Climb Borah Peak in Idaho/Solar Eclipse Viewing

On August 21 there will be a total solar eclipse viewable from central Idaho and it just so happens that the tallest peak in Idaho (12,667') is almost perfectly located for optimal viewing!

The current plan is to meet in the Kolh's parking lot (along Dore Ln) between 1:00 and 1:30pm on Sunday the 20th, then carpool and camp near the trail head so that we can get an early start Monday morning. The eclipse begins at 10:13am, peaks/becomes total at around 11:30 (for more than two minutes!), and ends around 12:54. I'd like to be at the summit for the total eclipse, so setting out around 7am I think should get us there. Given the size of the group, we will most likely break into smaller contingents depending on hiking speed. I'm guessing that we will be back in Missoula sometime Monday evening.

I REALLY doubt that we are the only ones with this idea, so I imagine that the small campground at the trail head (and at nearby Mackay Reservoir) will be full. Luckily there is a large amount of national forest land surrounding Borah that is open to dispersed camping, so please plan on primitive camping conditions.

From what I have been able to find, this will NOT be an easy trek! The trail is relatively short (the consensus is around 4 to 4.5 miles), but quite steep. The elevation gain is around 5,200 feet with a large amount of scrambling on exposed rock in potentially windy and hot weather. If you are considering this climb, please make sure that you are in good physical condition and are not afraid of heights! This link should give you an idea about what we will be doing: http://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/?page_id=8905

No climbing equipment is required, but I understand that trekking poles and good hiking boots (or shoes with rock plates) are useful, as will be lots of sunblock, and ECLIPSE GLASSES! Please get eclipse glasses now, as sunglasses are absolutely NOT suitable for viewing an eclipse! I can not recommend any brand or source of glasses, but I ordered mine from http://www.eclipse2017.org

I will bring a medium size cooler and two-burner stove, but given the number of people signed up, more coolers are probably necessary. Please bring the usual camping items/food. To my knowledge, there is NO water available at the Borah campground/trail head, so bring lots! I'm guessing the hike alone will require around three liters, but you'll have to rely on personal experience to estimate your own requirements.

As far as carpooling goes, I can take two, maybe three people in my car depending on the amount of camping equipment being brought. Anyone who is willing to drive should keep in mind that the drive is 4.5 hours each way. I would also advise that some effort be made in advance to organize carpooling partners so that we can ensure that everyone has a ride.

As a side note, Mackay Reservoir is about 20 minutes away from Borah if anyone wants to go swimming or just hang out near the water.

As always (because AJ insists) the usual MAC disclaimer applies. This outing (and pretty much everything I organize) is inherently risky, and as such, each individual is solely responsible for their own safety and must make their own decisions, informed or otherwise, as to just how much risk they are willing to accept in the pursuit of frivolous activities (or sweet photos!).