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Route through the best of the Sawtooth Wilderness - great as a multi-day hike or very long run


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Map Key

71.7

Miles

115.4

KM

Loop

9,473' 2,887 m

High

5,205' 1,586 m

Low

13,387' 4,080 m

Up

13,387' 4,080 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

53%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Hot Spring · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall

Overview

This loop takes you alongside many alpine lakes, views of the Sawtooth mountains and over some beautiful passes but avoids some of the more crowded areas near Redfish lake and the Alice-Toxaway loop.

Description

Route is very well signed throughout the loop. The route mapped here includes detours to Observation Peak and to Everly and Plummer lakes. The loop is about 8 miles shorter without these diversions.

The route starts at Grandjean Campground going up to Sawtooth Lake then along the North Fork to Baro Creek and Baron Creek Falls. Baron Lakes can be a little busier and the trail then follows Redfish Lake creek to Cramer Lakes.

From Cramer Lakes you make your way to Edna Lake, then over a pass to Ardeth Lake. Spangle Lakes and the optional detour to Everly and Plummer lakes are next followed by an uphill alongside Benedict Creek.

From there the rest of the trail is fair straight forward following the South Fork Payette River Trail #452 south fork and Trail 152 back to the Grandjean campground.

Contacts

Shared By:

Wil G

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#973

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Idaho

#973

Overall
116 Views Last Month
8,740 Since Jul 22, 2020
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Sawtooth Lake.
May 27, 2016 near Idaho City, ID
South end of Sawtooth Lake
Aug 5, 2023 near Idaho City, ID
North end of Sawtooth Lake
Aug 5, 2023 near Idaho City, ID
A look into beautiful Redfish Canyon.
Dec 26, 2016 near Idaho City, ID
The view from the edge of Alpine Lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness.
Dec 26, 2016 near Idaho City, ID
South end of Sawtooth Lake
Aug 5, 2023 near Idaho City, ID

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