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This area serves as a base camp for climbing the tallest mountain in Idaho. It has 5 campsites, accessible vault toilet, No drinking water, safety and informational signs. Nearby areas of interest include Earthquake site and Mackay Reservoir.
From Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 20 miles north of Mackay to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead. From Challis: Take Us Highway 93 south of Challis to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead. From Sun Valley/Ketchum: Take Highway 75 (main street) to Sun Valley Road. Turn northeast onto Sun Valley Road. This road turns into Trail Creek Road (closed in winter). Follow this road to Highway 93. Turn left on Highway 93. Follow this road 4.5 miles to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead.
The following passes are good for a 50% reduction in camping fees: SENIOR PASS – Available for $10.00 to US Citizens 62 years and older. Must be purchased in person with proof of age such as a driver’s license. ACCESS PASS – Available FREE of charge to US citizens that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability that severely limits one or more major life activities. Must be maintained in person with written proof of disability.
Great trail to the top of Mt. Borah. I would recommend either staying at the campground for $5/night, or getting there early in the morning. I started hiking at 4 am and I think it was a perfect time to start for a slower group.
Idaho’s tallest was a difficult hike. Trail is extremely steep the whole way up. Chicken out ridge isn’t difficult at all as long as you aren’t afraid of heights. Be careful on the gravel road with a sedan, we got a slow leak in our tire from a small rock!
This is a great hike. Like most of the reviews said it's a very challenging hike. Not distance wise but elevation gained in such a short time. There are areas where its easy to lose the trail. We found ourselves on the wrong side near Chicken out Ridge. However we still made it up and over. We hiked it on a fairly busy day. Lots of other people out on the trail. Everyone was friendly and helped each other out. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Going down can be just as hard with a lot of loose rocks especially near the top. You'll feel it for a few days afterwards but a definite hike to do
Trail head is accessible by non 4wd cars if the roads are good, otherwise use something with 4wd. Trail is steep and is considered a bit hard. Best time to go is in summer and early fall. Spring time will have too much snow still. Not for beginners, be prepared as it can take all day.
