The Grand Sawtooth Loop is certainly one of Idaho’s most exhilarating and burly backcountry trails. It’s a gratifying route that guarantees an enormous journey via 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 affords all the pieces you might need in a multi-day backpacking journey.
Fast Info
- Distance: 60 to 70 miles (add or subtract mileage for facet journeys and route variations)
- Days wanted: 5-7 days
- Sort: Loop
- Elevation achieve: 12,340 ft
- Finest journey time: Late summer time to early fall (mid-July to mid-September relying on climate)
- Permits: No superior permits required. Free permits obtainable at trailhead.
- Issue: Very difficult
Highlights
- Beautiful alpine lakes and mountain vistas
- Handy allow system with no superior reserving required
- Quite a few facet journey alternatives and choices for shorter loops
- Spectacular wildflower shows in spring and summer time
- Wildlife sightings from birds and deer to elk and coyotes
- Effectively-maintained and largely well-marked trails
Lowlights
- Burn space close to the start of the route
- Crowded alongside some sections of path and at in style tenting spots – particularly throughout summer time weekends
- Mosquitoes and flies in spring and summer time
- A number of climbing, together with steep ascents and descents with elevation achieve/lack of round 3,000 toes or extra per day
- There are a couple of rivers to ford alongside the route
- Uncovered high-elevation sections of path
Finest Time to Hike
The very best time to sort out the Grand Sawtooth Loop is within the early summer time to early fall, ideally from mid-July to mid-September. You’ll be able to backpack a bit earlier than or after these dates however plan on colder temperatures and snow. Like most excessive mountains, spring can imply postholing via lingering snow banks and fall can imply recent, icy snow and chilly winds.We hiked the total loop and all facet journeys in late September. The climate was within the 30s at evening and 40s to 50s through the day. The climate was an applicable fall mixture of sunny, calm days and days with low-hanging clouds, gentle rain, frost, and a dusting of snow. With the best gear, we stayed heat and loved the quiet, uncrowded trails.
Issue
We charge the Grand Sawtooth Loop as very difficult as a result of important quantity of elevation achieve and loss. Trails via this stunning space are established, maintained, and well-graded. However with round 3,000 toes of ascent and descent each day, count on to be consistently mountaineering up or down over the course of the loop. There are only a few flat sections.After all, problem is determined by your expertise, bodily health, pack weight, and climate situations. In case your backpack is heavy, your hike will likely be tougher. Scroll to the underside of this text to see our light-weight gear suggestions that may make your hike happier. In case you’re trying to shed some weight out of your package, 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 individual on the trailhead. You don’t want to guide prematurely however do carry 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 very best start line 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 autos, though we suggest a car with some clearance. Like most filth 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 via old-growth ponderosa stands and the rolling hills of Boise Nationwide Forest. Take Freeway 55 North out of Boise and observe 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, observe the indicators for Grandjean Campground and switch proper onto Grandjean Street. The highway will flip to filth. 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 method into Idaho’s central wilderness. It’s about six hours to drive south from Missoula to Grandjean Campground. From Missoula, observe US 93 South for 136 miles. At US-93 South / South Challis Road, 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 filth. Drive 5.6 miles till the highway ends on the campground and trailhead.
From Twin Falls – In case 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 filth. Drive 5.6 miles till the highway ends on the campground and trailhead.
Maps & Guidebooks
PHYSICAL RESOURCES
We suggest at all times carrying a paper copy of a map along with utilizing a GPS app in your cellphone. You’ll be able to obtain or buy maps and guides via the next hyperlinks:
- Backpacking Idaho: From Alpine Peaks to Desert Canyons – That is an indispensable guidebook for analysis on the Grand Sawtooth Loop.
- Mountain climbing 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 wonderful PDFs and downloadable assets, together with a path map.
- Forest Service Topography Maps – Sturdy maps for learning 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 among the strongest methods to analysis a brand new outside journey, plan your mountaineering route, then monitor your whereabouts on the path. For tips about how one can use your cellphone as a backpacking GPS, see our Use Your Cellphone as GPS Machine information.
- Avenza (Android or iPhone) – Take into account 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. Much like different high 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 – In case you don’t wish to pay for an app however nonetheless need highly effective monitoring options with an in depth, free offline map, Gaia is a superb selection. However you’ll have to load a pre-made route forward of time from an out of doors supply or create your individual. Android and iPhone pleasant.
- CalTopo – CalTopo is certainly one of our favourite assets for printing out topographical maps and designing, planning, and importing particular routes. Android and iPhone pleasant.
- Topo Maps+ – Topo Maps+ additionally affords all kinds of path maps and wonderful on-trail navigational options. iPhone solely.
