Near Mount Breitenbach Trail
Flowers at the summit.
Near Mount Breitenbach Trail
From the first false summit.
Near Mount Breitenbach Trail
Rough going up the stream bed.
Near Mount Breitenbach Trail
Nothing but scree!
Near Mount Breitenbach Trail
Taken from the top of the saddle. Summit is on the far right with snow below it.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Mount Breitenbach Trail

5.0 (1 Rating)
Challenging trail over rough steep terrain to the top of the 5th highest peak in Idaho.
3.5
mi
Distance
4,607
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
Waterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.51mi
Distance
4,607ft
Elevation Gain
660ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
12,110ft
High Point
7,606ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
From the trailhead descend down into the stream bed and up the eastern side. There will be a jeep trail to follow for a bit and after that its up to your imagination. Record snowfall in 2022-2023 led to several avalanches and rock slides resulting in the trail being virtually washed out - pick the path of least resistance and go from there. Avoid getting too high above the stream--you'll eventually have to make your way down a steep unforgiving slope to keep progressing. Once you get above the tree line you'll be hiking across football-sized loose scree. There's a few cairns along the was to guide you but no defined path. Once you come to the waterfall make your way to the right for a shallower climb up to the saddle. You'll see what appears to be a trail going straight up to the first false summit--these are steep patches of very loose scree made by rhxers coming down from the summit and would make for a very difficult climb on the way up. You'll eventual see a well-defined trail along the ridge line leading to two false summits and the eventual mountain top. Good boots with ankle support and trekking poles highly advised. Trail will have snow on it well into the summer. Stream bed will have lots of flow during the spring melt and runoff.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Find more hikes near: Mackay, IdahoLost River, IdahoMoore, Idaho
Barney Hot Springs

Hike Route

Barney Hot Springs

Views
easy
0.06 mi
+0 ft
Bellas Lakes

Hike Route

Bellas Lakes

Lake
moderate
5.32 mi
+1,588 ft
Broad Canyon: Betty, Goat + Baptie Lakes and the Surprise Valley Divide

Hike Route

Broad Canyon: Betty, Goat + Baptie Lakes and the Surprise Valley Divide

Lake
extreme
12.36 mi
+3,194 ft
Fall Creek - Moose Lake

Hike Route

Fall Creek - Moose Lake

Lake
strenuous
9.48 mi
+2,541 ft
Fall Creek Falls

Hike Route

Fall Creek Falls

Lake
easy
0.69 mi
+114 ft
Fall Creek - Left Fork Canyon

Hike Route

Fall Creek - Left Fork Canyon

Lake
extreme
15.56 mi
+4,059 ft
Contributors
Steve Roose