The climb starts at an elevation of about 7400 feet. The trail takes off from the trailhead turn-around area and goes up the sagebrush/grass slope to the ridge. The route ascends over 5200 feet elevation to the summit in less than 3 ½ miles of trail.

The real climb begins as this trail goes up the brutally steep west ridge of Borah. Emerging above timberline, the route continues to follow this ridge which is not as steep as the initial climb and after a short distance, reaches another steep portion which involves scrambling, "Chicken Out Ridge". This knife-like ridge with the more dangerous slope to the north side involves using both hands as well as feet to maneuver over and around the rocks.

The route continues to follow the ridge and crosses a steep couloir that is usually draped with packed snow. (Some do not follow the ridge but use a trail through the shale on the north side of the ridge after crossing the couloir - snowfield. The shale is not stable and will shift down causing you to scramble a few feet back up to the trail.) The trail curves around to the north ascending the steep south ridge and slope of Borah Peak.

The climb rated as difficult is classified as a day trip and should take the average hiker 6 to 7 hours. The round trip should average about 10 to 12 hours, not counting time at the top. Some like to make it a two day trip by camping on the ridge the first night.

Geographical Information
Elevation: 12,662
State: Idaho
County: Custer
Mountain Range: Lost River
Latitude: 44.137ºN
Longitude: 113.779ºW

Historical Information
Named After: William Borah, Idaho senator nicknamed the "Lion"
First Ascent: T.M. Bannon (USGS Surveyor) in 1912
Alternative Names: Mount Borah

Route Information
Popular Routes: Southwest Ridge (most common), North Face
Southwest Ridge Mileage: 7 miles round trip
Southwest Ridge Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet
Southwest Ridge Class: 3