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Idaho · Rock Climbing
Mackay, Idaho sits in the upper Lost River Valley at the foot of the Lost River Range, and the rock climbing here reflects that setting: rugged, relatively uncrowded, and worth the drive.
61 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 61 spots
Mackay, Idaho sits in the upper Lost River Valley at the foot of the Lost River Range, and the rock climbing here reflects that setting: rugged, relatively uncrowded, and worth the drive. The area's 61 listed routes include a strong concentration of chert-featured lines — Chert Albert, Chert Highway, The Chert Off My Back, and No Chert, No Chews, No... are all on the same wall system, which tells you something about the rock type you're dealing with. Chert is hard, abrasive, and tends to hold edges well, but it will shred soft skin fast. Beyond the chert walls, the Via Ferrata Wall adds a different dimension for climbers who want fixed-protection movement on steeper terrain. Named routes like The Rat And The Drainpipe, The Extortionist, Layback Line, and Belay Bunny Blues suggest a local development scene that has been active long enough to develop personality. The Pereyra Wall area — home to Pereyra Wheel and A Wing And A Pereyra — appears to be a distinct sector worth treating as a separate destination. With 61 routes across multiple areas, there is enough variety to fill a long weekend without repeating yourself.
Late spring through early fall is the primary window, roughly May through October. Mackay sits at elevation in a high desert valley, so summer mornings are often ideal before afternoon heat builds on south-facing walls. Early and late season days can be cold, and snow can linger into May on approach trails.
A significant portion of the developed routes here are on chert, as the route names make clear. Chert is a dense, fine-grained sedimentary rock that holds features well but has a rough texture that wears skin down quickly. Bring extra tape and expect your hands to feel it after a full day.
A Wing And A Pereyra
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Right Flank, The
~6 min drive
Varied climbing on Idaho rock with routes for multiple ability levels.
Cowboy Poetry
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
JW 10d
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Main Wall, The
~6 min drive
Versatile Idaho crag with routes for climbers of various abilities.
Way Up The Hill
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Lower Tier
~6 min drive
Accessible Idaho crag with varied climbing for developing climbers.
No Chert, No Chews, No...
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Left Side, The
~6 min drive
Accessible Idaho crag with varied climbing for multiple skill levels.
Hammerhead
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Pass Creek Canyon
~12 min drive
Idaho canyon climbing with varied routes and natural scenery.
The Rat And The Drainpipe
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Idaho.
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Rock climbing
Mackay, Idaho
Via ferrata routes use fixed iron rungs, cables, and ladders, which makes exposed terrain accessible to people without traditional lead-climbing skills. That said, you still need a via ferrata-specific lanyard and harness setup — a standard sport climbing quickdraw system is not appropriate. If you are new to via ferrata, go with someone who has done it before or hire a guide.
No permit requirement appears in the current listing data for these routes. That said, land management in the Lost River area can involve a mix of BLM and other jurisdictions, so it is worth checking with the Challis-Salmon Field Office before your trip if you are unsure about a specific area.
A standard sport climbing rack — harness, helmet, belay device, and a set of quickdraws — covers most of the listed routes. The abrasive chert surface makes a helmet more than a formality, since loose rock is a real consideration. Tape gloves or finger tape are worth packing, and approach shoes with good grip will serve you better than sandals on the rocky trails in.
