Sawtooth Wilderness (Idaho) Backpacking - July 2024

#sawtoothmountains #stanleyidaho #sawoothnationalforest
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There you'll find book-length trip reports of most of my trips as well as gear reviews, trail stories, and travel information on memorable lodging, restaurants, and attractions I've experienced.
A backpacking trip to the Sawtooth Wilderness of Idaho had been on my destination 'bucket list' since I started backpacking in 2010. The opportunity to do an Idaho hike came up in May 2024 when Travis suggested it as an alternative to the Wind River Range hike we had originally been contemplating.
Keeping with our tradition, we combined the hike with two wonderful 'tourist-mode' days before the backpacking. Our first night was in the 'Bunkhouse' at the Majestic Mountain Ranch in Idaho City. I had images of a cramped, shared space sleeping in a too-short bunk bed with throngs of other hikers. No, not at all! The Bunkhouse was a huge, luxurious space that we had to ourselves. The second night was spent at the Redfish Riverside Inn in the small, vibrant town of Stanley, Idaho. Complementing our Stanley experience was magical time spent at the Redfish Lake Lodge a few miles south of Stanley.
Our plan for the hike was to do the super-popular 25-mile Alice Lake-Toxaway Lake Loop starting out of the Tin Cup Trailhead. Campsite availability (actually, lack of availability) was a major concern. But we caught a break and ended up at what was likely the best campsite on the entire loop. The mountain views in all directions were epic. With air temperatures above 100 degrees, and with worries about being able to find a decent campsite at Toxaway Lake, we changed our plans and decided to simply stay put in our 5-star site at Alice.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - 45-minutes in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3Q3Gsco
Lens: Nikkor 20mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/3znpOP7
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@anniegray1215]

You are the hardest working person I know Dad and I’m so beyond proud of you always. I love you so much😊

[@davidgrayin]

Awww, thank you Annie! You've always been my biggest fan, even though I might have to admit to myself you could be a tad biased :-) But I will certainly take it!

[@danielyankie3324]

One of the best outdoor content creators on KZbin.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

That bunk house!!! Wow!!! Great video, David. I'm glad that crazy heat and fires didn't ruin your trip!

[@jdeaton5093]

Your videos never let me down. As a matter of fact, your content is therapy for me. As usual, I am exited when your creation shows up in my feed. It takes a monumental commitment, on my part, to endure ANYONE'S video for 53 minutes, however, I know I won't be disappointed when it comes to watching yours. My whole mindset transforms when I watch. The commitment to watch is akin to the commitment you guys make to the "hike", and just like you guy's, I never regret making that commitment. Majestic scenery would be the understatement of the video, I have no doubt, the camera does the scenery "no justice". I always, enjoy most, the tapestry that you weave into the final segment of your video, it is always beautiful art. I appreciate your videos and look forward to your next. Tell Travis ( or Carl?The heavier set friend of yours? my apologies) he needs to let his beard grow out, I think it would be very becoming of him and would complete the "woodsman" look. Thank you sir, until next time, God bless and safe travels!

[@TimothyDaly-g4g]

Thanks David for getting out there. My backpacking days are behind me (started in the 80's ). You inspire me.

[@chrisclark4183]

You’re the man David. Been subbed for like 8 years now and it’s always been consistently good content. You originally inspired me to hike the AT

[@elizabethcolorsart7728]

One more amazing hike and video. So beautiful ! Thank you so much for sharing with us ! :)

[@lj-eden]

always looking forward to your backpacking videos. wish I had outdoorsy friends like yours, so I live vicariously through your trips

[@kaelen9906]

camping/hiking trips can be really fun. ive done most my trips alone. for a girl tho id be more worried maybe its best to have atleast 1 person with you

[@Victorted]

My trip in '09, almost exactly. Thanks for the memories.

[@tylerscales2396]

Thought you gave it up! So glad for new content. Really enjoy your stuff!❤

[@christinerolle3876]

Me too been wandering what happen to you David.glad you were not affected by covid.

[@Jake19852]

Always good to see a new video from the best backpacking channel on KZbin. 😎

[@cherylbarns-y4m]

Welcome back. Was curious what became of you. Great adventure

[@jamesbarclay4433]

The Sawtooths have been on my bucket list since I started backpacking (after seeing your KZbin channel!). Planning next year. Over the last couple of years I have fallen in love with the Rocky Mountains of our friends to the north. David, you’ve got to get to Banff, Jasper, or any of the Canadian Rockies provincial parks while you can! Permit wise it’s difficult, but Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia may ruin all other future trips for you. North America’s Alps. Check it out!

