Borah Peak | mountain, Idaho, United States | Britannica.com mountain, Idaho, United States Paricutín Borah Peak, peak in Lost River Range in Custer county, Idaho , U.S. , and—at an elevation of 12,662 feet (3,859 metres)—the highest point in the state. Borah Peak, which was named for William E. Borah , a U.S. senator from Idaho, is located in Challis National Forest, 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Hailey. The peak lies in a tectonically active district, and in 1983 it was the epicentre of an earthquake that measured 7.2 on the Richter scale . Borah Peak, Idaho. Idaho constituent state of the United States of America. It ranks 14th among the 50 U.S. states in terms of total area. Its boundaries—with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north and the U.S. states of Montana and Wyoming to the east, Utah and Nevada to the south, and Oregon and...

Richter scale widely used quantitative measure of the magnitude of an earthquake, devised in 1935 by American seismologist Charles F. Richter. See table. Richter scale of earthquake magnitude Richter scale of earthquake magnitude magnitude level category effects earthquakes per year less than 1.0 to 2.9 micro... Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article! Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval.

Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed. Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: May 19, 2008 URL: Access Date: January 17, 2017 Share Borah Peak - Idaho, United States • peakery Borah Peak See Big Map Borah Peak is a 12,662 ft / 3,859 m mountain peak in the Lost River Range in Idaho, United States. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 1st highest mountain in Idaho and the 1410th highest mountain in the United States. The nearest peaks are Mount Idaho , Leatherman Peak , Mount Corruption , Mount Church , Donaldson Peak , and Mount Breitenbach .

Borah Peak belongs to the US Lower 48 Ultras - the "Ultra 57" Challenge , US State High Points Challenge , Idaho 12ers , and the Idaho Classic 5 Range Challenge peak lists. See the Borah Peak map, 3D fly around, and the Borah Peak photos to get a better sense of the mountain. view of Borah from the road...

so much vert scott • Aug 27, 2016 final steps to the summit scott • Aug 27, 2016 view up the trail toward the summit of Borah scott • Aug 27, 2016 looking back at Chicken Out Ridge scott • Aug 27, 2016 the crux drop off of Chicken Out Ridge scott • Aug 27, 2016 looking toward the summit of Borah Peak scott • Aug 27, 2016 near 10,600 ft on the Borah Peak Trail scott • Aug 27, 2016 sunrise on the incredible Trail Creek Road scott • Aug 27, 2016 Borah Peak View from the Trail Head Nuernberger • Jul 2, 2015 Dennis Stewart, Ken Nevins and Marshall Stewart on the summit ... Stewy • Jul 26, 1988 Pointing at Mount Borah the day before the hike Jocelyn • Aug 11, 2012 On the way back down from Borah.

Asaking • Jul 9, 2011 Summit of Borah July 2011. Asaking • Jul 9, 2011 No real trail up, just keep climbing and eventually reach ... jeffhubatka • Sep 7, 2009 After crossing the ridge it's a boulder-hop to the summit. jeffhubatka • Sep 7, 2009 Still a long way to go! jeffhubatka • Sep 7, 2009 Sawtooth Mountains across the valley. jeffhubatka • Sep 7, 2009 First part of the trail is very easy, leaving the ... jeffhubatka • Sep 7, 2009 Ready for burgers in McKay. ChrisMeloche • Aug 5, 2004 Borah Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost The East Face Cirque The North and West Faces Divided by the Northwest Ridge The pride of Idaho! At 12,662 ft Borah Peak is the monarch of the Lost River Range, highest mountain in Idaho.

Known locally as Mount Borah rather than Borah Peak, this mountain boasts nearly 6000 feet of prominence, making it one of the rare prized ultra-prominence peaks. The standard route, aptly named Chickenout Ridge, is a semi-exposed third class scramble in late summer, but early in the season it can be an all-out mountaineering adventure including a narrow snow knife-edge ridge walk. Below the mountain on eastern and western flanks are low rolling grayish green valleys, beyond which rise more snow-covered peaks. High On Chickenout Ridge The peak itself consists of bare grey limestone and many of the adjoining peaks carry a similar grey appearance. Borah was first climbed in 1912 by T. M. Bannon, a USGS surveyor. In 1934 it was named for state senator William Borah aka "The Lion of Idaho" who ran in the presidential election of 1936. On October 28, 1983 a massive earthquake caused the summit to rise 7 feet. For this reason the true elevation of the peak may be higher than what is indicated on maps.

