Standard Route – West Ridge – III 3rd Class
The West Ridge is the standard route and is about 4 miles long (one way) and gains over 5200ft in elevation. Although a decent trail does snake its way to the top of the Mt. Borah reaching the summit is not a hike. The elevation difference from trailhead to peak is 5200 vertical feet, which is gained over about 4 miles. The trail is relentlessly steep especially on the descent.
The Chicken-Out Ridge section of the climb begins around 11,200’ for about 500 vertical feet where the route follows an exposed, 3rd class ridge. (3rd class means that scrambling and some climbing is necessary in steep, exposed terrain). Although many climbers move through Chicken Out without a rope our guides will use one to provide additional security. There are several locations where falling is not an option!
Following Chicken Out ridge the trail makes a long traverse for the final push up the upper west face. This section consists of loose limestone scree and talus and those not familiar with moving in this type of mountainous terrain can find this section exhausting.
Of course once on the summit climbers are rewarded with views of no less than six major Idaho mountain ranges and a much-needed break before beginning the descent, which often takes as long or longer than the climb!