Things to Do in Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area

The Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area is a designated public land area in Idaho, encompassing over 3,000 acres. It is characterized by steep, west-sloping terrain and is home to Borah Peak, Idaho's highest point at 12,655 feet (3,857 meters). The area is part of the broader Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Lost River Range.

The Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area primarily offers opportunities for hiking and backpacking. The terrain, with significant elevation gains and panoramic views, provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for hikers. Komoot lists 3 routes for hiking in the area.

The primary route to the summit is the Mount Borah Trail, which involves a significant climb of 5,300 feet (1,615 meters). For a more moderate experience, the Lower Cedar Creek Falls Trail is a 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) trail leading to a picturesque waterfall. Detailed information can be found in the Hiking in Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area guide.

The Mount Borah Trail is considered very challenging, featuring a significant elevation gain and a difficult section known as "Chicken Out Ridge." The Lower Cedar Creek Falls Trail offers a more moderate experience, though it includes a near-vertical climb to an overlook of the falls. Overall, the area offers experiences ranging from moderate to advanced.

The most prominent feature is Borah Peak itself, Idaho's highest point. Other notable features include the sharp, 20-mile (32-kilometer) line at Borah's base, formed during the 1983 Borah Earthquake, and the picturesque Lower Cedar Creek Falls. The area is also part of the Lost River Range, which contains many of Idaho's highest mountains.

"Chicken Out Ridge" is a particularly renowned and difficult section of the Mount Borah Trail. It is a knife-like ridge with steep drop-offs, requiring hand and foot placement for an exhilarating scramble. This section is a key challenge for hikers attempting the summit.

Ideal climbing conditions for Borah Peak are typically from early July through mid-August. During this period, snow levels are generally lowest, making the ascent more accessible. Hikers should be prepared for varying conditions even during these months.

Parking is available near the trailheads for routes like the Mount Borah Trail. Interpretive signs about the 1983 Borah Earthquake are also located near the trailhead. Vehicles are generally not allowed within the Wilderness Study Area itself.

Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area has received contributions from more than 50 visitors on komoot. The 3 available routes have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. This indicates a highly regarded experience among users.

Yes, a komoot guide titled Hiking in Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area is available. This guide provides detailed information on available routes and helps users plan their outdoor adventures in the region.

Information about the Borah Peak Wilderness Study Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. For Borah Peak-specific inquiries, the Lost River Ranger District of the Salmon-Challis National Forest can be contacted at 208-588-3400. The BLM Idaho State Office can be reached at 208-373-3889.

The area supports diverse wildlife, including larger animals such as elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and moose. Smaller creatures like pygmy rabbits, squirrels, and moles are also present. Golden and bald eagles are frequently observed soaring overhead.