The trailhead sits at the base of Idaho’s tallest mountain, where a brutal 7.5-mile round-trip climb gains over 5,200 feet of elevation to reach the 12,662-foot summit. The route follows Chicken Out Ridge, a knife-edge section that separates casual hikers from committed mountaineers. Most attempts start before dawn to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and the scrambling sections require hands-on rock work with serious exposure.
Access via a rough dirt road off US-93 that’s passable by most vehicles but gets washboarded. The small parking area fills quickly during peak season (July-September). Snow typically blocks the upper mountain from October through June, and weather can change rapidly at elevation.
Idaho's highest peak at 12,662 feet
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | Birch Springs Road, Idaho Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Mackay, Idaho |
| Miles from pavement | 3.2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Dirt |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | July-September |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |