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Mount Borah Trail

Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho · 4 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
5,262 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Highest point in Idaho at 12,662 feet
  • Chicken Out Ridge: exposed Class 3 scrambling with significant exposure on both sides
  • Views of the Lost River Range and the Great Rift zone of the Snake River Plain
  • The 1983 Borah Peak earthquake fault scarp visible from the trailhead
  • Idaho state highpoint, completing a major milestone for peak baggers

Overview

Mount Borah stands at 12,662 feet as Idaho's highest point, the culminating peak of the Lost River Range in the eastern Salmon-Challis National Forest. The 7-mile round trip to the summit is among the most demanding day hikes in Idaho, combining an extraordinary 5,262-foot elevation gain with Class 3 scrambling on the exposed Chicken Out Ridge section. This is not a hike in the conventional sense: it is a non-technical mountaineering objective for experienced hikers who are comfortable with exposed scrambling.

The trailhead sits in the Lost River Valley, and the 1983 Borah Peak earthquake fault scarp is visible immediately as you approach the parking area. The 7.3-magnitude earthquake was the largest recorded in Idaho history and created a visible offset in the valley floor. The mountain you're climbing is still tectonically active.

The Route

Trailhead to Treeline (0 to 1.8 miles)

The trail begins immediately steep on a maintained path through sagebrush and then patches of mountain mahogany and limber pine. The first mile is fully exposed on south-facing terrain and gains elevation rapidly. Treeline is reached around 9,500 feet, at which point the forest coverage becomes negligible. No water is available on this route from the trailhead.

Treeline to Chicken Out Ridge (1.8 to 2.8 miles)

Above treeline the trail transitions to a rocky ridgeline path. The terrain becomes increasingly exposed and the footing more variable. The 1983 earthquake fault zone left some destabilized rock in the upper mountain. Chicken Out Ridge becomes visible from this section as a narrow exposed spine ahead.

Chicken Out Ridge (2.8 to 3.2 miles)

Chicken Out Ridge is the crux. The terrain narrows to a few feet in width with significant drop-offs on both sides. The scrambling is Class 3: using hands for balance and holds on the rock surface. Exposure is real and retreat on wet or icy rock is dangerous. Many hikers turn around here and this is a legitimate decision. The ridge section is approximately 0.4 miles long.

Summit (3.5 miles)

Past Chicken Out Ridge the angle eases and the trail continues to the broad summit at 12,662 feet. The Lost River Valley spreads below, with the Snake River Plain visible to the south on clear days. The summit register typically shows far fewer signatures than comparable state highpoints. Return via the same route with extreme care on the Chicken Out Ridge descent.

When to Hike

July through August offers the best window. Snow typically clears Chicken Out Ridge by early July in most years, though early-season conditions vary. The summit is clear and stable in mid-summer. Afternoon thunderstorms on this exposed summit are a significant hazard from late July: summit before noon.

September provides stable conditions and solitude, but early snowfall is possible and Chicken Out Ridge becomes dangerous when wet or icy. Check the forecast carefully for any September attempt.

Outside summer months, this route requires mountaineering skills and equipment beyond hiking gear.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 4 liters of water, as there is no water source from trailhead to summit. The entire route is dry. Start before 6 a.m. and plan to be descending Chicken Out Ridge before noon. Helmet consideration: some hikers wear helmets through the Chicken Out Ridge section due to rockfall potential. Trekking poles are useful on the approach but should be stowed or slung during the technical scrambling section. Gloves for the cold exposed ridge are worth packing even in summer.

Trailhead Access

Borah Peak Trailhead is on Lost River Valley Road (Forest Road 135), accessed from Mackay via US-93 north and then the valley road northwest. The road is paved to the trailhead. No permit or fee is required for day hiking (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present. No water source at the trailhead.

Dogs are not recommended due to the Chicken Out Ridge terrain.

Nearby

Mount Borah is an isolated objective in the Lost River Range with limited adjacent trail options. Patterson Creek Trail and East Fork Salmon Trail are in the broader Salmon-Challis system but require different access approaches. The town of Mackay (20 miles south) has basic services including fuel and food.

Review current mountain weather and conditions using the USFS guide before attempting this summit. Follow Leave No Trace principles on the fragile alpine terrain, which shows significant impact where groups congregate near the technical sections.

Trailhead Parking

Paved trailhead lot at the Borah Peak Trailhead on Lost River Valley Road, approximately 20 miles northwest of Mackay. Space for 30 to 40 vehicles.

← Back to Salmon-Challis National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Mount Borah Trail take?
Most hikers allow 7 to 10 hours for this demanding round trip. The 5,262-foot gain concentrated in 3.5 miles is significant, and Chicken Out Ridge adds time for cautious navigation. Start before 6 a.m. to allow a safe summit window.
Is Mount Borah Trail dog friendly?
Dogs are not recommended on Mount Borah Trail due to the technical scrambling on Chicken Out Ridge. The exposed Class 3 terrain with vertical drop on both sides is unsafe for most dogs. This restriction is by advisory rather than regulation, but the terrain is genuinely hazardous for dogs.
What is Chicken Out Ridge?
Chicken Out Ridge is the crux of the Mount Borah route, a narrow exposed ridge at approximately 11,000 feet with Class 3 scrambling and significant exposure on both sides. Many hikers turn around here rather than commit to the technical terrain above. The name is a nod to the common decision to descend rather than continue.