If you are interested in exploring the highest mountains in Idaho, you should know which ones are the most challenging and rewarding to climb. Here is a list of the top seven highest mountains in Idaho :
1. Borah Peak
Borah Peak is the highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 12,662 feet. It is part of the Lost River Range and was named after Idaho Senator William Borah. The climb to the summit is strenuous and hazardous, requiring a steep scramble over a section known as Chicken Out Ridge. Borah Peak offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
2. Leatherman Peak
Leatherman Peak is the second-highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 12,228 feet. It is also part of the Lost River Range and lies within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Leatherman Peak is less popular than Borah Peak but still provides a challenging and scenic climb. The peak is named after a mysterious wanderer who roamed the mountains in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
3. Mount Church
Mount Church is the third-highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 12,200 feet. It is located in the Lost River Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The peak is named after Frank Church, a former Senator from Idaho who was influential in environmental legislation. Mount Church is a challenging climb that requires scrambling through a steep headwall to reach the saddle between it and Donaldson Peak, another 12,000-foot summit. Mount Church offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
4. Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is the fourth-highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 12,197 feet. It is the highest peak in the Lemhi Range and is part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Diamond Peak is a prominent landmark that can be seen from many miles away. The peak has a distinctive shape that resembles a diamond when viewed from certain angles. The climb to the summit involves some Class 3 scrambling and exposure.
5. Mount Breitenbach
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Mount Breitenbach is the fifth-highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 12,140 feet (3,700 m). It is the fifth-highest peak in the state and the fourth-highest in the Lost River Range. The mountain is named after Jake Breitenbach, who died during the 1963 American Everest Expedition. Mount Breitenbach has a complex and impressive structure with steep slopes, ridges and faces. It is hidden from view by other mountains and can be accessed from Pete Creek. Mount Breitenbach is a popular destination for climbers who want to challenge themselves on one of the Idaho 12ers.
6. Hyndman Peak
Hyndman Peak is the sixth-highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 12,009 feet. It is part of the Pioneer Mountains and lies within the Sawtooth National Forest. Hyndman Peak is one of the most accessible and popular peaks in Idaho, with a well-defined trail that leads to a broad summit plateau. The peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
7. USGS Peak
USGS Peak is the seventh-highest mountain in Idaho, with an elevation of 11,988 feet. It is also part of the Lost River Range and near Borah Peak. USGS Peak has no official name and is simply named after the United States Geological Survey, which mapped the area in 1960. The peak is rarely climbed and requires a long approach and some Class 3 scrambling.
These are the top seven highest mountains in Idaho to add to your bucket list if you want adventure and challenge. Always check the weather conditions, plan your route carefully, and bring adequate gear and supplies before climbing.
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