- …
- Yak
- Quests
- 50 State Highpoints
- Borah Peak
12,662 ft · Lost River Range, Idaho
Borah Peak
Borah Peak is a 12,662 ft peak in the Lost River Range, Idaho. The standard route is the Mount Borah Trail: 8 mi, 5,219 ft of gain, Class 3.
Borah Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,662 ft3,859 m
- RouteMount Borah TrailClass 3
- Distance8 mi5,219 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeLost River RangeIdaho
Climbing the Mount Borah Trail
From Mackay, Idaho, drive south on US-93 about 20 miles and turn west on Birch Springs Road to the well-signed trailhead. The route is steep and sustained, gaining over 5,200 feet in just 4 miles. Chicken Out Ridge presents significant exposure that turns back many climbers. Class 3 scrambling required. Snow and ice are common in early season and can make the ridge treacherous. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms which are frequent in summer. The summit offers expansive views of the Lost River Range. No permits required but sign in at the trailhead register.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Buff
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Helmet
GPS Device
Power Bank
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Rockfall
- Knife-edge ridge
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Low visibility
Borah Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 9 climbs of Borah Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Borah Peak
50 State Highpoints
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Borah Peak?
Borah Peak is 12,662 feet (3,859 m) tall. It is in the Lost River Range, Idaho.
Is Borah Peak the highest point in Idaho?
Yes. At 12,662 feet, Borah Peak is the highest point in Idaho.
How hard is it to climb Borah Peak?
The Mount Borah Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 5,219 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Borah Peak?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the Mount Borah Trail, covering 8 miles with 5,219 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Borah Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Borah Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Mount Borah Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Borah Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Borah Peak reaches 12,662 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Borah Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Borah Peak?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Borah Peak?
The Mount Borah Trail starts at about 7,400 feet, roughly 5,262 feet below the summit.
Climb Borah Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list