[@WanderingFromKansas]

Gorgeous views! Thanks for sharing, David!

[@johnsmith-oz5kj]

Best place in the world!

[@JohnBurdette-or7if]

I love Idaho. It’s such a beautiful state so much majestic scenery. !

[@edwardszabo347]

Wife and I heading to Wind River Range and Sawtooths after that this September. Your videos have been very helpful.

[@JohnBurdette-or7if]

In the video, you can almost smell those food cooking in those restaurants! Made me hungry lol

[@wanderingspiritray]

Look forward to seeing your next backpacking adventure

[@KevinFryAdventures]

Another stellar video David! That view you had in Stanley. Damn!!! I must admit that I really love the slides show at the end, full of emotions! I still want to go backpacking with you! Old man trip!

[@sierrashere6957]

Wonderful to see a new post, absolutely beautiful adventure, almost makes me envious, but No, I count my blessings everyday 😊 looks like a lot of fun !!!

[@ScottValler]

Nice to see a new video and glad you had a great trip!

[@Djhikes63]

Love your videos! Always hit right. God's speed, Dudes

[@fscottgray9784]

I love that pizza shop. I stop there every time I go to Stanley.

[@teddysmith457]

Again, David Gray thank you so much for sharing those beautiful photos❤

[@EricLundgren-o1c]

A video well done. I live here in Idaho and you represent the state in your videos with passion . Thank you for the experience you have led .

[@santiagohills3997]

So reminiscent of the Sierra. Beautiful. This video inspired me to/shamed me into picking up a permit for the weekend.

[@lorigurney7280]

Love your content! So refreshing. Thank you for sharing!

[@bartjames100]

Beautiful Video. Good times.

[@candaceneel7685]

Love your videos! Thank you for sharing! 😄

[@Dwvideos]

Nice video that has to be a nightmare planning a trip like that different places to stay flights I'd be a nervous wreck

[@timlawson4314]

I'm glad to see you back.

[@larrybell5144]

Thank you for sending this adventure out to us. I am grateful to see you again.

[@dnmccurry]

Awesome!!! Another video!!

[@jenniferfisher530]

I explored that area two summers ago. Loved the Sawtooth region. This year I explored the western Teton Valley/Swan Valley ID and Teton NP. I had backpacking permits for Cottonwood Lakes in the Sierra that I just had to give up as my crew all had to drop out. Broke my heart but I didn't want to backpack alone. However, I just got back from a camping trip in Bishop Creek canyon in the Sierra with my husband, so that made up for it. Love the Sawtooths. They remind me so much of the Sierra. The one nice thing about the Sierra is the elevation keeps it much cooler. 104 in the valley, 70 up in the mountains. Thanks for sharing. Glad to see ya back at it.

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

Another awesome video! You're feeding the desire to get back in shape and out west again! We've done three weekend trips in the Adirondacks so far but there is just something special about being out west! Looking forward to your Glacier Trip, I haven't been since 2013 and so far, it is my most favorite place although the Sawtooth mountains do look mighty pretty! Glad you all stayed safe away from the fire and prayers to all those affected.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Holy crap what beautiful country!

[@markvorhees6898]

Glad your posting again great blog 👍

[@tinawache2021]

Always a great day when i get to watch a new david gray adventure ❤

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Amazing location ... Just can't say enough ,, once on the journey , it all creates a forever memory .... Love the slide show .... Stay Safe

[@Flo76man]

Hey you got another pup!

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, Millie. Mostly terrier but a lab mix according to the vet. She sort of found us. Millie was abandoned as a 2-month old puppy in my daughter's neighborhood in Indianapolis. My daughter couldn't stand seeing her walking back and forth across the streets in the cold of winter and brought her into her garage to keep safe and somewhat warm. We worked on getting her adapted and were close to finalizing a deal when it started to seem really sketchy so we cut it off. By that time Millie had worked her way into our hearts, and Bailey seemed to love her, so... well, she's part of the hiking crew now.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI DAVID & FRIENDS 👋 FIRST OF IT'S COOL 😎 TO HAVE FRIENDS THAT LIKE TO DO THE SAME THINGS ❤ THIS ADVENTURE YOU 4 DID / WENT ON WAS BREATHTAKING ❤ GOD'S PAINT BRUSH STROKES ARE AMAZING DON'T YOU THINK 🙏 ENJOYED ❤ BE SAFE ☺️ 🙏 HAVE FUN 😊 🙏ENJOYED ☺️ 🙏 GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 😊 🙏AWESOME VIDEO FOOTAGE & SHOTS 📹 PERFECT CAMPSITE ⛺️ 😊 🙏THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME TAG ALONG WITH YOU ALL ❤😊 🙏

