Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area
Alan B.
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2019

Wonderful Views @ a Semi-Primitive CG

Wow!  Absolutely the best spot to set up camp if you're looking at doing an alpine attempt on the roof of Idaho, Mt. Borah!  The campground sits right around 7200'  which is a decent bit cooler than the Big Lost River Valley to the west.  There is also a good bit of shade despite there being few large trees.  Its kind of a transition between the sage brush and juniper climate zones.  There are picnic tables and metal fire rings @ each site but there is absolutely no running water so be sure to fill your water bottles and camelbaks in Mackey which is the closest town.  There are vault toilets but no other amenities.  The perk of being fairly primitive is that the sites are only $5 a night!

If you're planning on summiting Borah it's a good idea to get an alpine start <6 AM so you don't get baked by the sun as there's no shade the last 2 miles and sparse shade the first 1.5.  It is a brutal hike if you're not prepared.  The trail ascends 5200' of elevation in just over 3.5 miles.  Your legs will probably burn, bring hiking poles for the descent!  If you don't feel like hiking there are plenty of rivers nearby in which to fish and great spots to check out the scarp of the 1980's Mt. Borah earthquake, which you drive across on the way to the campground/trailhead.

SiteSite 4
Month of VisitSeptember
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  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
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  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
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  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Mt. Borah Trailhead and Camping Area by Alan B., August 23, 2019