The Grand Sawtooth Loop is one among Idaho’s most exhilarating and burly backcountry trails. It’s a gratifying route that guarantees an enormous journey by a few of Idaho’s most difficult and exquisite landscapes. You’ll spend day after day surrounded by excessive alpine lakes, majestic mountain passes, and craggy, towering peaks. At 60+ miles and 12,000’+ of achieve, this path is not any cakewalk, however the wild views of the Sawtooth Vary will exceed your highest expectations. Whether or not you’re a seasoned backpacker or an occasional adventurer, the Grand Sawtooth Loop presents the whole lot you might need in a multi-day backpacking journey.
Fast Info
- Distance: 60 to 70 miles (add or subtract mileage for aspect journeys and route variations)
- Days wanted: 5-7 days
- Kind: Loop
- Elevation achieve: 12,340 ft
- Greatest journey time: Late summer season to early fall (mid-July to mid-September relying on climate)
- Permits: No superior permits required. Free permits obtainable at trailhead.
- Problem: Very difficult
Highlights
- Gorgeous alpine lakes and mountain vistas
- Handy allow system with no superior reserving required
- Quite a few aspect journey alternatives and choices for shorter loops
- Spectacular wildflower shows in spring and summer season
- Wildlife sightings from birds and deer to elk and coyotes
- Properly-maintained and principally well-marked trails
Lowlights
- Burn space close to the start of the route
- Crowded alongside some sections of path and at standard tenting spots – particularly throughout summer season weekends
- Mosquitoes and flies in spring and summer season
- Numerous climbing, together with steep ascents and descents with elevation achieve/lack of round 3,000 ft or extra per day
- There are just a few rivers to ford alongside the route
- Uncovered high-elevation sections of path
Greatest Time to Hike
The very best time to sort out the Grand Sawtooth Loop is within the early summer season to early fall, ideally from mid-July to mid-September. You may backpack a bit earlier than or after these dates however plan on colder temperatures and snow. Like most excessive mountains, spring can imply postholing by lingering snow banks and fall can imply recent, icy snow and chilly winds.We hiked the complete loop and all aspect journeys in late September. The climate was within the 30s at night time and 40s to 50s throughout the day. The climate was an acceptable fall mixture of sunny, calm days and days with low-hanging clouds, gentle rain, frost, and a dusting of snow. With the fitting gear, we stayed heat and loved the quiet, uncrowded trails.
Problem
We fee the Grand Sawtooth Loop as very difficult as a result of vital quantity of elevation achieve and loss. Trails by this stunning space are established, maintained, and well-graded. However with round 3,000 ft of ascent and descent day by day, anticipate to be continuously climbing up or down over the course of the loop. There are only a few flat sections.After all, issue depends upon your expertise, bodily health, pack weight, and climate situations. In case your backpack is heavy, your hike shall be tougher. Scroll to the underside of this text to see our light-weight gear suggestions that can make your hike happier. When you’re seeking to shed some weight out of your equipment, try our information for Ultralight Backpacking Fundamentals.
Permits
A allow is required to hike the Grand Sawtooth Loop. They’re free to choose up in particular person on the trailhead. You do not want to guide upfront however do convey the allow alongside while you head up the path.
Getting There
The Grand Sawtooth Loop is situated in central Idaho about 2.5 hours from Boise, the largest metropolis within the state. The next instructions are for attending to the Grandjean Campground Trailhead. That is the perfect place to begin for accessing the Grand Sawtooth Loop. Entry to the turnoff for Grandjean Campground is paved. The final 6 miles is a dust highway that’s no downside for 2WD automobiles, though we advocate a automobile with some clearance. Like most grime Forest Service roads you’ll have to navigate rogue rocks, bumpy grading, and occasional potholes.
From Boise – It’s about two and a half scenic hours to drive east from Boise to Grandjean Campground. You’ll get pleasure from a shocking drive by old-growth ponderosa stands and the rolling hills of Boise Nationwide Forest. Take Freeway 55 North out of Boise and comply with it for about 34 miles. Take a proper onto County Freeway 17 / Lowman Street. Keep on County Freeway 17 for about 33 miles, then flip left onto Freeway 21 North. After about 21 miles, comply with the indicators for Grandjean Campground and switch proper onto Grandjean Street. The highway will flip to grime. Drive 5.6 miles till the highway ends on the campground and trailhead.