The current fastest ascent/descent was done by Luke Nelson on October 22, 2010. His round-trip time was 2 hours 21 minutes and 11 seconds. Fastest Known Time The North Face The West Face The standard route which begins in Birch Springs involves ascending 5,262 vertical feet from the trailhead to the summit in 4.1 miles. Most people do the climb in a single day. The scramble on Chickenout Ridge is the most famous route feature in all of Idaho. Many a hiker has returned home with the unfortunate story of how they had to turn around at the crux of the route. But it is important to listen to your gut and know when to turn around. There are also numerous technical routes on several sides of the mountain. See the routes section for more information. A Technical Route on the East Face The truth about Chickenout Ridge is that it's not as difficult or exposed as all the hype makes it out to be. If the average hiker who has never ventured beyond a trail, or felt the thrill of exposure, attempts Chickenout Ridge, they might be scared out of their wits.

But if the seasoned mountaineer comes to climb Borah he will likely end up scratching his head, wondering if that was Chickenout Ridge or if it is still yet to come on the remaining distance to the summit. Standard Route - Southwest Ridge "Chickenout" Beginning at Birch Springs follow the trail east through pine forest and sage brush. There are a few minor switchbacks but the grade remains steep. The trail gains the crest of the southwest ridge at 8600 feet. Trees thin out and are no more above 9500 feet. At 11,200 feet you will reach the scramble section which is the crux. People who don't like exposure should turn around here. Chickenout Ridge With Fresh Snow Pick the line of least resistance. There are options on the left side of the ridge, the right side and on the spine, as well as various combinations. Generally speaking the rock is solid and trustworthy, considering how many thousands of people have been through it. Chickenout Ridge Crux Section At the far end of the scramble section there is a steep step to scramble down. The next part of the ridge is narrow and this is where the snow knife-edge exists in early season.

Many trip reports call this a "snow bridge", but it should not be confused with the natural formation which spans a crevasse on a glacier. Exercise caution here. Another View of the Crux Section Beyond the narrow section you will come to the continuance of the trail as it traverses slightly down and turns north to bypass a high point on the ridge. At 11,750 feet the trail will regain the crest of the ridge and point you in the right direction for the remaining scramble to the summit. Ascending the Final Slope The remaining southwest slope consists of bare slabs, ledges, scree and talus. Once again pick the line of least resistance and ascend in a northerly direction while being careful not to knock loose rocks down onto your partners. As of June 2014, there was a register on the summit . Please do not leave trash anywhere on the route and that includes trinkets or flags on the summit.

The Final Slope Borah Peak - Peakbagger.com Peakbagger.com Prominence: 5982 ft, 1823 m Elevation: 12,662 feet, 3859 meters True Isolation: 150.76 mi, 242.62 km Elevation Info: NAVD88 Elevation : 12,668 ft / 3861 m Subpeaks Borah Peak-North Peak (12,247 ft/3733 m) Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) 44° 8' 15'' N; 113° 46' 52'' W 44.137376, -113.781122 (Dec Deg) 277538E 4890892N Zone 12 (UTM) Country (Peak is on over 20 lists; Not all shown here.) Selected Guidebook(s) for this Peak: Prominence Ladder from Borah Peak Description: Borah Peak, the highest point in Idaho, is

 a large and rugged summit crowning the dry and isolated Lost River Range in the central part of the state.

The Lost Rivers are perhaps the driest range in all the Rockies--what little forest clings to their slopes is open, sparse, and dusty, and the valleys surrounding the range are wide-open sagebrush reminiscient of Nevada. Borah Peak, naked of vegetation, still looks like the giant fault block it was back when it first rose up out of the desert. Climbing Notes: In summer the ascent is relatively easy, given that the vertical gain on the standard route is a punishing 5300 feet. The first of the two main obstacles to the summit is the horribly dusty, boulder strewn Birch Springs road leading east off of US 93 north of Mackay--it includes a couple trenches and steps resulting from a powerful 1983 earthquake. The second main obstacle comes after the well-worn route has ascended steeply for a few thousand feet: a notch forces the climber to downclimb a 20-foot vertical face, but plentiful strong hand- and footholds make this easy for the expeienced scrambler, even if solo. Other than that the climb is mostly a lot of broken talus. Snow would certainly make things more difficult, though.

Most climbers do Borah as a day hike, although a draining one. There is no water on the mountain at all, and few level spots, so camping out would be difficult. Leave extra time if you feel you need a rope for the short vertical face. Borah Peak is one of the more challenging state highpoints, but a typical day will still see a reasonably large number of people on the trail, all drawn by the lure of a high point. Other routes on Borah besides the standard ascent from Birch Springs are virtually never attempted, and the entire remainder of the Lost River Range is a virgin wilderness where many of the peaks, among them the highest in Idaho, still have no names. The difficulty of access, extreme aridity, and huge expanses of scree and talus are likely to keep things this way. A view of the cleft forepeak along Borah's north ridge (1991-08-23). Web Map Links Borah Peak (Mount Borah) Overview - Peakware.com Convenient Center: Mackay, Idaho Borah Peak is the highest peak in Idaho.