[@lizstangelo6880]

Yay was eagerly awaiting your next video drop. Loved the video as always. What a beautiful area

[@cdkcdk1990]

Great stuff DG. Thanks much

[@craigsmith6446]

Awesome! This was one of your best productions!

[@youngheart1065]

I’d have stayed there too! It’s beautiful!!!

[@LETSgoBRANDON08.]

Wow, that looked like a great trip!

[@johnnyformom3418]

Hey David,I have been a subscriber for several years now. We were in Stanley in July also and hung out at redfish lodge area. Probably only missed you by days or so. Idaho is a beautiful state. Thanks for another great video!

[@JoshEbersole]

Heck yes! I’ve been eagerly waiting for your next video. I’m sipping coffee from my official David Gray mug and watching this video.

[@jasonmears4393]

I agree. I'm gonna watch this one when I get home from work.

[@clintwagner3753]

So glad you made it to Idaho. My home state. I hope you enjoyed it

[@jmash41]

Hi David! Another great video of a beautiful scenic hike. I'm from Alabama like Carl and I've seen people eating Spam with the "cold gelatin to lubricate your gizzard"😂 Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your next adventure!

[@vinnyandrocky]

Nice! Now it's on my bucket list for 2024.👍

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Great video as always David! Man those views driving from Stanley to the trailhead were spectacular. Almost a combination of The Winds and the Sierra Nevada. Great camp comradery as always, and I hope your trip the next week went well! Good luck on your Glacier plans, I hope they pan out. Safe Trails!

[@im_just_tripping9711]

Beautiful countryside! Thank you for the video as always 😊

[@tracykooken2606]

good 2 c u !!!! beautiful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!😊

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Such a beautiful area! Thanks for sharing! ~Karen & Shannon WOY

[@DrJohn493]

This was fun to watch! And good keeping it real on the trail!! Stanley Baking looks just like I remember it from the Fall of '15... hope the meals were as enjoyable as my recollection. Thanks for some memorable views and all the backcountry scenery from the Sawtooths. But the heat was a real chapper. Really liked the concluding photos!! But... More Carl...Please! 😉

[@CarlMonin]

Funny, John! 😂 But thanks for the tip on Stanley Baking. Did not disappoint! 👍🏼

[@DrJohn493]

@@CarlMonin ...and I didn't nod off! 😁

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Wow, an adventure from David Gray. Wondered if we were going to see another adventure!!! Can’t wait to see it!!

[@baldmi3603]

Exciting! I am heading there soon. I was wondering about parking at the Tin cup trailhead. It was nice to see empty spaces. That is what I like about your videos. You show the whole trip.

[@robotdog3240]

Ahhhh FYI, that group hit the trail the wrong way right from the start. If you're going to backpack the Tin Cup Loop which is about 18 miles, you start it Counter Clock wise. That group entered clock wise to Alice lake which is the way Day hikers go to Alice Lake and, back to their car. They all really missed out on seeing a lot of other Alpine lakes and the Sawtooths. The parking lot is filled/busy this time of year, best to hit it early for a sure spot. Im about 4 hours from there. Just saying.

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, in hindsight I would agree with all that. Having watched other people's KZbin videos after the trip counter-clockwise is certainly preferred. It makes for an easier first day. Since we didn't get to that side of the loop I can't comment on campsite availability, etc. I'm guessing the shorter first day would open up all kinds of options. We did miss out on the sights from that side of the loop as well as the crazy scenery you always get going over a pass, but I don't think any of us have regrets over the hike we did. Again, I can't compare from personal experience but from other's videos and from seeing first-hand campsites around Alice Lake, I'm confident that the campsite we had on Alice Lake is the best campsite in that entire area, perhaps the Sawtooths, For what our objective was - quality relaxing time at a nice, scenic campsite in the Idaho mountains - the trip met all of our expectations. Regarding the Tin Cup Trailhead parking, it certainly gets full and I would plan to arrive early. We witnessed it on three separate days at three separate times of the day (day before we hiked in the late afternoon, early morning the day we hiked, and early afternoon the day we came out) and there were some available parking spaces on each occasion, though not many. There was 'supplemental' parking along the road on the way in to the trailhead some spots quite a ways away from the trailhead itself, but I think unless you are there at a time when it is absolutely slammed you would be able to find some place to park.