From Missoula – From the north, you’ll get pleasure from a sluggish, winding strategy into Idaho’s central wilderness. It’s about six hours to drive south from Missoula to Grandjean Campground. From Missoula, comply with US 93 South for 136 miles. At US-93 South / South Challis Avenue, flip proper, and proceed for 60 miles. Subsequent, flip proper onto Freeway 75 South and drive into the Idaho Rockies for 55 miles. Whenever you attain the small mountain city of Stanley, flip proper onto Freeway 21 South for 37 miles. Observe the indicators for Grandjean Campground and switch left onto Grandjean Street. The highway will flip to grime. Drive 5.6 miles till the highway ends on the campground and trailhead.
From Twin Falls – When you’re arriving from the south, Sawtooth Nationwide Forest is filled with spectacular vistas and wildflower-filled meadows. It’s about 3 hours and 45 minutes to drive. From Twin Falls, take Freeway 93 North for 27 miles. Whenever you attain Shoshone, Idaho, Freeway 93 turns into Freeway 75, however you’ll proceed north on the identical highway 116 miles to Stanley, Idaho. Take a left onto Freeway 21 South for 37 miles. Observe the indicators for Grandjean Campground and switch left onto Grandjean Street. The highway will flip to grime. Drive 5.6 miles till the highway ends on the campground and trailhead.
Maps & Guidebooks
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
We advocate all the time carrying a paper copy of a map along with utilizing a GPS app in your cellphone. You may obtain or buy maps and guides by the next hyperlinks:
- Backpacking Idaho: From Alpine Peaks to Desert Canyons – That is an indispensable guidebook for analysis on the Grand Sawtooth Loop.
- Mountaineering Idaho’s Sawtooth Nation – One other useful guidebook for exploring trails within the Sawtooth, White Cloud, and Salmon River Mountains. Useful ideas and hikes for households and youngsters.
- Sawtooth Society Maps – The Sawtooth Society is a nonprofit group targeted on preserving and enhancing recreation within the Sawtooth Nationwide Recreation Space. They provide glorious PDFs and downloadable assets, together with a path map.
- Forest Service Topography Maps – Sturdy maps for finding out trails and the numerous ups and downs of the Grand Sawtooth Loop.
- Nationwide Geographic Map – Reliably thorough, colourful, waterproof, and tear-resistant maps for the Sawtooth Nationwide Recreation Space.
DIGITAL RESOURCES
Your cellphone is likely one of the strongest methods to analysis a brand new outside journey, plan your climbing route, then monitor your whereabouts on the path. For tips about methods to use your cellphone as a backpacking GPS, see our Find out how to Use Your Cellphone as GPS System information.
- Avenza (Android or iPhone) – Think about downloading the Avenza cellphone app and buying the Sawtooth & Whitecloud Mountains, Idaho Path Map. For $7, these maps cowl the Grand Sawtooth Loop and the bigger Nationwide Recreation Space. Just like different prime GPS apps, Avenza lets you live-track your location. That’s tremendous useful at path intersections with complicated signage or while you’re not sure which left it is best to take. Android and iPhone pleasant.
- Gaia Maps – When you don’t need to pay for an app however nonetheless need highly effective monitoring options with an in depth, free offline map, Gaia is a superb alternative. However you’ll have to load a pre-made route forward of time from an out of doors supply or create your personal. Android and iPhone pleasant.
- CalTopo – CalTopo is one among our favourite assets for printing out topographical maps and designing, planning, and importing particular routes. Android and iPhone pleasant.
- Topo Maps+ – Topo Maps+ additionally presents all kinds of path maps and glorious on-trail navigational options. iPhone solely.
Laws
When you’re heading on an journey within the Idaho Sawtooths, overview the present guidelines and restrictions on the Forest Service Sawtooth Nationwide Recreation Space web site.
PERMIT
You will want a allow to backpack the Sawtooths, however it’s free and could be obtained on the trailhead.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Lowering our affect on the pure world not solely protects us however preserves wildlife habitats and the setting. Regardless of the place you’re tenting, climbing, or backpacking, all the time observe Depart No Hint rules.
