Borah Peak

Idaho makes you earn this summit. The distance is only 7.7 miles both ways, but don't let that fool you. This climb is a slog from start to finish, and it will test your strength, endurance, and technical skills. Make sure you wait until late summer and prepare for weather. Go early and keep an eye on the forecast. Chicken Out is an easy class 4, but don't underestimate it. If you don't have experience on exposed mountain terrain, this is not the place to learn. A slip or fall here could be deadly. No shame in bringing some rope to back yourself up. I highly recommend a GPS map when traversing Chicken Out. Be wary of bypasses for the technical section, as they tend to be more exposed and dangerous than just traversing the ridge itself. Currently, there is a fixed rope on the downclimb to the snow bridge section, but don't count on it being there. Luckily, we had some good fortune with the weather and summited. Bottom line, be prepared and get at it!

Pretty easy hike and don't listen to others about COR...it's nothing. Left at 5 am...back to car by 10:30 am before it got hot (3 hours on the way up and 2 on the way down with a 30 minute break at the summit). Don't really need trekking poles. Going up is a little workout, but coming down is easy as you just let gravity take you back to the car! Would definitely recommend and do this again! 🙌

Almost made it to the top. There was a dangerous patch of snow where the path should've been. Me and another hiker had to unfortunately turn around. I made it past chicken out ridge. This is an awesome and beautiful hike but I would only recommend it if you can handle a tough adventure. Where the trail fades out you have to climb minor rock walls and figure out where you need to go yourself. Google maps can help but if you don't know how to navigate well you could easily get lost.

I hiked Borah Peak on 28 August 2018. There was a heavy storm that dumped quite a lot of snow on the mountains the night before. Nevertheless the hike was amazing! There was a group ahead of me who created a trail through the snow (thank you!) otherwise I would not make it by myself. The hike is really challenging. The sign says 12 hours (I made it in 10). The trail is pretty steep (you realised on the way back the switchbacks in the forested section are a killer). Remember to bring gloves, there is a bit of rock climbing to do! Winter hike in August, who would thing of it! Love you Idaho!

Level: Difficult Class 3- class - 4 hike. Summited in the third week of September. There was a snow on the trail. Some of the sections were icy. Definitely was not the best time to summit. Early August is probably the best time for summitting Borah. Chicken out ridge is a apt name for the rdge section on the trail. Last part of the trail is very steep. Save all your energy that you can. Taking rest always helps. Tips: Start as early as you can. 4 am should be a great start time. Bring at least 3 liters of water. Try to finish the treeline section as soon as you can. Always check the weather and keep eye out for the clouds. Generally, it gets cloudy after noon with possibilities of thunderstorms. Good luck! Stay safe!

Beautiful country. The highest peak in Idaho. Mid May it’s still pretty snowy. Hike it later in the summer.

Do not go gentle into that good night. It ain't an easy hike, don't kid yourself. Prepare to scramble and climb up very slanted walls. The glacier bridge is apart of the trail, but be cautious. Chicken out ridge is do able. Bring plenty of water, and high calorie food for the hike. Stay safe, happy hike!

It’s a great accomplishment to summit the highest peak in Idaho. Standing proud at 12,664’ anyone would be proud to stand on top. It is a grueling climb so prepare. There’s a short window of prime climbing season.

How the heck is the highest hike in Idaho not listed or reviewed on Yelp?! Maybe because cell service is bad out here? Borah Peak is apparently known to locals as Mount Borah. It's a mostly non-technical hike. There is a short section of scrambling that will feel hard if you are used to only walking on trails. Anyone with even the tiniest amount of rock-climbing experience, will find it not only easy, but fun! The trailhead offers a few formal campsites. Importantly, it offers no water, be sure to bring more than you think you need! We were hit by multiple afternoon thunderstorms, but systems tend to roll in and out of this area quickly. There were also lots of wildfires in the area, which lent a subtle haze to everything. Summit views are incredible. Many of the surrounding mountains look much more impressive than Borah! There is also a summit sign that you can hold for your selfish summit selfies: it cleverly says "Borah Peak" on one side and "Mount Borah" on the other. I inform, you decide. I think it took us maybe 6 hrs up, and less than half that down. We camped at the trailhead after the hike. Most folks seem to get an alpine start on this peak. By that I mean about 4am. I know this, because I had to use the restroom and the formerly quiet campground had turned into Everest basecamp! If you are worried about being slow or about afternoon thunderstorms, this is a good choice. If you're on the faster side and like hiking out with a headlamp, I highly recommend a brunch start to beat the crowds.