Laws
In case you’re heading on an journey within the Idaho Sawtooths, evaluate 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 may 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 atmosphere. Regardless of the place you’re tenting, mountaineering, or backpacking, at all times observe Depart No Hint rules.
DOGS
Canine on a leash are allowed on the Grand Sawtooth Loop. Nevertheless, we suggest getting a pet sitter: this can be a robust route for furry buddies. Large elevation positive factors, lengthy distances, loads of wildlife, and unpredictable climate could make an already difficult hike harder with Fido.
It’s important to cater backcountry journeys round your pup to maintain each of you snug, secure, 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 Mountain climbing & Backpacking With a Canine.
CAMPFIRES
Whereas campfires are allowed in particular locations, we suggest skipping them altogether. Fuel stoves are extra environment friendly, safer, and quicker for cooking. As a result of this space is so closely forested and distant, wildfires can begin simply and develop into very massive, 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, fireplace blanket, or in designated fireplace pits. Make sure you test the hearth stage ranges in addition to situations and notices for the Sawtooth space forward of time. And, try our Campfire Security Suggestions Information for fireplace security ideas.
Water
Water is plentiful alongside this route. The path follows streams and creeks nearly the whole means, 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. Take a look at our high picks for water filters to maintain your backpack gear weight down and your hydration ranges up. To make hydration even simpler on the path, contemplate bringing alongside an electrolyte combine from our Finest Hydration Mixes information.
Tenting
Tenting in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness affords a variety of choices. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a protected website within the treeline of a deep river valley, otherwise you’d favor to sleep underneath the celebs subsequent to a relaxed alpine lake, campsites are well-used and plentiful on this route. We suggest selecting an impacted website 100 toes 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 via the Sawtooth Wilderness.
CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY
Campsites are simple to seek 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 typically crowded and in style. That is very true for picturesque locations like Sawtooth Lake, Bear Lakes, and Lake Edna. There are various 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 mostly good, and plenty of are clear and well-maintained. We had no hassle 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 toes from our bodies of water however had broken vegetation and eroded soil from overuse.
AMENITIES
The Sawtooth Wilderness doesn’t provide services or facilities. There aren’t any bathrooms, fireplace rings, or picnic tables, so all guests must be ready to observe Depart No Hint rules. It’s particularly essential to handle human waste responsibly in wild locations. To brush up in your backwoods toilet expertise, try our Backpacker’s Information to Poop within the Woods.
CELL SERVICE
Cell service could be very restricted or nonexistent earlier than arriving on the trailhead, so you should definitely obtain all maps forward of time.
HOW TO FIND A CAMPSITE
In case you’re a planner, guidebooks are useful for narrowing down essentially the most attractive locations to pitch a tent, and there are some maps on-line to find particular campsites. We suggest utilizing topographic instruments like Gaia or CalTopo to decide on a lake or an space the place you’ll spend the evening, 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 a couple of of our favorites:
- Path Creek Lakes – This quick facet journey provides about .6 miles and round 400 toes of climbing for a number of good-to-excellent campsites close to the spectacular Path Creek Lakes. Additionally contemplate including the quick, steep cross-country scramble to Higher Path Creek Lake.
- Baron Lakes – The dramatic Baron Lakes affords excellent views of quite a few granite spires and cliffs. These campsites are often busy and in style, however we discovered a much less crowded and scenic tenting choice simply earlier than the lake.
- Ardith Lake – That is additionally a preferred lake with quite a few stellar campsites providing scenic views. Horse events are frequent right here.
- Smith Falls – Extensive, roaring Smith Falls is value greater than only a facet journey. Take into account an in a single day keep close to campsites simply upstream from the extensive, fascinating waterfalls.
Route
ROUTE DIRECTION
From Grandjean trailhead and campground, you possibly can full the loop clockwise or counterclockwise:
- Clockwise – We went clockwise. That is the extra in style choice as a result of entry to large mountain vistas and clear alpine lakes is comparatively quick for each day hikers and backpackers.e We suggest this route as a result of we have been instantly immersed in essentially the most awe-inspiring and jagged peaks within the Sawtooths. The path climbs a steep 2800’ on day one, however the last 20 miles have been extra relaxed and stage en path to the trailhead.
- Counter-Clockwise – Reversing the route of method means a better begin with a protracted and gradual ascent over the primary 20 miles. Because you begin off on extra mellow terrain, the surroundings will develop into extra dramatic and lovely day after day as you head to essentially the most rugged components of the path.
One of many actual highlights of the loop, Sawtooth Lake, will likely be close to the tip of the journey in case you’re touring counter-clockwise. This lake, framed by tough, tall peaks, is among 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 practically 3,000 toes.