DOGS
Canines on a leash are allowed on the Grand Sawtooth Loop. Nonetheless, we advocate getting a pet sitter: it is a robust route for furry buddies. Big elevation good points, lengthy distances, loads of wildlife, and unpredictable climate could make an already difficult hike harder with Fido.
It’s very important to cater backcountry journeys round your pup to maintain each of you comfy, protected, and having fun with the journey. In case your four-legged buddy is becoming a member of the pack, check out our information of 14 Suggestions for Mountaineering & Backpacking With a Canine.
CAMPFIRES
Whereas campfires are allowed in particular locations, we advocate skipping them altogether. Fuel stoves are extra environment friendly, safer, and sooner for cooking. As a result of this space is so closely forested and distant, wildfires can begin simply and grow to be very giant, very quick. Fires are banned off-trail from July 1 till Labor Day, and there are year-round bans that apply to particular areas and drainages.Per the Forest Service, there are no floor fires allowed anyplace within the Sawtooth Wilderness. Campfires within the Sawtooths are solely allowed on a fireplace pan, hearth blanket, or in designated hearth pits. Be sure you verify the fireplace stage ranges in addition to situations and notices for the Sawtooth space forward of time. And, try our Campfire Security Suggestions Information for hearth security ideas.
Water
Water is plentiful alongside this route. The path follows streams and creeks virtually the whole manner, and most nights you’ll camp close to excessive alpine lakes. We discovered there have been only a few stretches over our 5-day hike the place there wasn’t entry to recent, flowing water. However, even the cleanest Idaho snowmelt and spring-fed creeks must be filtered. Try our prime picks for water filters to maintain your backpack gear weight down and your hydration ranges up. To make hydration even simpler on the path, think about bringing alongside an electrolyte combine from our Greatest Hydration Mixes information.
Tenting
Tenting in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness presents a variety of choices. Whether or not you’re in search of a protected web site within the treeline of a deep river valley, otherwise you’d favor to sleep below the celebs subsequent to a relaxed alpine lake, campsites are well-used and plentiful on this route. We advocate selecting an impacted web site 100 ft away from lakes, rivers, and trails.
DISPERSED CAMPING
Dispersed tenting is permitted all through the backcountry. No tenting reservations are wanted, however you’ll want a wilderness use allow for touring by the Sawtooth Wilderness.
CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY
Campsites are simple to search out on the Grand Sawtooth Loop. They’re first come, first served. Most lakes are lined with attractive spots for pitching a tent, however these areas are usually crowded and standard. That is very true for picturesque locations like Sawtooth Lake, Bear Lakes, and Lake Edna. There are numerous extra personal, protected, and equally scenic spots all through the river valleys, alongside streams, and close to path intersections.
QUALITY OF CAMPSITES
The standard of those campsites is usually good, and lots of are clear and well-maintained. We had no bother discovering flat, quiet campsites with spectacular views close to water and out of the wind. Sadly, a number of the most developed websites weren’t solely lower than 100 ft from our bodies of water however had broken vegetation and eroded soil from overuse.
AMENITIES
The Sawtooth Wilderness doesn’t supply services or facilities. There are not any bathrooms, hearth rings, or picnic tables, so all guests must be ready to comply with Depart No Hint rules. It’s particularly essential to handle human waste responsibly in wild locations. To brush up in your backwoods rest room expertise, try our Backpacker’s Information to Find out how to Poop within the Woods.
CELL SERVICE
Cell service may be very restricted or nonexistent earlier than arriving on the trailhead, so be sure you obtain all maps forward of time.
HOW TO FIND A CAMPSITE
When you’re a planner, guidebooks are useful for narrowing down probably the most attractive locations to pitch a tent, and there are some maps on-line to find particular campsites. We advocate utilizing topographic instruments like Gaia or CalTopo to decide on a lake or an space the place you’ll spend the night time, then staying versatile when you arrive: a few of our favourite campsites weren’t well-marked on assets.
OUR FAVORITE SITES
There are a plethora of campsites alongside the Grand Sawtooth Loop. Listed here are just a few of our favorites:
- Path Creek Lakes – This quick aspect journey provides about .6 miles and round 400 ft of climbing for a number of good-to-excellent campsites close to the spectacular Path Creek Lakes. Additionally think about including the quick, steep cross-country scramble to Higher Path Creek Lake.
