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Elevation: 12,662 ft
GPS: 44.13762, -113.78038
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 19,539 total · 171/month
Shared By: Cory Harelson on Oct 26, 2014 · Updates
Admins: Mike Engle, Eric Bluemn

Description Suggest change

Mount Borah is the tallest mountain in Idaho. This striking mountain dominates the skyline from much of highway 93 to the west.

The easiest route to the summit is a trail that ascends the infamous "Chicken Out Ridge". While not terribly difficult, hikers must pass over a short stretch of class 3 rock with much exposure. This route also provides a convenient walk-off descent after climbing routes from one of the other aspects, although depending on where you started you may need to set up a car shuttle.

The north and east faces of this peak are an alpine climber's playground, with many committing rock, ice, and mixed routes to choose from.

Getting There Suggest change

Access to the Chicken Out Ridge trail head is well signed. Turn off of highway 93 onto Birch Springs Rd and follow this until it ends at the trailhead.

For those headed to the north face via the typical Rock Creek Drainage approach, take highway 93 to Doublespring Pass Rd. Drive about 1/2 mile up the road, and then turn right onto a double-track dirt road at the end of the fence. Follow this road to its end.

Routes up the east face of Mount Borah are tougher to get to. The approaches start at the same place as those for the north and east faces of Mount Idaho. Take Doublespring Pass Road up and over Doublespring Pass. After about 10 miles look for a sharp right turn onto FS117 road that goes up a steep hill. Follow FS117 over Horse Heaven Pass. Go about 6 miles and then take a right onto FS118. Go 4.5 miles then take another right onto FS267. Drive to the end of this road and park at the trailhead. Note that a high clearance vehicle is mandatory for these roads.

4 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mt. Borah

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
AI2
 17
North Face of Mount Borah
Trad, Ice, Alpine 10 pitches
3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a Easy Snow
 32
Southwest Ridge
Trad, Snow, Alpine
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
North Face of Mount Borah
 17
AI2 Trad, Ice, Alpine 10 pitches
Southwest Ridge
 32
3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a Easy Snow Trad, Snow, Alpine
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