It rises in the Lost River Range, the highest in Idaho, a giant fault block rising suddenly from the Lost River Valley on the west with virtually no foothills. Borah Peak is a remote mountain in a remote dry range, where the sparse, dusty landscape supports little vegetation. Borah Peak is the only mountain in the range with an approaching road and a well traveled summit trail. Approx 20 miles north of Mackay on Id 93 take the Birch Springs access road for the popular southwest ridge trail. Be advised this is a massive mountain and the trail is very steep and straight (no switchbacks). This is the only non-technical route, but it features "Chickenout" ridge. A 100 yard long knife edge at about 11890 feet. There have been 3 deaths climbing Borah which is a low figure considering the number of people who attempt this peak each season. In Novenber of 1977, two climbers from Idaho Falls were swept off and killed in an avalanche and in 1987, a Boise climber lost control of his glissade, fell over a cliff and died. Borah is not to be underestimated.

The mountain was the epicenter of a major earthquake in 1983 (Richter Scale 7.3), which left some trenches and steep steps near the mountain's base on the Birch Springs access road. This quake also raised the range around 6 feet in relation to the valley floor. For more information on this or any other Idaho peak, I recommend the unequaled "IDAHO, A Climbing Guide" by Tom Lopez. Borah Peak - 12,662' of Great Hiking Borah Peak - 12,662' of Great Hiking Idaho Adventures Mass Adventures Boone Adventures All Albums Home Borah Peak is the tallest mountain in Idaho and is located near Challis, ID. It is part of the lost river range, which experienced a large earthquake in the 1980's. This earthquake resulted in Borah Peak being uplifted by a few feet. There was significant damage in Challis and nearby Salmon, ID but due to its remote location the quake could have caused much more damage. We decided on Labor Day weekend to challenge ourselves to hiking Idaho's tallest peak. A view of Borah Peak from the pass.

Borah Peak is the pointy part of the ridge just left of center. Marty Poses by the trailhead the night before the big climb. We left just before sunrise and were the last to leave base camp, I think. This is also the last time I saw Marty and John before the summit. View of the Parking lot and base camp from just above tree line. Note my cool shadow. A shot of Justin with Dickey Peak (11,141') in the background Geology Photo! Some nice flat irons in the steeply dipping carbonate rocks. A very sweaty me. The alpine weather was surprisingly warm, calm and clear. This is "Chicken-Out Ridge". About 1/3 of the people that day turned around at this point including the two people next to Justin. Here's Matt doing some of the fun climbing on "Chicken-Out Ridge". The climbing was easy as long as you didn't look down. Matt and I posing for a quick shot...also a good excuse to catch your breath. "The Saddle" a short but steep climb down on the way to the summit. Justin and Matt posing with our first view of the summit. From here the trail was pretty rough, steep, and non-existent.

Ahh...the summit at 12,662'. By this time we were pretty tired so this was the best picture of me that I have at the summit. Altitude effects us all in different ways. I got a killer headache on the way down. Justin...well...he had a different kind of reaction. Matt with Idaho's only glacier just to the right of him in the background. The glacier was mostly buried by talus and dirt. John at the summit along with two girls from Boise. Marty at the summit. Probably the best summit picture I took. This is my sad attempt to be the first mountain climber sponsored by Doritos. If I had brought a Coke I would have been in heaven. A view of base camp from the summit. By this time on the decent, the altitude had given me a killer headache that wouldn't end until hours after reaching the base. Ahh...a view of the conquered mountain. A last good-bye.

Borah Peak - Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho Acrophobia is defined as an abnormal or pathological fear of heights�an irrational monster of the mind that turned me into a whimpering basket case on the slopes of Borah Peak, the highest mountain in the state of Idaho. Borah Peak, or Mount Borah�whichever you prefer, rises to a height of 12,662 feet to claim the highest point in Idaho. The mountain towers some 5,250 feet above the Lost River Valley and provides the adventurous hiker with the ground to test their climbing mettle. The 7 mile roundtrip hike to the summit of Borah Peak is ranked as the sixth most difficult state highpoint to reach�mostly because the terrain is very steep, gaining nearly 5,400 feet in 3.5 miles, but also because the class 3 scramble along the appropriately named �Chicken Out Ridge� lends an airy exposure to this already lofty trek. To test your courage and/or stamina, drive yourself to the �Mt Borah Trailhead� turnoff�located between mile markers 129 and 130 on the east side of US 93.