RECOMMENDED ADD-ONS
These are elective, extremely beneficial mountains and lakes to contemplate including to your hike.
- Path Creek Lakes – Provides 1.2 miles and 400 toes spherical journey. This can be a stunning lake basin in a burn space surrounded by jagged peaks.
- Commentary Peak – Provides 2.5 miles and 1,100 toes spherical journey. 9,151-foot Commentary Peak is the one peak within the Sawtooths with a category one path that goes to the summit. It affords a number of the greatest views within the vary and is well worth the journey.
- Sand Mountain Move – Provides 3.2 miles and 800 toes spherical journey. This can be a worthwhile facet hike to a go with unimaginable views of the encircling excessive ridges, blue lakes, and thick evergreen forests.
- Three Island Lake – Provides 1 mile and 300 toes 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 toes spherical journey. These clear blue lakes are actual gems within the Sawtooth. They’re smaller, distant, and farther from the principle circuit and provide extra solitude than different campsites on the Loop.
Backpacking Gear – What to Pack
We favor light-weight backpacking as a result of we will cowl extra floor with much less effort. Extra gear and weight can sluggish you down and expend your vitality, 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 have been wonderful selections 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 high tent picks, try our information to this yr’s Finest Backpacking Tents.
SLEEPING BAG/QUILT
We hiked this path throughout chilly late September days when the temperature at evening acquired all the way down to freezing. The light-weight Enlightened Gear Revelation quilt, Feathered Buddies Flicker quilt, and Western Mountaineering AlpinLite sleeping bag saved us heat. These selections 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 techniques labored. See our Finest Backpacking Quilts information and our Finest Sleeping Baggage information for extra of our favourite sleeping selections for any price range.
SLEEPING PAD
We used the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT, which we named certainly one of our Finest Backpacking Sleeping Pads. That is certainly one of 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, decide a pillow from our record of Finest Backpacking and Tenting Pillows.
BACKPACK
We introduced the HMG Southwest and Zpacks Arc Haul 60. Each fashions have frolicked on the high of our record of the Finest Backpacking Backpacks of the yr. Each Ultralight backpacks carried out properly, saved 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 “Finest Worth Built-in Range System” on our Finest Backpacking Stoves record. We additionally used our decide for “Finest Price range Ultralight Range” from that record, the BRS 3000T, for its simplicity. We boiled water within the sturdy, light-weight Toaks Titanium 750mL pot. For extra of our high cookware suggestions, see our information to the Finest Backpacking Cookware.
FOOD
5 days of snacks and meals can get heavy in case you don’t choose rigorously. This isn’t a very long time, so we introduced alongside our favourite premade choices. To seek out inspiration to your new favourite backcountry meals, see our guides on the Finest Light-weight Backpacking Meals, Finest Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals, and Finest Vitality Bars.
FOOD STORAGE
Bear canisters usually are not required on this space. As an alternative, we introduced alongside bear-proof and critter-resistant Ursacks for the Grand Sawtooth Loop. There was at all times wildlife current and correct meals storage affords peace of thoughts within the backcountry.
WATER FILTERS
Creeks, streams, and lakes are all over the place within the Sawtooths, so we had no hassle staying hydrated. Whereas mountaineering we used Katadyn Micropur Tabs (chlorine dioxide tabs), and we’ve written up a full evaluate. When at camp, we filtered water with Platypus Gravityworks. We just like the Platypus Gravityworks when touring with a bunch. It filters plenty 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 observe and well-traveled, however nonetheless have loads of rocks, roots, and obstacles. We suggest mountaineering sneakers with versatile however supportive soles, a grippy lug sample, and breathable uppers to deal with all kinds 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 Finest Mountain climbing Sneakers for Males and Girls. In case you’re available in the market for mountaineering boots, see our lists of the Finest Mountain climbing Boots for Males and Girls.
CLOTHING
Listed here are a few of our favourite mountaineering/backpacking clothes gadgets we used on this journey. Take a look at extra of our high picks on our Prime Gear record.
HEADLAMP
We used certainly one of our favorites from our Finest Headlamps Information. The rechargeable, vibrant, and dependable Black Diamond Spot 400-R made navigating middle-of-the-night toilet journeys no situation.
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 and not using a small customized first assist package. We introduced alongside the .5 Journey Medical Equipment. Discover the very best package for you on our record of the Finest First Help 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 suggest bringing sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and polarized sun shades. Take into account the Ray Ban Polarized New Wayfarer, our decide for “Finest Sun shades” on our Finest Gear Record.
OTHER ITEMS
MORE INFO
For all issues planning, try our Final Backpacking Guidelines and get ideas and methods from our staff of specialists.
