When I climbed Borah (3859 m., 12 661') some years ago, in late summer I think, there was no snow; I didn't know about the snow bridge which was long gone. The Chicken-Out Ridge is one short moderate pitch of downclimbing, more of a scramble, on the way up, or up (easier) on the way back; a rocky portion a bit farther down was more of a problem finding the way. I found the climb mostly a long steep walk, with an elevation gain of a whopping 1659 m. (5443') from Birch (aspen) Grove just beyond the parking lot and no water. Take water & energy food! The loose scree up the summit cone after the chicken place goes better up the little rock ridge next to it; a Mazamas register in a box adorned the summit instead of our familiar CMC pipes.
Going by the normal lapse rate (6ø C./1000 m.), Borah summit should be 16ø C. (29ø F.) cooler than Boise assuming Boise lies at 4000' (1220 m.). However that assumes free-air temperature. More likely Boise's sizzling 109 (43ø C.) includes a tremendous amount of solar heating; if free-air temp. is, say, 80 (26), it'll be only 10ø C. (50) on top. However the long steep slog up might be v. hot. With Denver & Boulder in the 90s, it tends to be in the 50s or 60s on our summits at 12-14 000', lower when the usual afternoon thunderstorms start. Get an early start & take rain & sun protection, & lots of water (better, sports drinks; I take Gatorade), sandwiches & energy food. Enjoy Borah.
Roger Williams, Boulder CO.
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