Borah Peak Loop via Birch Springs Road
8.4 mi
Distance
2 hrs 45 min
Time
terrain
5,279 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Borah Peak in Salmon-Challis National Forest.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
One of the more difficult US State Highpoints that can be done in a single day. The trail is very steep at places, maxing out the dorsiflection of your feet if you're trying to stay off the balls of your feet to avoid calf cramping later in such a long hike. It could have done for more switchbacking, but that would've added to an already long day hike. Having two hiking poles was a big plus. The crux is the scrambling over rocks with heavy penalty for failure on both sides right before "Chicken-out Ridge". I found that ridge still covered in snow at mid July (2018), with a deep rut to walk through. From the ridge the remaining climb is the end; there is no false peak.
The view is amazing for the entire hike! The parking lot 5,000+ feet below can be seen from much of the end of the hike. It is a popular hike so plenty of other people will be around. No food accommodations near the trailhead so you'd want to pack accordingly. There is space on the dirt road up to the trailhead where you can camp. I would recommend heading about 40 min north after the hike to stay at [Challis Hot Springs](https://challishotsprings.com/pools/).
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