Mt. Borah Trailhead

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 20 through September 30. Access roads may be difficult or impassable in winter due to snow.

About

Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area is a primitive campground located at the base of Mount Borah, Idaho's tallest mountain at 12,662 feet elevation. The facility offers 5 campsites designed primarily to serve as a base camp for climbers attempting the challenging Borah Peak summit trail and backpackers exploring the Lost River Range. The campground provides basic amenities including picnic tables at each site and an accessible vault toilet, but campers must bring all their own water as none is available on-site. The camping area sits at the end of the 3-mile Borah Peak Access Road off Highway 93, approximately 20 miles north of Mackay. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $5 per night, and the small campground fills quickly during peak climbing season. The location offers stunning views of the surrounding Lost River Mountains and provides convenient access to the Borah Peak Trail, which gains over 5,200 feet in less than 3.5 miles to the summit. Nearby points of interest include the interpretive site for the 1983 Borah Peak earthquake, which created a visible fault scarp, and Mackay Reservoir for fishing and water recreation. The remote setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing, though visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions and pack out all trash.

Directions

From Mackay: Take US Highway 93 approximately 20 miles north of Mackay to the Borah Peak Access Road. Follow the Borah Peak Access Road 3 miles to the trailhead. From Challis: Take US Highway 93 south to the Borah Peak Access Road, then follow it 3 miles to the trailhead.

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