There you will find five campsites, a few picnic tables, and a toilet (there is no water available)�not to mention the access to the traditional climbing route (Southwest Ridge Route). The elevation at the trailhead is 7,320 feet, leaving the climber with the task of climbing 5,342 feet along a very steep and strenuous trail. The chance to summit the highest peak in Idaho was, for us, an exciting prospect�especially when we heard about �Chicken Out Ridge��an exposed knife-edged traverse near the top of the mountain. For me, I knew this would be a difficult obstacle, but Pick, my climbing partner has no problems with exposure�I hoped she could help me overcome any misgivings I might have while ridge walking. So, with confidence we set off for the trailhead on August 26, 2007�the smoke from the Ketchum fire hanging in the air. We took our first steps toward the summit at around 6:30 in the morning, fully expecting to spend 12 hours�the far end of the average hiking time of 6 to 12 hours�on the mountain.

The two of us contoured our way up the steep slope through sagebrush, weatherworn wood, and evergreens until we reached a point where we could see the Lost River Valley�the rising sun painting the plains with the rich colors of alpenglow. Onward we climbed, thankful for the trekking poles we had in hand, until finally, we emerged from tree line at 9,800 feet�the round, gray summit of Borah looms to the left, and the jagged 11,898-foot spur pierces the sky ahead. Just above timberline, the trail begins a series of switchbacks up a rocky promontory�the sun was just beginning to rise above the outcrop, which made it difficult to see very far ahead. Then, finally, the sun rose high enough to not interfere with our vision and we could see the spectacular mountain scenery�incomprehensibly panoramic views surrounded us in every direction�it�s all open sky from this point forward, especially when you reach the rocky, tundra-covered ridge crest. Just below ridge crest, we stopped for a snack�the time was 10:00 am.

Several hikers passed us as we ate, and as always, we enjoyed conversing with the unique people found on the slopes of a mountain. Ahead, the obvious trail continues through the magnificent landscape�we found this to be the most scenic portion of the hike�to the left is an uninterrupted cliff, dropping nearly 800 feet to the Rock Creek basin, and to the right, a talus field slopes gradually down into Cedar Canyon. Above Cedar Canyon rises Peak 11,308, a picturesque charcoal colored mountain with vertical streaks of orange�I think I took over 20 snapshots of this peak alone. The further we climbed up the ridge crest, the fainter the trail became�a sure sign that we were getting closer to �Chicken Out Ridge (COR).� As the path became rockier, it became more difficult to choose the route�rock cairns were scarce, and most of the other climbers on the mountain were far ahead of us�so, no one to follow either. In the end, you must judge for yourself the best route and how much exposure you can manage� so far I was okay.

Near 11,700 feet we climbed onto COR�from this moment onward, my adrenaline was rising. The first section was for me, extremely intimidating, but I made it across the knife-edge with no problems other than shaky knees. Even though I had surmounted one obstacle, it seemed my acrophobia was kicking in, and I was beginning to question my ability to reach the summit, but onward I climbed with Pick leading the way. Soon, we found ourselves below the ridge crest on the north side of COR�we were following a proper trail, interspersed with some class 3 scrambling. Eventually, the trail became non-existent and we were left with the task of climbing a steep, couloir filled with loose rock. We managed to climb the chimney-like formation, hoping throughout that when we reached the top we would be in a position to best judge our next move�we had no way of knowing if we were headed in the right direction.

From our vantage point at the beginning of the climb, we could see the summit block of Borah Peak and two hikers on the flat trail running along the spur�we yelled to them to ask if we were headed in the right direction and they responded that we were�our confidence bolstered, we continued. Making our way up the rock slab required the use of handholds to ascend, and the loose rock made footholds precarious. Nonetheless, we made it to the top where we found ourselves close to the infamous Borah Peak down-climb. For many people, COR barely raises their blood pressure, but for those of us with that creeping fear of exposure, this section is gut-wrenching�unfortunately for me, my fear (which manifests only under certain circumstances) was getting the best of me. The thought of climbing back the way we had just came literally terrified me, not to mention the fact that I was still facing the down-climb�the crux of the entire route. The down-climb, an awkward third class maneuver where you lower yourself feet first, face to the rock down a 15 foot cliff, normally deposits you on a snow bridge�the snow had completely melted by late August of 2007.

