Photos from the 1976 first ascent of the Direct North Face of Borah

Below you will find Bob Boyles’ favorite photos from the first ascent of the Direct North Face of Borah (October 1976). The North Face of Mount Borah is considered by some to be one of the finest alpine climbs in Idaho and one of the few faces that holds ice during most years. The lower face starts at around 45 … Continue reading

Lost River Range Traverse by Wes Collins

Editor’s Note: The following report by Wes Collins documents his remarkable Lost River Range traverse. His effort no doubt included a number of first ascents. His achievement is one for the ages. All the photos are by Wes. Last Winter, I traded several emails with Bob Boyles and Frank Florence who both planned on making the trip with me. We … Continue reading

Mount Breitenbach: North Face – North East Ridge

First Ascent: Bob Boyles, Mike Weber and Curtis Olsen Rating: Grade III, 5.8, A2 Description Provided by Curtis Olson, Mountain Guides Inc., Boise, Idaho (as published in the American Alpine Journal, Idaho, 1983) Mount Breitenbach, North Face, Lost River Range From July 13 to 16, Bob Boyles, Mike Weber and I made the first ascent of the North Face of Mount Breitenbach. Bill … Continue reading

Missing Eleveners and New Routes by Judi Steciak and Carl Hamke

The second ascent team, Carl Hamke and Judi Steciak.

Editor’s Note: Carl Hamke and Judi Steciak recently became the third and fourth climbers to summit all of Idaho’s peaks exceeding 11,000 feet. George Reinier and Johnny Roache were the first climbers to summit all of these peaks, while Judi is the first woman to accomplish this exceedingly difficult task. The short article below summarizes their quest and lists the … Continue reading

Fossils of Idaho’s High Peaks by Rick Baugher

Some of the best examples of Idaho’s marine Paleozoic fossils are found near the summits of mountain peaks (10,000 feet of elevation and higher). Although they appear in carbonate formations throughout East Central and Southeast Idaho, the core zone is in the Southern Lemhi and Lost River Ranges. Specifically, the best preserved fossils are found in the Scott Peak Formation … Continue reading

The East Face of Mt Borah by Bob Boyles

Idaho has nine summits that reach over 12,000 feet and all but two lie within the Lost River Range in central Idaho. Idaho’s tallest and most visited peak, Mt Borah (12,662’), is located in the central section of the range. As the state highpoint, it is also very popular. During the summer months, it is not unusual to see a … Continue reading