Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area

Part of the Boulder Batholith, the Humbug Spires are a series of granite outcroppings that rise between 300 and 600 feet above the surrounding terrain. This is a rock-climbing Mecca with routes to challenge all skill levels but most routes are in the 5.5 to 5.7 range in difficulty.

To get here, get off the I-15 at Moose Creek (exit 99) and go east about 3 miles on an improved road along the creek. A 3-mile (one way) trail leads from the parking area through the old-growth forest along the creek before climbing the ridge and coming up to one of the more prominent spires known as the "Wedge." There are other trails in this 11,175-acre wilderness study area so hikers will want a compass, perhaps a GPS device, plenty of water and maybe even a copy of the site map that is found on the back of the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area brochure (if there isn't one at the information kiosk then you'll find one at the Butte BLM Field Office).

Developed camping is 5 miles away at the Divide Bridge Campground but primitive camping is allowed at Humbug Spires. Other activities at Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area: hiking, sightseeing, photography, rock climbing, wildlife watching, horseback riding and small stream fishing. There is an information kiosk and restrooms at the trailhead parking area.

There are no fees involved and the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area is open year-round as the weather permits.