According to those in the know, the down-climb is the last problem on the ascent, and it was a problem I could not overcome. No matter how hard I tried to talk myself into taking that step of faith, my mind would not allow it�the fear got the best of me. Dejected, I resigned myself to the fact that I had come as far as I was going to go on Borah Peak�I watched with envy as those already on the summit proudly waved the flag. The feeling of self-disappointment was further compounded by the fact that this meant the end of the road for Pick as well, as she could not continue on by herself. We were probably only 800 feet below the summit and approximately 90 minutes away�it was noon when we reached the down-climb�so close, yet so far away. Nothing wrecks a romp in the mountains quicker than the agony of defeat, and despite trying to convince myself that I could do this for nearly 30 minutes, defeated I remained. I have to say that Pick was great through the whole ordeal, even in the face of her disappointment�I could not have asked for a better climbing partner.

Heartbroken and apprehensive about the trek back across COR, I left my dreams of summiting Borah Peak behind and focused on the return trip�turning back at 12:30 pm. On the return, we followed our footsteps down the couloir and back to the broken trail until reaching the first portion of COR�at this point, we switched over to the south side of the ridge and tackled the knife-edge from a different angle. This turned out to be as exposed as our ascent, leaving us clinging to a cliff-face for our final experience on �Chicken Out Ridge.� Together, we made our way across the cloud-piercing crest until we were safely descending the well-worn and less exposed cliff-side trail. As summit fever faded from our consciousness, we once again began to enjoy the beauty that is the tallest mountain in the Lost River Range. Retracing our steps back down the slopes gave us a chance to appreciate the pristine alpine scenery once more, and before we knew it we were back at the trailhead enjoying a cold beverage from the cooler in our car�the time was 4:30 pm.

We had spent ten hours on Mount Borah, and despite the initial, and to be honest, the residual disappointment of not reaching the summit, we enjoyed every minute of the climb�even the knee punishing descent. Maybe one day I will return to Borah to test my courage, but until then I am thankful for the fun day I spent on an incredible mountain with an even more incredible friend�who could ask for more. August 26, 2007 NBH Tip The ominously named Chicken out Ridge, high on the slopes of Borah Peak, is sure to rearrange your brain’s synapses, burning a permanent spot in your long term memory bank—trust me when I say this is one place you will never forget—for it haunts me everyday. I am not ashamed to say that Chicken out Ridge scared the hell out of me and kept me from reaching the highpoint of Idaho, but I do feel guilty that my fear kept others from summiting the peak. My advice to those who share my fear of heights is to start early and if at all possible, watch as another climber manages the down-climb at the end of the ridge—perhaps that would help alleviate some of the anxiety.

Just remember, summit fever can be a dangerous ailment—know your limits and turn around if you feel uncomfortable—the mountain will still be there tomorrow. Maybe next time, if I get another chance, I won’t chicken out! Idaho's Highest Mountain-Borah Peak (12,662') ~7 miles/5,550'/6.5 hours Tuesday, July 5th After climbing Granite Peak, Montana the previous day, Bill, Erik and I had a relaxing day driving from our camp near Big Timber, MT through the towns of Salmon and Challis, ID to the Borah Peak trailhead off of Idaho Highway 93. En route to the trailhead we stopped for an early dinner in Challis and settled on the only cafe we could find on main street in town. The three of us all ate the exact same thing--chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes smothered in brown gravy. Delicious! This cafe had a nice salad bar and a friendly wait staff. Recommended indeed. We pulled into the trailhead area around 6pm to find 5 established but primitive campsites in the trailhead area. The best spot was a site covered by tall trees with lush grass for the tents.

This site, however, was taken. The other sites all had picnic tables and fire pits but didn't offer much in the way of nice, flat tent spots. But one site had an extremely flat spot serving as the parking area for the campsite. That would do just fine. We pitched our tent in the site's parking area and parked right next to the tent. There is a nice restroom at the trailhead as well. Camping is free. Another few cars pulled up and we could easily recognize the "highpointers" t-shirts of two of the members of the group. We spoke briefly with a woman from the party of six about her plan. She had been up here last Fourth of July weekend and got skunked by early thunderstorms. They weren't going to risk it again and planned to start their hike the next day at 4am. We bid her good luck and enjoyed some beer and snack food in our little site until dusk when the mosquitos came out in full force. We tried to hold our ground and fight them off but soon retreated into the tent for an early bedtime. We had already packed our camelback packs and were ready for bed anyhow.

