Borah Peak

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Borah Peak
Borah Peak
Elevation	12,662 feet (3,861 metres)
Location	Custer County, Idaho, USA
Range	Lost River Range
Coordinates	44°08′14.60″N, 113°46′51.96″W
Topo map	USGS Borah Peak
First ascent	1912 by T.M. Bannon
Easiest route	scramble

Borah Peak (also known as Mount Borah) is the tallest mountain in Idaho (12,662 feet) and is located in the Challis National Forest. It is named for William Edgar Borah (1865-1940), U.S. Senator from Idaho serving from 1907-1940.

On October 28, 1983 a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck the Borah Peak area. The earthquake lifted Borah Peak 7 feet from 12,655 feet to its current elevation of 12,662.

The normal route on the southwest ridge is a strenuous hike for the most part until one reaches an arête just before the main summit crest. This point is known as "Chickenout Ridge" as many people will abort the attempt once they see the hazards up close. This dangerous crossing involves a traverse over snow, with steeply slanting slopes on either side. An ice axe is strongly recommended for this section. Parties should turn back if there is any doubt about being able to make the crossing.

Borah Peak's north face is one of Idaho's only year-round snow climbs and provides a much greater challenge than the normal route. The face features a number of grade II class 5 routes on mixed terrain.

Three climbers have died on Borah Peak. Two climbers ascending the northwest ridge in 1977 were killed in an avalanche. Another climber in 1987 lost his life on a glissade during descent.