[@nehiker1973]

Great video, David. That bunkhouse in Idaho City looked really cool.

[@johnshipley9755]

I would definitely be fly fishing for trout for breakfast , 😅😅

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

Beautiful scenery!

[@Travis-c1s]

Probably won't see this but I live in Idaho absolutely LOVE the sawtooth mountains. I have a recommendation for you if you ever make it back out to Idaho to check out the Cramer Lakes. You won't be disappointed. Son and I left a couple days before that fire started.

[@leemowers9395]

I had Dunkin Coffee watching your video.

[@justsaynrush9689]

I didn't know where you were coming from. We have lived quite a few places but basically born in sw pa. 7yrs.tx. 16 yes. In Maine and have been in Idaho 23 yrs. Stanley is one of my favorites but to be fair I have a lot of favorites in Idaho. Just came back from majority of trip in Wyoming also Colorado Utah and se Idaho. Due to kids and grandchildren and destinations in Idaho may end up in Lowman

[@ericcomp7032]

Create Influence David ✨️

[@linuteable]

A very cool video! Informative as well! We want to try this hike with my husband, what is the wildlife situation? Did you ever encountered a bear or do you carry a bear spray with you? Thank you! And keep going!

[@Troutvoyager]

Nice I have a video from my trip to the sawtooths as well

[@teresap.5991]

New here, enjoying this vlog😅. You guys aren't exactly young! Must be quite difficult for you. I can't do it anymore but I love watching others... See or hear anything strange up in them there hills?😂 I honestly heard Idaho has squatch? I had an experience 3 yrs ago camping I'll never forget 😮I never got to see the Sawtooth mtns. But drove straight across Idaho to Oregon on my way to see Crater lake, Oregon then down to the redwoods and sequoia and Kings canyon. Went to Monterey bay for 3 days and on a whale watching cruise. Then over to Yosemite. We started with Hoover dam and then the Grand canyon. Then Sedona and up to the Painted desert. Then all through Utah seeing the greatest sites of my lifetime ❤.

[@davidgrayin]

We didn't hear or see anything strange on this trip, but now having seen how remote parts of Idaho are, if there is a place where a Sasquatch could hang out undetected it would be in Idaho! Boy, what a gorgeous place.

[@lll-i4j]

Turn into jerky 😂. Funny. Same here in Texas

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Fantastic video. Beautiful place to camp. Enjoyed watching it. Thanks for sharing. sub and 👍291

[@davidlounsberry4127]

Hallelujah

[@KatWoman_]

A wonderful trip. Gorgeous scenery. Have you been sedentary due to an injury?

[@davidgrayin]

No, not an injury - mostly due to starting a new career in 2023 that doesn't lend itself to daily workouts the way my last job did. Plus, sadly the aging process is clearly starting to affect me more than I'd like to admit. Frankly, if I was a horse I think they would have already put me out of my misery! :-) The Adirondacks knee injury in 2020 (torn meniscus coming down off the Gothics) revealed that I have pretty serious arthritis in both knees, something I was aware of from the pain but somehow having graphic internal pictures of it (from the surgery) somehow makes it more painful. Everything else (feet, shoulders, back) hurts more and makes more crunchy type sounds than before. But the worst thing is my aerobic condition has just suffered from too much sitting at a desk lately. It is my intent to 'get back at it' and get back in better shape (somehow), especially after feeling the effects first hand in Idaho.

[@adamfrank5705]

Hi David! Awesome video. Do you recall how many miles you did on day 1?

[@BS2Dos]

He’s back! Been too long!!

[@rolytech212]

He had an overdose of Dunky Doughnuts coffee 🤣

[@BS2Dos]

@@rolytech212 I was getting concerned he’d retired!! Looks like he’s still going strong though.

[@davidgrayin]

'Going strong' might be a stretch, but as my Dad says when I ask him how he's doing "I'm still upright!'. 2023 and 2024 have been tough years to get hikes in, due to starting a new career in May 2023. But I'm not giving up and when (not if) the time comes that I have some more time available, both to get in better shape and for hikes, I plan to get out on the trails more often.

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

The Red Fish resort was spared by the fire. From what I could find the fire came over the mountain and up to or near the shore of the lake .