We decided on a 4am wakeup call and hoped to be on the trail by 4:30am. We weren't terribly concerned about being caught in any thunderstorms (the forecast was for great weather) but had plans to meet a friend at City of Rocks, ID the next evening for three days of rock climbing on the beautiful granite outcrops there. We figured we'd be able to make the roundtrip hike in 8 or 9 hours based on reports we had read previously. Most notably we referenced Kevin Baker's report from a few weeks previous and were expecting some snow travel on "Chicken Out Ridge". Wednesday, July 6th We began stirring a bit after 4am and saw the party of 6 departing the trailhead adorned in headlamps. We hoped to dawdle a bit waiting for enough light to leave our headlamps in the car. After a quick banana and bagel breakfast we shouldered our very light packs (camelback packs with two liters of water, snacks, a rain shell, hat and ice ax) and hit the trail quick at 4:45am. Packed and ready to go!

It still wasn't super light outside but the trail was good enough to see without our headlamps. The trail started out with a decent grade and soon steepened a great deal. All three of us felt good. We were wearing trail running shoes for footwear and with our light packs we were able to hold a very quick pace and within 35 minutes we politely passed the group of 6 that had set out 45 minutes ahead of us. They commented that the "sherpas had arrived" and jokingly requested us to take their packs. We gave the reply, "We'll carry them for beer", but the group did not accept our offer and we carried on. We soon broke out of treeline and had a great view down into the valley to the west. The view strongly reminded me of the view of the San Luis Valley from the Lake Como trail. Very cool. A glance at the watch showed that we had ascended 2,400 feet in an hour. Whew! Steep trails tend to be quite direct apparently. As the sun began to rise it conjured up a whole mess of mosquitos. We tried to stop for a quick snack but were getting attacked by mosquitos.

It was the kind of attack where one shoulder smack yields a mosquito kill of at least 3. Again under attack we did the only natural thing--go higher (and go faster!). We soon passed by point 10,634' and were hiking efficiently along the relatively flat trail along the ridge for about a quarter mile. The trail then steepened again and we encountered the first bit of snow. Bill ascending the ridge through the first snow patch we encountered. The snow didn't last too long and we did some class 3 scrambling for a bit before deciding we'd no longer need our hiking poles so we stashed them among some rocks. More class 3 scrambling lead to a short downclimb to a snowy ridge section. We took out our ice axes as the snow was still a bit icy. However, good steps in the snow made the crossing straight forward. Up and over another section of rock we found ourselves looking at a much longer, more exposed section of snow ridge. Again, though, good boot track in the snow made the crossing much easier than it could have been. Erik crossing the longest section of snow ridge. From there it was more class 3 scrambling to the prominent ridge point at 11,900'.

And we were finally in the sun! We enjoyed the sun's warmth and lack of mosquitos for a few minutes before carrying on. From here we could see the rest of the route and we had clearly completed the most difficult portion of the ascent. The rest of the ridge looked like an enjoyable scramble on dry rock to the summit. We could see some old boot track in the snow on the west side well below the ridgecrest. Wearing only trail runners and looking at the fun 3rd class rock on the ridgecrest, the decision was simple. We danced, pranced, whistled and just enjoyed the ridge scrambling. Bill and Erik having a great time. At one point I looked at my watch and realized that we were on course to make the summit in less than 3.5 hours. Motivated by this arbitrary goal, we got into a consistent scrambling rhythm and reached the top of Idaho at 8:14am--3 hours and 29 minutes after leaving the trailhead. Bill reaches the roof of Idaho! The weather was nearly perfect and the views of the other mountains in the Lost River Range were astonishing. These peaks just appear to jut sharply out of the surrounding valley.

There was a summit register of sorts but it was merely an old ammo box with tons of scrap paper inside so we didn't bother. We did find a plastic tube that contained a wet, homemade flag that said, "Mount Borah". Man, someone carried that thing up here and didn't even get the name of the peak right! Poor sap. The three of us enjoyed a 40 minute break on the summit chatting about previous trips we'd done and how it came to be that we were climbing partners. A fun history lesson and certainly something to ponder. Would we be climbing as much or at this same level now had we not met and became such good friends and climbing partners? Life works in funny (but often great) ways. Deep mountain top conversation. But at nearly 10am we decided it was time to head down in pursuit of more climbing adventure together. We still could not see the group of six we passed on the way up though. Scrambling down the ridge went smoothly thanks to mostly solid rock. We met up with the group of six as they were reaching the 11,900' point.

