Mount Idaho
Mount Idaho, also known as Elkhorn Peak, rises to 12,065 feet in Idaho’s rugged Lost River Range. While it lacks the fame of nearby Borah Peak, it offers a classic Lost River climb with steep talus, sharp ridge scrambling, dense lower forest, and significant route-finding. The standard route follows the West Ridge and Southwest Face, culminating in a rewarding summit with outstanding views of Borah Peak and the surrounding range. This Mount Idaho hiking guide covers the route, difficulty, key hazards, and what to expect on one of Idaho’s more rugged 12ers.
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Watch the full Mount Idaho hike in the video below:
Route Overview
Mount Idaho offers a full Lost River Range experience. The route begins near Elkhorn Creek, where water is available low on the mountain before the climb steepens dramatically. Higher up, the route moves through rough talus, broken chutes, and increasingly exposed ridge terrain. The upper mountain requires careful route-finding as hikers work toward the West Ridge and Southwest Face, where the terrain becomes more rugged and the scrambling more sustained.
How Hard is Mount Idaho?
Mount Idaho is rated Class 3, but it is not a casual scramble. Much of the difficulty comes from the looseness of the terrain and the amount of route-finding required. This is a mountain where poor line choice can quickly make the climb feel more serious. Strong hikers with prior scrambling experience will find it rewarding, but inexperienced climbers may find the steep talus and exposed sections intimidating.
What Makes Mount Idaho Dangerous?
The biggest hazard on Mount Idaho is loose rock. The talus chutes are notoriously unstable, and rockfall is a real concern, especially if climbing near others. A helmet is strongly recommended. Unlike a peak with one short crux, Mount Idaho spreads its difficulty across a longer section of broken terrain, which means hikers need to stay alert for much of the climb.
Best Time to Hike
Mount Idaho is generally best climbed in summer and early fall, when the route is dry and free of lingering snow. Earlier in the season, snow can make the chutes and upper scrambling considerably more dangerous. Stable weather is important, especially since much of the upper route is exposed and slow-going.
Tips, Gear, and Common Mistakes
Carry enough water after leaving Elkhorn Creek, as reliable sources disappear higher on the route. A helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear on this mountain due to the amount of loose rock. One common mistake is underestimating how slow travel can become once the scrambling starts. Another is drifting into dangerous rock-filled chutes instead of staying on the most efficient line. Careful route choices make a big difference here.
Should You Hike Mount Idaho?
Mount Idaho is best suited for hikers who want a rugged, less-traveled Lost River summit and are comfortable with loose Class 3 terrain. It is not the most beginner-friendly Idaho 12er, but for those with solid scrambling experience, it delivers a memorable climb with excellent views and a more adventurous feel than some of the better-known peaks.
Looking to explore more of Idaho’s rugged 12ers? My guidebook covers all of them, with detailed routes, maps, and practical tips for taking on peaks like Mount Idaho and the rest of the state’s highest mountains.