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

It was caused by humans

[@heythere1968]

love your channel i came for the thumbnail and stayed for the video. what do you guys use for bear protection?

[@C-TOS]

So sad to hear that beautiful lodge got affected by wildfires.

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, that was crushing for all of us too. It is such a relaxing and welcoming place, and it played a big part in our trip. On our way out after hiking our plan had been to head to the lodge to see if by some miracle there had been any cancellations and we could stay there. We knew about the fires from a sign in the Tin Cup Trailhead but we didn't know the Lodge was closed. The road in to the Lodge was barricaded with police cars at the entrance, and there were water tanker planes flying low in the area. After we all got back home we followed the fire with a special interest, and fortunately the Lodge is now back open and the visual fire damage near the Lodge doesn't look too noticeable (though I know perhaps some of those trees that now look very much green and alive could die later from the affects of the fire).

[@dnmccurry]

Where are you going in Glacier National Park?

[@kaelen9906]

what did you do for work? did you retire early or do you do this on your pto?

[@davidgrayin]

No, I don't do backpacking trips or KZbin professionally, though there were days when I was a tad younger where I wished I could. I work in engineering, first in automotive electronics (for 36 years) and quite recently in the defense industry. Regarding retirement, that's sort of a 'yes' and 'no' answer, though mostly no. I lost my job back in 2019 and in the midst of being on the verge of a new 'gig' Covid hit full force, which derailed things entirely. After months of fruitlessly talking to the same contacts with the same 'we're seeing how things go' answers I gave it up for a while and decided to see if I was really retired. It was more like being in limbo than any type of retirement you could enjoy. In early 2023 I was contact asking if I wanted to get back into engineering leadership. I was, and I'm still doing the new 'gig'.

[@kaelen9906]

@@davidgrayin Interesting. Im an engineer too. Covid was a crazy time. Good to hear you are working again!

[@NorthbyNorthwestAdventures]

You used to use/still use an electrolyte supplement of some sort could you remind us what that was?

[@davidgrayin]

I've used a variety of electrolyte products over the years. Initially, Nuun tablets and lately (last 5 years or so) Skratch hydration powder. For recovery I had always used Endurox R4 but when I went to replenish my supply for this trip it seems harder to find (multiple people were commenting the same thing on various websites). I love the Skratch products so I decided to try Skratch recovery drink - it seemed comparable to Endurox R4 but cheaper.

[@georgeriviere7887]

How about all that downfall on the trail to Alice Lake!?!?

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Did you retire?

[@davidgrayin]

Retired...? Well, sort of, and then un-retired. Which is one of the main reasons I've been able to get so little trail time in. I was 'unemployed' (retired?) for 3+ years and then last May started a new 'gig' that sort of came to me out of the blue. Being the 'newbie' taking vacations is a little unsettling so I've been keeping it to a minimum the last year+. I only got two trips in during 2023, but I'm hoping to get at least five in for 2024 (I just got back from a Colorado overlanding trip two days ago as trip #4, then hopefully at least one more later in the summer/fall).

[@C-TOS]

30:20 Kodak moment

[@jameshbuxtonjr]

when is your next video lol

[@mikeholiday5970]

No dogs on the trip? I'm disappointed. I like the dogs 😢

[@davidgrayin]

Me too! No, its not possible to take the dogs along on trips that involve flying. Plus, the brutal heat on this trip would have made me probably re-think things even if it had been a driving trip with the dogs. It's one thing for me to suffer through the heat, but it rips my heart out when the dogs start showing any signs of heat stress. I love having the dogs along like everyone else, but this wasn't a good trip for doggies.

[@kristidavis2886]

Shocked seeing you guys actually feeding the squirrels. And laughing about it. That goes against all tenents of LNT ethics. Very disappointed.

[@chriss8718]

so the hiking trip turned into the camping trip ... happens at our age! lol

[@davidgrayin]

Yeah, that's been a slow and steady evolution lately. In one of the recent Smokes videos I was joking that pretty soon we're going to start skipping the hiking entirely. That's partly due to the fact the aging process is catching up to me and I can't crank the miles like I used to, both because I hike slower and the miles take more of a toll on me. I haven't given up hope that I can get myself back in better hiking shape, and there are still tons of longer hikes I want to do (JMT, Wonderland Trail, etc.). Maybe that's just an unrealistic 'hope' but it keeps me motivated to keep trying to get in better shape.