They were down to 4 at this point as "Chicken Out Ridge" had made its impression on two members of their party. We bid them a good morning and carried on. Reversing the class 3 ridge and snow ridges was easier as the snow had had time to soften up and had seen more traffic since we first went through. After retrieving our poles we motored along the ridge but stopped to look back up at the mountain summit once more. Looking up from 10,700' at the summit of Borah Peak (left) and the southwest ridge. The snow ridges of "Chicken Out Ridge" can be seen on the ridge in the right side of the photo. The steep trail descent wasn't joyful for the toes and quads but we took our time and picked our way down. We arrived back at the vehicle just before 11:30am making for a 6:39 roundtrip time. A time we were very pleased with on a very wonderful climb. Thank you Borah Peak. Written by Jason Halladay on 13 July 2005.

The Arresting Borah Peak: 5,300-feet in 4 Miles | Visit Idaho The Arresting Borah Peak: 5,300-feet in 4 Miles By Tyler Schnur Active Reach for new heights – literally – with a trek up Idaho’s tallest mountain. Jutting forth from the sagebrush in the central part of the state rests Borah Peak, or as us Idahoans call it, Mt. Borah. Planting a flag atop her rigid summit is no easy task. Having never climbed a mountain before, I set out to conquer this massive rock in late July. I knew it would be a strenuous climb, because I’d heard many stories from friends who were proud to say that they had conquered it before. Yet, I was not expecting the level of difficulty and beauty that I encountered. Whether you’re a mountaineer looking to check Mt. Borah off of your list or an armchair tourist ready for your first taste of adventure, read on for a first-hand account of how humbling the power of Mother Nature can be.

Mountain Stats Longitude: 113.779ºW Route Information I hiked the Southwest ridge on my first attempt; it is the recommended and most traveled route for first-timers. Popular Routes: Southwest Ridge, North Face Southwest Ridge Mileage: 7 miles round trip Southwest Ridge Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet Southwest Ridge Class: 3 To get to the Southwest ridge trailhead, leave Arco and drive roughly 45 miles north on US 93. You will then turn right onto Birch Springs Road. Follow the gravel road to its end. You will drive over the earthquake fault from 1983 and come to a parking lot (after 3.5 miles). There is a restroom next to the parking lot and trailhead, as well as RV pullouts. What To Bring Before you venture up the mountain, be sure to notify family or friends of your plans and estimated arrival time home in case of an emergency. The essential gear required for this climb varies depending on the season.

If you are attempting to climb during the peak time from June 15th to September 15th, you will need the following: Good hiking shoes Light pack or backpack Camera (so you have proof when bragging to friends) Water and Gatorade. Sugar is essential for long strenuous hikes and runs. Gatorade provides a quick boost and restores electrolytes. Trekking pole (for stabilizing your decent down). Trust me, your legs will thank you. My First Attempt As I left Arco, I was stunned by how beautiful the scenery was. My entire family resides in Bozeman, Montana while I live in Boise, so I have made the drive through Arco many times. Yet, I had never followed US 93 to the north before, it’s safe to say I have been missing out. In the short 45-minute drive from Arco to the base of the mountain, you pass through two classic Idaho small towns, Moore and Mackay. Once you’re outside of Mackay you come across Mackay Reservoir and several small rivers, creeks, and streams. It’s simply amazing how much life one steady flow of water can inject into a seemingly lifeless desert.

The water in the area has managed to support thousands of trees throughout the valley providing a warm green landscape that stretches from the reservoir for several miles. After passing through some breathtaking scenery, you begin to approach the base of the mountain, where you can leave your car and camping equipment. Mackay Reservoir For my first attempt up Mt. Borah, I decided to take the most traveled route because it was my first time and I didn’t want to overdo it and risk getting injured. I brought my friend David along so I wouldn’t have to hike alone. Safety in numbers, right? We began our hike at roughly nine in the morning. Words can’t express the impressive scenery I encountered when I drove up the gravel road to the base of the mountain. The sun was just breaking the horizon, the mountain was draped in fluffy white clouds, and several deer and antelope were grazing peacefully in the warmth of the morning light. Approaching Mt. Borah From the research I had done, the Southwest ridge route took about eight to nine hours for the average to the below-average hiker. The lengthy time for such a short trail is due to the 5,300-foot elevation climb you’ll traverse in just four miles.

We set out at a steady pace. The first mile was pretty cruel, to be honest. I had not warmed up or stretched prior to beginning our hike and I quickly felt the repercussions. Trying to keep pace with David only added to the burning sensation in my legs. I felt comfortable and at ease bringing my buddy because he hiked mountains like these all the time and I thought, who better than to bring an expert? What I didn’t think about was the amount of conditioning he regularly did, and the pace he was used to. I soon realized that bringing my camera along to take pictures for this article was a blessing in disguise; it gave me an excuse to stop every 10 minutes and take a breather. Aside from the stiffness in my legs, the conditions during the first half of the hike were wonderful. The sun was out, the temperature was sitting at a cool 77 degrees, the scenery was out of this world, and there was a well-worn, dry trail to hike on (with minimal switchbacks), all in all, I couldn’t complain. Every time we came to a stop I was amazed with the striking scenery. The experience was very similar to peering out the window of a plane.