- Baron Lakes – The dramatic Baron Lakes presents very good views of quite a few granite spires and cliffs. These campsites are often busy and standard, however we discovered a much less crowded and scenic tenting choice simply earlier than the lake.
- Ardith Lake – That is additionally a well-liked lake with quite a few stellar campsites providing scenic views. Horse events are frequent right here.
- Smith Falls – Huge, roaring Smith Falls is value greater than only a aspect journey. Think about an in a single day keep close to campsites simply upstream from the huge, fascinating waterfalls.
Route
ROUTE DIRECTION
From Grandjean trailhead and campground, you’ll be able to full the loop clockwise or counterclockwise:
- Clockwise – We went clockwise. That is the extra standard choice as a result of entry to very large mountain vistas and clear alpine lakes is comparatively quick for each day hikers and backpackers.e We advocate this course as a result of we had been instantly immersed in probably the most awe-inspiring and jagged peaks within the Sawtooths. The path climbs a steep 2800’ on day one, however the closing 20 miles had been extra relaxed and stage en path to the trailhead.
- Counter-Clockwise – Reversing the course of strategy means a neater begin with a protracted and gradual ascent over the primary 20 miles. Because you begin off on extra mellow terrain, the surroundings will grow to be extra dramatic and beautiful day after day as you head to probably the most rugged components of the path.
One of many actual highlights of the loop, Sawtooth Lake, shall be close to the tip of the journey in the event you’re touring counter-clockwise. This lake, framed by tough, tall peaks, is likely one of the most jaw-dropping views within the space. The path would additionally finish with one of many greatest descents of the journey again to the trailhead at almost 3,000 ft.
RECOMMENDED ADD-ONS
These are non-obligatory, extremely really helpful mountains and lakes to contemplate including to your hike.
- Path Creek Lakes – Provides 1.2 miles and 400 ft spherical journey. It is a stunning lake basin in a burn space surrounded by jagged peaks.
- Remark Peak – Provides 2.5 miles and 1,100 ft spherical journey. 9,151-foot Remark Peak is the one peak within the Sawtooths with a category one path that goes to the summit. It presents a number of the greatest views within the vary and is definitely worth the journey.
- Sand Mountain Go – Provides 3.2 miles and 800 ft spherical journey. It is a worthwhile aspect hike to a move with unbelievable views of the encompassing excessive ridges, blue lakes, and thick evergreen forests.
- Three Island Lake – Provides 1 mile and 300 ft spherical journey. Three Island Lake is a deep, wealthy blue lake framed by sensational Peak 9785, named for its elevation.
- Everly & Plummer Lakes – Provides 4 miles and 850 ft spherical journey. These clear blue lakes are actual gems within the Sawtooth. They’re smaller, distant, and farther from the principle circuit and supply extra solitude than different campsites on the Loop.
Backpacking Gear – What to Pack
We favor light-weight backpacking as a result of we are able to cowl extra floor with much less effort. Extra gear and weight can sluggish you down and expend your power, particularly on multi-day adventures. For suggestions on our favourite light-weight backpacking tools, try the CleverHiker Gear Information and our Prime Picks web page.
TENT
Flat, hard-packed campsites are as plentiful alongside the Sawtooth Loop Path as bumpy, root-filled ones. Our group used the MSR Freelite 2P, NEMO Hornet OSMO 2P, and Huge Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Answer-Dyed – a few of our favourite backpacking tents of the yr. These had been glorious decisions due to their low weight, sturdiness, and ease of use, and all three simply dealt with precipitation and icy fall mornings. For extra of our prime tent picks, try our information to this yr’s Greatest Backpacking Tents.
SLEEPING BAG/QUILT
We hiked this path throughout chilly late September days when the temperature at night time obtained right down to freezing. The light-weight Enlightened Gear Revelation quilt, Feathered Pals Flicker quilt, and Western Mountaineering AlpinLite sleeping bag stored us heat. These decisions labored properly due to their efficient down filling, low weight, and fast-drying supplies. Whether or not we camped subsequent to frigid lakes or in frosty forests, these sleep programs labored. See our Greatest Backpacking Quilts information and our Greatest Sleeping Luggage information for extra of our favourite sleeping decisions for any finances.
