grove of pine trees and an awesome camping spot. Park near the trees and follow the short trail to the Head Wall.

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

Sweet Spots 2nd Edition Cover

Sweet Spots 2nd Edition Cover