Borah Peak Hiking Guide

Borah Peak Trailhead, Parking & Camping

Of all the 12ers in Idaho, Borah Peak's trailhead is by far the easiest to get to in any car. No need for a nightmarish hours-long traverse on a rutted, rocky 4x4 road (looking at you, Leatherman Peak). From Mackay, head northwest on US-93N for 20.1 miles. Turn right onto Birch Springs Road. The trailhead begins at the end of the road, just over three miles
up. The road is well maintained and does not require high clearance or 4WD. The scarp along this road shortly before the trailhead is from the 1983 Borah Peak earthquake.

The trailhead has a small campground (small fee to use) and bathrooms. Water is not provided at the campground. Both the campground and parking lot fill up fast during peak climbing season, so if you want a spot be sure to arrive well before the rush of evening climbers. 

Southwest Ridge Route Overview

The standard route follows the Southwest Ridge from the trailhead near Birch Springs Road. The trail begins well-defined but quickly steepens as it climbs toward the ridge. Terrain becomes rockier and more rugged with elevation gain. After crossing Chicken Out Ridge, the route continues on steep slopes where the trail becomes less distinct. Near the summit, multiple use paths branch off, making route-finding more difficult, particularly on the descent. Too brief of a description? I've got you covered down below.

Trailhead to the Ridge

The trail begins just to the right of two Borah Peak plaques on the east end of the parking lot. For the first mile or so, this well-traversed trail moves through shrubs, grasses, and eventually pine trees along a rocky drainage. This early section of the hike has a relatively gradual incline, but don’t be fooled; this route is aggressively steep. At around the one-mile mark, the trail makes a left turn to the north toward a small saddle. You will make a right turn east at the top of this saddle (8,600ft). This is where the incline truly begins. This steep winding trail climbs its way up through fallen trees and exposed roots toward the ridgeline, gaining 1,500 feet in just under a mile. It can be pretty strenuous, so hiking poles are recommended.

At the top of the ridge (10,100ft), you are greeted with a dramatic view of Borah. This is an excellent place for a water break as you catch your breath and take in the view.

Ridge to Chicken Out Ridge

From the top of the ridge, follow the trail southeast for one mile as it moves along the rim toward the uniquely multicolored rock of Chicken Out Ridge (COR). COR may look daunting as you approach it, but don’t fret; much of the elevation gain is made on a trail right before the ridge begins, leaving little actual gain during the scramble. Just before the base of COR, the trail increases in steepness as the path becomes filled with loose rock. There may be several intertwining trails during this section, but keep heading up toward the rust-colored spine of the ridge.

Borah Peak's Chicken Out Ridge

Before beginning COR (11,290ft), I recommend stowing your hiking poles, putting on gloves, and securing any loose items inside your pack. With COR being a repetitive jumble of rock with few distinct features, trying to follow specific instructions may be detrimental to a climber. Instructions here may be misinterpreted and accidentally lead someone off the trail into a dangerous area. With that in mind, the guidance here will be more general.
The ridge is only a quarter of a mile and gains around 450 feet in elevation. The rock on the ridge is generally solid, so carefully move uphill until you hit the crux of the route, a 20-foot downclimb that ends on the snow bridge or, if climbed late in the season, a dry saddle. The strategy for COR is to stay on the ridge’s spine for most of the climb. You may find a trail toward the right early in the climb, but eventually, you will need to get back up on the spine before ending at the snow bridge. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BYPASS COR WITH A TRAIL TO THE LEFT. Attempting to bypass the ridge can put hikers in hazardous terrain that has required Search and Rescue evacuations in the past. The top of the crux is often marked with a climbing rope, but don’t rely on it for pathfinding, as it may not always be there.

Chicken Out Ridge to the Summit

Once down the crux (11,750ft), cross the small saddle and take the obvious trail to the left toward the summit. This trail eventually leads to the upper saddle (11,760ft), a great place to look over the summit, plan a route and prepare for the final push. This final push ascends 900 feet on very loose rock in under half a mile. While not as notorious as COR, this section is incredibly challenging on the body, especially given the high altitude.
Take one of the two trails that head up toward a rocky scar on the face. The trail may be hard to follow here, so keep an eye out for cairns. As you near the summit, the path becomes steeper and the rock looser. Be careful not to drop any rocks on other hikers below you. After a strenuous climb to the top, you will be greeted with outstanding views of Sacajawea Peak, Mount Idaho, and Leatherman Peak to the south.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard is Borah Peak?

Having climbed the mountain several times (and also being the author of a guidebook on the topic), this is probably the question I get asked the most. There is no simple answer for the difficulty of Borah Peak. For some climbers, Chicken Out Ridge is a breeze; for others, it is a no-go. Similarly, many have no issue with the altitude, while others—even those in great cardiovascular shape—are impacted greatly. Because of this, I hope you don't mind a fairly generic answer.

Borah Peak is a demanding day hike that asks hikers to climb more than 5,000 feet in a relatively short distance, much of it over steep and rocky terrain. You will also be exposed to the sun for many hours, making dehydration a major concern. Technically, the standard route is rated Class 3, requiring the use of your hands in several sections, but it does not require rock-climbing gear. The main difficulty comes from exposure rather than technical climbing. Hikers comfortable with scrambling and heights will likely find Chicken Out Ridge manageable, while those uneasy with exposure may find it intimidating. Bring plenty of food and water, extra clothing, and most importantly, know your own comfort level before committing to the ridge.

Best Time to Hike

Borah Peak is typically climbed between July and September when snow has melted from the ridge. I personally enjoy climbing the peak in August, as the snow bridge is often melted out by that point in the summer, and the weather is a tad more stable. Earlier in the season, snow can linger and significantly increase difficulty. Outside of summer, the route becomes a mountaineering objective requiring specialized equipment and experience.

Tips, Gear, and Common Mistakes

There is no consistent water source, so all water must be carried from the trailhead. An early start is recommended to avoid afternoon storms. A helmet is advised due to loose rock, especially with other climbers above. Common mistakes include underestimating Chicken Out Ridge and losing the trail near the summit.

Should You Hike Borah Peak?

Borah Peak is a rewarding climb, but it is not for everyone. It sits between hiking and scrambling, requiring comfort with exposure. Those with experience on steep terrain will find it a natural next step, while beginners may want to build experience first. Many hikers turn around at Chicken Out Ridge, and doing so is a reasonable and common decision.