The valley floor seemed so far away and looked vibrant and smooth, as if it were painted. A few streams carved their way through the valley floor too, along with the scar that was created by an earthquake in 1983. Taking in the scenery from the tree line. We eventually came to the tree line around noon (about 10,000-feet in elevation). That’s when I became aware of a little thing called altitude sickness. It was more than likely a mix of altitude sickness and vertigo, given that I had never hiked that high before. I powered through it until we were sitting roughly 1,000-feet below the summit. I couldn’t stand, and when I did, I struggled to find balance, so I sat down to catch my breath and regroup while David trekked ahead to scout out the route. The view from 11,500-feet was astounding. Looking around I could see the tops of the other mountains of the Lost River Range. I felt like I was looking at a painting, the landscape was a mix of greens, browns, blues, and yellows, all blending together to make for a breathtaking view.

It was magnificent, no doubt, but concern began to creep into my mind. Splattered across my colorful portrait was a dark grey in the form of a killer storm cloud brewing in the valley. David was already out of my line of sight, so I had to go with my gut and begin descending, in hopes that he too would see the cloud and decide to head down the mountain. When it came to getting off the mountain as quickly as possible, my mental and physical strength was put to the test. I’ve read countless stories about people being struck by lightning and I didn’t want to be one of those statistics. Once you break the tree line you are completely exposed up on the mountain, accompanied only by rocks, rocks, and more rocks. So I began to walk down towards the trees where I could see the storm cloud getting darker and darker. The shadow it cast on the valley floor grew closer and closer to where I was, so I began to book it downhill. Once I descended below the tree line I stopped next to a boulder to eat a granola bar and chug some water.

No more than five minutes passed by when David came ripping around the corner in a panic saying, “We need to get off this mountain!” The storm had gained a tremendous amount of ground and was nearly right on top of us, around 10,000-feet in elevation. So I jumped up and together we barreled down the side of the mountain. It began to rain within five minutes of running, and within another 15 minutes it began to hail profusely. The storm was relentless and the hail doubled in size after a short while forcing us to seek shelter under trees every 50 yards. The trail had turned into a stream, gathering momentum and speed the longer it rained. We eventually came to the less strenuous part of the hike, where the steepness of the trail had leveled out a small degree. That’s when lightning struck – literally. We had come to a wider opening in the trail and were beginning to slow down to catch our breath when I thought the Earth cracked opened no more than 100-yards to our right. The sky illuminated for a split second and the ground trembled beneath our feet.

I had never been that close to a lightning strike before, and I wish to never come that close again. This was motivation for us to get down the last part of the mountain as quickly as possible. From that point, we nearly sprinted the rest of the trail until we reached the safety of my car. The moral of the story is to always be prepared. Be open to altering expectations and adapting to unfortunate circumstances. We had checked the weather report before hiking and it said that no storms were expected until later that night. It was around one in the afternoon when the storm began to pelt the mountainside. I also was not prepared for the type of conditioning that was required, both endurance-wise and in adjusting to high elevation. I would suggest hiking many mountains and getting used to the elevation before tackling a hike as large as this. When you do decide to hike Borah Peak, don’t be discouraged if you fail on the first attempt, you are awesome for trying. Even though I had a few close calls during my trek, I would do it all over again. The beauty of the hike, the thrill of a new experience, and the accomplished feeling that overwhelms you once you make it back down is unrivaled.

Taking on new challenges and conquering mountains, whether they are real or metaphorical, is what keeps you hungry for more. So get out there and conquer your next challenge! If you are lucky enough to make the summit, enjoy it, take lots of pictures, and relish the memories for years to come. As for me, I’ll be back for another attempt at conquering the tallest peak in Idaho. “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” – John Muir Top 3 Takeaways Stay hydrated and know the signs of hypothermia, altitude sickness, exhaustion, and oxygen deprivation. The cooler climate has a way of tricking people into thinking they’re not thirsty. Maintaining your liquids through high levels of activity and lower temperatures are essential. Climb with a partner, preferably with someone who is experienced. Again, avoid climbing alone, I can’t stress this enough. Always place caution before pride or ambition. This may be the most important takeaway from my entire trip. Know when it is time to turn around and try again at a later time. This author is a paid content writer for Idaho Tourism.

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Question: Borah Peak is the highest mountain in which US state?
Answer: Idaho