Copper Basin Guard Station

About forestry service, 83213, Arco, ID, US, Idaho

Mackay (pronounced ) is a town in Custer County, Idaho, United States. The population was 439 at the 2020 census. The town is pronounced "Mackie" with the accent on the first syllable. == Highways == - US 93 - to Challis (north) and Arco (south) == Etymology == The town was named in honor of John William Mackay who owned the local copper mines. The nearby Mackay Peak in the White Knob Mountains is also named after him. == Geography == According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.86 square miles (2.23 km2), all of it land. About 20 miles (32 km) north of Mackay is Idaho's highest mountain: Borah Peak, with a summit elevation of 12,662 feet (3,859 m). Mt. McCaleb, 11,427 feet (3,483 m), overlooks the city. === Climate === The climate of Mackay ranges from lows of −40 °F (−40 °C) to highs of +30 °F (−1 °C) in the winter.