Borah Peak - Idaho's highest peak

Elevation Range: TH: 7450' - Summit: 12,662'      Elevation Gain: 5212'     Distance: 3.4M each way

Southwest (Chicken-Out) Ridge Route     Class 3/4     Conditions     Weather

July 24, 2019 - The steep but well maintained trail leaves the trailhead parking/turn-around area and ascends the sagebrush & grass slopes to the ridge. The first 2,500 vertical feet follow a steep trail without switchbacks. At about 10,200 ft, you'll reach treeline. Follow the knife-edge ridge up to the exposed "Chicken-out Ridge." Continue following the ridge to a high point (not yet the summit), then descend a couple hundred feet to the base of the final summit ridge. Scramble up this for about 800 vertical feet to the summit. Bring an ice axe and traction.

DIRECTIONS: Map From Challis: Take U.S. Highway 93 south of Challis 33 miles to the Borah Peak Access Road. This is between mileposts 129 and 130. Follow this road east for 3 miles to the trailhead. In good weather, the road is fine for most passenger cars. Reach a flat parking area and a climber's trailhead. The trailhead is unmarked, but is obvious from the parking area. The trail leaves from the uphill side (east) of the parking lot.The mountain is located in the Challis National Forest. To camp in the campground at the trailhead requires a $5 fee. There are several nice camp sites near the trailhead. A toilet is available, but unfortunately there is no water.

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the crux: top of Chicken Out Ridge
 

 

IDAHO SUMMITS