Rating: Grade II – III, Class 3
The Southwest or “Chicken Out” Ridge, as it is more commonly known, on 12,662-foot Mount Borah is always a great climb and is #10 on my Favorite Climb list. As the most popular peak of the 12ers, Mount Borah’s standard route has become crowded most Summer weekends. It is not unusual to see a full parking lot and 50 or more people attempting to climb the mountain by its most popular route.
NOTE: Access information for Mount Borah’s Standard Route is found on Pages 271 and 292 [(B)(6)] of the Climbing Guide. The trailhead is located north of Mackay, Idaho along US-93. Look for the signed turn between Mile Markers 129 and 130. Over the last ten years, a well constructed trail has been built to replace the original climbers trail. This trail leads from the parking lot past the saddle just east of Point 8714 and then on to treeline (see map below). Needless to say, the trail makes the first part of the climb much easier. From treeline, the Standard Route continues up toward Chicken-Out Ridge without any new improvements, but it is well worn.
Standard Route – Southwest Ridge/Chicken-Out Ridge
This is the easiest route to the summit. Although many inexperienced people climb this route each year, do not underestimate its potential difficulties. The route climbs more than 5,400 feet in less than 4.5 miles and there are many spots from which you can fall significant distances. It is arduous and mentally challenging, even under the best of conditions. When the route is covered with snow, it is best left to experienced mountaineers. Many people start the climb before the sun rises, which is a good idea especially when thunderstorms may develop later in the day. Additionally and most importantly, there is NO shortcut bypassing Chicken-Out Ridge. Do not believe rumors about a shortcut. Use this link for the Standard Route Warningfor additional details.
Mount Borah’s Southwest “Chicken-Out” Ridge Route.
The Southwest Ridge
From the end of Mount Borah Road [(B)(6)] at roughly 7,200 feet, follow the well-worn trail through sagebrush-covered slopes and into timber. After 0.5 miles, there is a new section of trail that climbs around the head of a gully and tops out on a small saddle at 8,600 feet, which is east of Point 8714, as shown on the map.
The trail now becomes a climbers route that runs due east toward Point 10632, zigzagging and climbing steeply to treeline. As you leave the timber, the ridge becomes more defined and easier to follow. The route continues up the southwest-trending ridge toward the main crest at Point 11898. The final 300 feet of elevation gain to the main ridge crest is known as Chicken-Out Ridge.
The view looking up toward Chicken-Out Ridge.
The view looking down from Chicken-Out Ridge.
Chicken-Out Ridge climaxes in a narrow, knife-edged col just before the main ridge crest. Although the route is well marked, many people are reluctant to cross the lower, rocky-ribbed section of Chicken-Out; hence the name.
This section can be treacherous if it is covered by snow or ice.
The snow bridge is the next most-talked-about obstacle. It is an exposed ridge that is often covered in snow. It is crossed by first down-climbing a 20-foot pitch, often referred to as the “nose,” and then carefully kicking steps in the snow. The step from Chicken-Out Ridge to the knife edge/snow bridge is the crux of the climb.
Climbing the nose on Chicken-Out Ridge.
Crossing the snow bridge.
While an ice axe is recommended to cross the snow bridge, there is often a wide trail across the snow kicked in by other climbers. In late Summer, the bridge may be free of snow.
Once across Chicken-Out, a good trail follows the ridge on the west side of Point 11898 to the saddle on its North Side (see map).
The route from the snow bridge to the summit.
From the saddle, the ridge can either be climbed directly or by following a fair trail on the ridge’s West side through broken rock bands and talus to the summit.
The trail crosses over lots of loose rock, which can be exhausting. Take plenty of water and expect the ascent to take between 3 and 12 hours, depending on the abilities of your party.
GPS track from 2010. Margo Mandella
GPS track from overhead. Margo Mandella
Trip Reports from Idaho – A Climbing Guide contributors
- Dave Pahlas
- John Platt
- Erik Leidecker — A professional guide’s perspective.
Photo Essay – Climbing the Standard Route
Lower Section
The journey starts here. You will find a good trail leading all the way to treeline beginning at this sign. Steve Mandella Photo
The lower route is well worn and easy to follow, even in the dark. John Platt Photo
The trail through the trees was recently improved but it is still very steep. Todd Corsetti Photo
Chicken-Out Ridge (COR)
The following photos will give you a good idea of the terrain that you must cross on Chicken-Out Ridge, which is the crux of the climb.
A view of the Southwest Ridge, the climbers’ trail, and the colorful Chicken-Out Ridge section. Dave Pahlas Photo
Approaching the base of Chicken-Out Ridge. Bob Boyles Photo
Traversing Chicken-Out Ridge. Some people stay directly on top of the ridge, while others traverse the side of the ridge. Bob Boyles Photo
Another shot of climbers traversing the side of the ridge. Todd Corsetti Photo
Crossing Chicken-Out Ridge on the top. Bob Boyles Photo
Down climbing the “nose” on Chicken-Out Ridge. Bob Boyles Photo
At the end of the nose on Chicken-Out Ridge. Bob Boyles Photo
Chicken-Out Ridge. The snow bridge starts at the base of the nose and proceeds to the left. Anne Boyles Photo
Upper Section
Looking up the route above Chicken-Out Ridge. Todd Corsetti Photo
Another look at the route above Chicken-Out Ridge. Dave Pahlas Photo
The Summit
During July and August, you are bound to find other climbers on Mount Borah and often a festive atmosphere on the summit. Margo Mandella on the summit. Dave Pacioretty Photo