Idaho Highpoint · Lost River Range

Mount Borah — Idaho’s Highest Mountain

Route information, Chicken Out Ridge advice, trailhead logistics, history, photos, north face climbing routes and other useful information for Idaho’s 12,662-foot state highpoint.

North Face of Mount Borah viewed from Rock Creek — The North Face of Mount Borah from Rock Creek.

Geographical Information

Elevation: 12,662 feet
State: Idaho
County: Custer County
Mountain Range: Lost River Range
Latitude: 44.137° N
Longitude: 113.779° W

Historical Information

Named After: William Borah, Idaho senator nicknamed the “Lion”
First Ascent: T.M. Bannon, USGS surveyor, in 1912
Alternative Names: Mount Borah, Beauty Peak
Fastest Ascent: Luke Nelson — October 22, 2010; car-to-summit in 1:26:42 and roundtrip in 2:21:11

Standard Route Information

Popular Routes: Southwest Ridge (standard route), North Face
Roundtrip Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet
Class: Class 3

View a topo map of Borah Peak with the route drawn on it. You can also view Borah Peak on ListsOfJohn’s topo map.

Getting There

From Arco, drive approximately 45 miles north on US 93. Turn east on Birch Springs Road at the sign for Borah Peak access and follow the road to its end. At about 3.5 miles, the road turns and runs along the 1983 earthquake fault. It then passes through a patch of quaking aspens and reaches the parking lot. There are several campsites near the trailhead, ample parking and a bathroom.

Trailhead Facilities

Camping Units: 5
Toilets: 1
Fee: None
Water: None
Trailhead Elevation: 7,200 feet
Typical Season: May through November

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prime season to climb the standard route on Borah Peak?

July 15 through September 15.

Do I need an ice axe and crampons?

When climbing Borah outside the typical summer season, yes. Even during the summer window, an axe may sometimes be useful or necessary on the snow crossing. Conditions vary considerably from trip to trip.

Any advice for Chicken Out Ridge?

Stay on the ridge. In my experience, many people get into more trouble by trying to bypass the ridge on one side or the other.

What kind of footwear should I wear?

I wore full leather boots, which were useful on loose terrain but felt heavy late in the day. Others have climbed the peak successfully in trail-running shoes. Footwear choice should reflect your experience, current conditions and comfort on loose Class 3 terrain.

Have a Borah question? Ask on the Idaho Outdoors Forum or contact me.

Contact Information

Lost River Ranger District
716 W Custer
P.O. Box 507
Mackay, Idaho 83251
Phone: (208) 588-3400
Fax: (208) 588-2924

North Face Routes

Technical climbing routes marked on the north face of Mount Borah — North face route photo. Photo by Dan Robbins; route annotations credited to Bob Boyles.

Climbers on the icy north face of Mount Borah — Climbers on the north face of Borah Peak. Photo credit: Dean Lords.

Borah Fatalities

According to the Forest Service information referenced on the original page, three people have died while climbing Borah’s slopes.

An avalanche claimed the lives of two climbers in November 1977. Read Mike Howard’s write-up of the incident.
In 1987, Dave Probst was killed during a descent down Rock Creek after summiting Borah. The original account notes that he was unable to stop a glissade down a series of snowfields and became trapped between the third snowfield and a rock face, where sloughing snow buried him. This information was provided by Paul Wolters, who was a member of Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue along with Dave at the time.

Pictures

Mount Borah viewed from Dickey Peak to the northwest — Borah viewed from Dickey Peak (northwest).

Mount Borah during winter from North Chilly Butte — Borah during winter.

Mount Borah viewed from Arentson Gulch — Borah viewed from the valley floor.

View from the summit of Mount Borah — The view from the top of Borah.

Mount Borah trailhead information sign — Sign at the trailhead.

Mount Borah access sign along US 93 in Idaho — Sign on US 93 near the turnoff to the trailhead.

1983 Borah Peak Earthquake

In 1983, a major earthquake occurred near the base of Borah Peak. The original page describes it as a magnitude 7.3 event and notes that the earthquake raised Borah Peak about seven feet. The fault scarp remains visible along the western side of the peak and is crossed on the drive to the trailhead.

Links & Weather

Mountain Safety & Disclaimer

Hiking, scrambling, climbing and mountaineering are inherently dangerous activities that can result in serious injury or death. Conditions on Mount Borah can change quickly with weather, snow, ice, wind, rockfall, wildfire, route erosion and other factors. Chicken Out Ridge and other sections that may seem straightforward to one climber can be significantly more difficult or hazardous to another, or under different conditions. Route descriptions, mileage, elevation gain, trailhead details, seasonal guidance and other information on RockyMountainSummits.com are provided for general informational purposes only and may contain errors or become outdated. Verify current conditions and access, carry appropriate equipment, understand your own abilities and make your own decisions in the mountains. By using this site, you accept responsibility for your own safety and actions.