The Head Wall
Versatile Idaho crag with routes for multiple ability levels.
- 25 routes
- 5.10c – 5.13a
- Sport
Is Head Wall, The open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists an alert for Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Stoddard Bridge Construction Closure
Agency alert covering Salmon-Challis National Forest · Order 0413-07-17 · USFS · Salmon-Challis National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Salmon-Challis National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Best time to visit The Head Wall
Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
31° / 7°
4 wet · 4 snow
Feb
34° / 11°
4 wet · 3 snow
Mar
44° / 21°
5 wet · 2 snow
Apr
53° / 28°
7 wet · 1 snow
May
63° / 35°
9 wet
Jun
72° / 41°
7 wet
Jul
82° / 47°
6 wet
Aug
80° / 45°
5 wet
Sep
72° / 37°
5 wet
Oct
57° / 28°
5 wet · 1 snow
Nov
41° / 18°
5 wet · 2 snow
Dec
30° / 9°
5 wet · 4 snow
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Chilly Barton Flat, ID, 41 mi away at 6,260 ft. The station sits about 1,500 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
The Head Wall is a sport climbing area in Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest, within the Lost River Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the area sits among several other climbing spots, including The Fins, Solstice and Yellow Cake, all within about a tenth of a mile. The climbing here is all sport, and the routes run from about 5.10c up to 5.13a. Koona and White Rhino are both 5.12a, and And The Thunder Rolls is the hardest at 5.13a. The area's median grade is 5.12a. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 82°F with lows near 47°F, while winter brings highs in the low 30s and regular snow days from December through February. That station sits about 1,500 feet lower than the wall, so temperatures on the rock run cooler.
Routes (25)
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