Borah Peak
Mountain Idaho's highest peak in the Lost River Range
Borah Peak towers in Idaho’s Lost River Range as the state’s highest point; climbers tackle steep routes for summit views and alpine terrain within the surrounding national forest.
Borah Peak is the highest mountain in Idaho, rising to 12,662 feet (3,859 meters) in the Lost River Range. It is one of the state’s most prominent summits and a landmark of central Idaho.
The summit attracts hikers and mountaineers for its altitude and views of surrounding ridges and valleys. Routes ascend steep, rocky slopes and talus fields; climbs are typically undertaken in summer months when snow is reduced.
Geologically it is part of the Lost River Range and was affected by the major seismic event on March 28, 1983, when the Borah Peak earthquake (magnitude about 6.9) produced visible fault scarps in the area. The peak sits within public national forest lands and has a long record of mountaineering activity in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Borah Peak stands in central Idaho’s Lost River Range within Salmon-Challis National Forest, in the mountainous interior of the state. Nearest small communities and trailheads are located on the range’s eastern and western flanks.
How to Get to Borah Peak #
Trailheads for Borah Peak are accessed via dirt and paved roads in central Idaho. The most common approach is from the Sheep Trail / Willow Creek area; drives from the nearest towns (e.g., Challis) can be long and require high-clearance vehicles. Consult local ranger stations for road conditions and permit requirements.
Tips for Visiting Borah Peak #
- Expect route-finding and avalanche risk in winter; hire an experienced guide for technical ascents.
- Start early in summer to avoid afternoon thunderstorms; weather can change rapidly at high altitude.
- Acclimatize in nearby valleys - altitude gain is significant and the approaches are long.
Best Time to Visit Borah Peak #
Summer is the practical season for non-technical approaches and summit attempts; winter for experienced mountaineers only.
Weather & Climate near Borah Peak #
Borah Peak's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -15°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (596 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain.
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