Borah Peak
Mackay, Idaho
| Address: | Mackay, ID 83251, USA |
| GPS: |
44°7'57.1"N 113°50'4.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trails/Routes: | 7.9 mi |
Hike
This is the highest peak in all of Idaho, standing 12,662 ft along the Lost River Range. There are several routes that can be taken in order to reach the summit with different levels of difficulty depending on the season. Mount Borah has been summited every month of the year, though the best season to climb is late summer or early fall.
The most common route used in climbing Mount Borah is Southwest "Chicken-out" Ridge. This is a Class 3-4 route, and if going in the summer/fall does not require any advanced or additional equipment. The trail starts through a pine forest and sage brush area. After the forested area, climbers will then go through some switchbacks as they make their way towards "Chicken-out" Ridge. The crux of the trail begins around 11,200 ft in elevation and at this point climbers must scramble, or use their hands on the steep trail, through the crux. There is a lot of exposure along the "Chicken-out" Ridge and for inexperienced climbers, this is the point where many turn back. For more experienced climbers, this part might not seem too bad and leave them wondering if they really have climbed through the worst section. While scrambling up the ridge, the last portion will have climbers scramble down. Exercise caution through this area because a snow knife-edge is present most of the year. Past this ridge the slope becomes a variety of different rocks, from scree and talus to bare slabs and ledges. At the top of Mount Borah is a registry, so feel free to sign it after reaching the top!
Other routes to the summit require either a lot of experience, or additional equipment, or in most cases both. Mount Borah is a great mountain to climb because there is something for every climber. Other routes include North Face Direct, North Face (traverse), Psycho Therapy, Borah Borah Borah, Northeast Ridge, Hidden Couloir, East Face Dye/Boyer, Dirty Traverse, East Face Direct, East Face-Northeast Ridge Variation, South Couloir, and Northwest Ridge.
More Information
Borah Peak or Mount Borah Weather Forecast (3859m)
Borah Peak or Mount Borah, Bitterroot Range, Rocky Mountains (USA), United States Mountain weather forecast for 3859m. Detailed 6 day mountain weather forecast for climbers and mountaineers.
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Borah-Peak-Mount-Borah/forecasts/3859Climbing Borah Peak: The worst 12 hours you’ll ever love
It’s long, steep and punishing. You’ll swear that you’ll never do it again. But for people who love Idaho’s outdoors and are willing to prepare properly, it’s an experience of a lifetime. One you may even want to repeat.
https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/hiking/article146551509.htmlHome | Salmon-Challis National Forest | Forest Service
The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/salmon-challisMount Borah Guide | Idaho Highpoint, Chicken Out Ridge & Route Info
Mount Borah guide with route information, mileage, elevation gain, Chicken Out Ridge advice, trailhead details, history, north face routes, photos, fatalities, the 1983 earthquake and useful links.
https://idahosummits.com/borah_feature/borah.htmMount Borah: Peak Information and Climbing Guide - IDAHO: A Climbing Guide
This great peak is situated in the Lost River Range located in the Challis National Forest. At 12,662 feet, it is Idaho’s highest peak and is usually called “Mount Borah,” or just “Borah” by Idahoans. Borah is one of seven 12ers in the Lost River Range. Borah is a complex and attractive mountain with relatively good rock. Even if it … Continue reading →
https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/bookupdates/mount-borah-12655/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read MoreDirections
From Mackay, Idaho
- Head southeast toward Main St (118 ft)
- Turn left onto Main St (128 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto US-93 N/Custer StContinue to follow US-93 N(20.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Birch Springs Rd (2.9 mi)
- Turn right to stay on Birch Springs Rd (0.4 mi)
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