IDAHO'S SECRET - Top 5 Hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains

The Sawtooths are incredible and underrated
AllTrails Disclaimer: All distances and elevation in the video are from AllTrails. In my experience AllTrails underestimates distances and elevations by 10-15%, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay: Stanley is by far the most logical place to stay if not camping. All trailheads for hikes listed in video are within a 20 minute drive of Stanley.
Parking: Trailheads can become congested, but I had no issues with parking if arriving before 8AM the week after Labor Day.
Permits/Passes: No reservations or paid permits/passes required for any of the hikes listed. Each trailhead has a small box which holds blank, self-issued wilderness permits (boxes can actually be up to one mile up the trail from the parking lot). Fill out the permit, leave one copy in the box, and take the other copy with you (rangers check for permits).
Water: Due to numerous alpine lakes, streams are relatively abundant in the Sawtooths. Therefore, having a means to filter stream water for safe drinking is highly recommended.
Bugs: Absolutely no bugs from Sept 2 to Sept 10 2023. I have heard bugs are relentless during the summer.
Sawtooth Lake:
AllTrails Link: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/id...
Trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead
At fork when reach lake edge, go right (counter-clockwise) for a few hundred yards to access best viewpoint (north side of the lake).
Baron Divide:
AllTrails Link (to Baron Lakes, does not turn around at Baron Divide): www.alltrails.com/trail/us/id...
Trailhead: Redfish Inlet Trailhead (take boat shuttle, or hike from Redfish Lake Lodge 5.7mi & 950’ elevation gain each way)
Boat shuttle information: redfishlake.com/marina/ ($22 round trip, operates 8AM to 7PM, shuttle leaves on demand)
At the saddle (Baron Divide), follow small trail southward to higher elevation viewpoint for best view over Baron Lakes
Goat Lake:
AllTrails Link: www.alltrails.com/explore/tra...
Trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead
First 1.2 miles shared with Sawtooth Lake hike. Lake reflections best in morning compared to midday. Popular hike due to shorter distance. Recommend offline maps - trail not obvious near the end
Alice-Toxaway Loop:
AllTrails Link: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/id...
Trailhead: Pettit Lake Trailhead
Can do clockwise or counter-clockwise. Both have their merits but consensus prefers counterclockwise. Main trail does not pass by shorelines of Twin Lakes, Toxaway Lake, or Farley Lake - taking spurs to lake shores adds distance and time, so plan accordingly.
Thompson Peak:
AllTrails Link: www.alltrails.com/trail/us/id...
Trailhead: Redfish Lake Trailhead
CLIMB FROM LAKE TO PEAK IS CHALLENGING. DO NOT ATTEMPT IN BAD WEATHER, OR WITHOUT CLASS III SCRAMBLE EXPERIENCE. NEED OFFLINE MAPS, ROUTE TO SUMMIT IS NOT OBVIOUS AND NOT MARKED
Other Hikes to Consider: Cramer Lakes, Imogene Lake, Bench Lakes, Pioneer Cabin (not technically in Sawtooths, about 1h19m drive south of Stanley)
00:00 Intro
00:44 #5 Sawtooth Lake
01:34 #4 Baron Divide
02:39 #3 Goat Lake
03:37 #2 Alice-Toxaway Loop
04:52 #1 Thompson Peak
06:56 Outro

[@13Wademarshall1]

Fantastic video. The narration and brevity was perfect. I went here last fall and I can’t wait to go back.

[@bhargavabharadwajakolanupa7248]

I like your narration. Simple and good. 🙌

[@Gmar69]

Caleb, you're the best narrator and filmograher yet!!! Keep up the good work! I'm an Idahoan, and endorse this video.

[@user-jc9wx4zg1y]

Permits and reservations coming soon!

[@Hermit_mouse]

Take this down immediately.

[@zikkumzakkum5716]

Craters of the Moon is a National Park in Idaho!

[@ajya462]

I think it’s a national monument like Mount Rushmore. Idaho’s only national park is a tiny bit of Yellowstone

[@Gmar69]

Talk about a beautiful hike as an Idaho PSA! I wouldn't recommend this hike for older folks with joint issues.

[@danport222]

Great video! I'll be going out there the first week of September this year for the first time. How was the weather during your trip? The conditions here look perfect, especially if there were no bugs. Also, how well marked are the trails and did you hear of any potentially dangerous wildlife sightings? I'll be solo and am debating whether to carry bear spray. That said, I'm not an experienced hiker and won't do anything that would put me out past dark.

[@CalebShiple]

I also was there the first week in September, weather was absolutely perfect - just cross your fingers you do not get any thick wildfire smoke. Trails are well marked, except for Goat Lake and Thompson Peak, where you need an offline map. I did not see or hear of any bears while I was there, but it is recommended to carry bear spray in the Sawtooths. Thanks for watching!