SLEEPING PAD
We used the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT, which we named one among our Greatest Backpacking Sleeping Pads. That is one among our favourite three-season sleeping pads as a result of it’s insulated and heat due to its excessive R-value. We discovered the Xlite was sufficient to maintain us insulated on even the coldest mornings.
PILLOW
For extra consolation, choose a pillow from our checklist of Greatest Backpacking and Tenting Pillows.
BACKPACK
We introduced the HMG Southwest and Zpacks Arc Haul 60. Each fashions have hung out on the prime of our checklist of the Greatest Backpacking Backpacks of the yr. Each Ultralight backpacks carried out properly, stored us organized, and made the journey as gentle as potential.
COOKING SYSTEM
For a range, we used the quick and environment friendly Jetboil Flash. The Flash was named the “Greatest Worth Built-in Range System” on our Greatest Backpacking Stoves checklist. We additionally used our choose for “Greatest Funds Ultralight Range” from that checklist, the BRS 3000T, for its simplicity. We boiled water within the sturdy, light-weight Toaks Titanium 750mL pot. For extra of our prime cookware suggestions, see our information to the Greatest Backpacking Cookware.
FOOD
5 days of snacks and meals can get heavy in the event you don’t choose fastidiously. This isn’t a very long time, so we introduced alongside our favourite premade choices. To search out inspiration on your new favourite backcountry meals, see our guides on the Greatest Light-weight Backpacking Meals, Greatest Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals, and Greatest Vitality Bars.
FOOD STORAGE
Bear canisters will not be required on this space. As a substitute, we introduced alongside bear-proof and critter-resistant Ursacks for the Grand Sawtooth Loop. There was all the time wildlife current and correct meals storage presents peace of thoughts within the backcountry.
WATER FILTERS
Creeks, streams, and lakes are in every single place within the Sawtooths, so we had no bother staying hydrated. Whereas climbing we used Katadyn Micropur Tabs (chlorine dioxide tabs), and we’ve written up a full overview. When at camp, we filtered water with Platypus Gravityworks. We just like the Platypus Gravityworks when touring with a bunch. It filters loads of water rapidly and couldn’t be simpler to make use of. For extra choices, discover our different favourite Backpacking Water Filters.
FOOTWEAR
The paths that make up the Sawtooth Loop are simple to comply with and well-traveled, however nonetheless have loads of rocks, roots, and obstacles. We advocate climbing sneakers with versatile however supportive soles, a grippy lug sample, and breathable uppers to deal with all types of terrain, moisture, and climate. We used the Saucony Peregrines (males’s / ladies’s) and the Altra Lone Peak (males’s / ladies’s) for these causes.
Discover out about these sneakers on our guides Greatest Mountaineering Sneakers for Males and Girls. When you’re out there for climbing boots, see our lists of the Greatest Mountaineering Boots for Males and Girls.
CLOTHING
Listed here are a few of our favourite climbing/backpacking clothes objects we used on this journey. Try extra of our prime picks on our Prime Gear checklist.
HEADLAMP
We used one among our favorites from our Greatest Headlamps Information. The rechargeable, brilliant, and dependable Black Diamond Spot 400-R made navigating middle-of-the-night rest room journeys no problem.
MAPS
For this journey, we used the guidebook Backpacking Idaho: From Alpine Peaks to Desert Canyons to plan, CalTopo to print off maps, and the Topo Maps + app to navigate on path.
FIRST AID KIT
By no means head into the backcountry with out a small personalised first support equipment. We introduced alongside the .5 Journey Medical Equipment. Discover the perfect equipment for you on our checklist of the Greatest First Support Kits.
SUN PROTECTION
The Grand Sawtooth Loop has little or no shade from the solar on mountain passes, burn areas, and prolonged above-treeline sections. Even throughout shoulder season, we advocate bringing sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and polarized sun shades. Think about the Ray Ban Polarized New Wayfarer, our choose for “Greatest Sun shades” on our Greatest Gear Listing.
OTHER ITEMS
MORE INFO
For all issues planning, try our Final Backpacking Guidelines and get ideas and methods from our crew of consultants.
