Borah Peak Trail

Borah Peak Trail is the standard route to Idaho’s highest point, Borah Peak (12,662 ft / 3,859 m). It’s a long, sustained climb in Salmon-Challis National Forest where the main work starts immediately and continues through above-treeline travel and the final summit push.

The route is known for about 5,000 ft of elevation gain and a long round-trip outing; plan on roughly 7.9 miles round-trip and 6–10 hours on the clock, depending on how comfortable you are with exposed scrambling.

From the trailhead turn-around area, the hike climbs steeply up sagebrush/grass slopes toward the ridge. The ascent continues brutally steep for the first phase, before shifting into ridge-following terrain as you approach the key technical section.

Chicken Out Ridge is the signature crux: a narrow, rocky arête with steep drop-offs that turns parts of the route into Class 3 scrambling territory. Expect hands-on scrambling and very consequential exposure where missteps are unforgiving.

After working through Chicken Out Ridge, the route continues with more steep, rocky terrain leading to the summit area. The objective is reached via a further climbing continuation along Borah Peak’s ridgeline and slopes before the final high point.

Season matters on this trail. The most favorable window is early July through mid-August when snow is generally lowest; in early season or during colder periods, lingering snow/ice on the upper reaches can raise the technical bar substantially.

This is not just a fitness grind; it’s technical, exposed hiking. Summer thunderstorms are a real concern on the ridge—afternoon storms can build quickly and put you on exposed terrain with limited options for shelter.

More information: Visitor information, Borah Peak - Idaho's High Point - Outdoor Pilgrim, Borah Peak - The Colorado Mountain Club