Idaho 12,000ft Mountain List

Borah Peak - 12,662 feet GPX File - Southwest Ridge As the highest point in Idaho, Borah Peak towers over the surrounding mountains in the Lost River Range. This classic hike is the most popular Twelver and is home to the aptly named “Chicken Out Ridge,” a knife-edged scramble that sees many hikers call it quits. There is a well-defined trail for much of the hike, though the final stretch up the mountain may be difficult to navigate for novice climbers. The Borah Glacier, a rock glacier located on the north slope of the mountain, is the only active glacier in Idaho.
Leatherman Peak - 12,228 feet GPX File - Northeast Gully GPX File - West Ridge The eastern approach of Idaho’s 2nd tallest mountain takes hikers deep into the stunning and seldom visited Pahsimeroi Valley. This eastern route, now considered the standard route, is challenging to reach in a vehicle compared to the western approach, but it provides a safer route up the mountain through a panoramic setting. The trail is well-defined until the gully. Be prepared for light scrambling just below the summit.
Mount Church - 12,200 feet GPX File - North Fork of Jones Creek Mount Church and Donaldson Peak are unique among the Twelvers as they are typically climbed together during the same hike. The hike begins in a rocky creek with a moderately defined trail, but eventually leads you to a high pond in a panoramic cirque that can often appear like a small glacial lake. The long ridge walk between the two mountains, which has several instances of exposed Class 3 climbing, requires spending an extended period of time at altitude, so be sure to watch the skies for any developing thunderclouds.
Diamond Peak - 12,197 feet GPX File - East Ridge The tallest mountain in Idaho located outside of the Lost River Range, Diamond Peak rises like a pyramid above the surrounding mountains. The first half of the hike is straightforward on a moderate trail, but once on the ridge the route provides plenty of climbing options for the eager scrambler, though it may overwhelm novice hikers.
Breitenbach Peak - 12,140 feet GPX File - South Ridge The approach hike through Pete Creek can be frustratingly slow, but generally the route up Breitenbach is one of the easier Twelver hikes. The summit isn’t visible during the hike until almost near the top, which makes it even more rewarding. The route passes by a small waterfall as well as a fossil infused scramble. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep as you near the top.
Lost River Peak - 12,078 feet GPX File - Southeast "Super Gully" The southernmost Twelver in the Lost River Range is home to the unbelievably steep scree-filled “Super Gully.” This hike may be short, but it is incredibly mentally and physically exhausting. A helmet is a must. Lost River Peak is becoming increasingly popular to hike in the late spring to allow for walking on snow instead of scree. If you climb during the early season, be aware of avalanche conditions.
Mount Idaho - 12,065 feet GPX File - West Ridge / Southeast Face The rugged Mount Idaho gives climbers a chance to take in all that a Lost River climb offers. Steep talus chutes, sharp ridge scrambles, tortuous forests, and ample route finding eventually reward hikers with incredible views of Borah Peak. The rock-filled chutes of Mount Idaho are very dangerous! A helmet is strongly recommended, especially when climbing near others.
Donaldson Peak - 12,023 feet Typically climbed with Mount Church. The GPX file for Mount Church also works for Donaldson Peak.
Hyndman Peak - 12,009 feet GPX File - East Ridge The hike up Idaho’s shortest Twelver is arguably the most scenic on the list. In particular, Hyndman Basin is striking, as this high alpine meadow covered in wildflowers sits below three towering mountains; Hyndman Peak, Old Hyndman Peak, and Cobb Peak. While the hike is a good choice for beginning mountaineers, the long length, exposed summit, and substantial elevation gain shouldn’t be underestimated. Keep an eye out for mountain goats as you climb the summit along the rubble and snow. Hyndman Peak was incorrectly considered the tallest peak in Idaho until 1934.