Idaho Hiking Guide | Cap Puckhaber

Sawtooth Wilderness Loop: My Backpacking Guide

The Sawtooth Wilderness Loop in Idaho has become one of my favorite backpacking routes. Every time I head into these mountains, I’m struck by how wild and rugged they feel compared to more crowded ranges. This 25-mile loop takes me through jagged granite peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and meadows that look like they belong on a postcard.

It’s not an easy trip, but that’s the point. I go here when I want to earn every view, push through a few tough climbs, and end up with the kind of memories that stick. For me, this hike usually takes three to four days depending on how much time I spend swimming, taking photos, or just sitting by a lake doing absolutely nothing.

Getting to the Trailhead

I usually start this loop from Pettit Lake, which sits about 20 miles south of Stanley, Idaho. The drive is straightforward: I follow Highway 75 and then take the gravel road marked for Pettit Lake. The parking lot is decent sized, but I’ve seen it fill quickly during July and August. My move is to arrive early in the morning, or better yet, plan a weekday start to dodge the biggest crowds.

There’s a campground at Pettit Lake if you want to stage the night before. I’ve done that once, and it made rolling out in the morning a lot more relaxed. From the trailhead, the route heads toward Alice Lake and connects the classic Alice–Toxaway Loop, which makes up the bulk of the Sawtooth Wilderness Loop. You can download the official Sawtooth Wilderness trail map (USDA Forest Service) before you go—it’s handy to have both digital and paper copies.

Where I Like to Camp

One of the best parts about this hike is how many incredible campsites you can choose from. My go-to spots are:

Alice Lake

This is my favorite first-night stop. Campsites are tucked around the shoreline, and the views of El Capitan towering over the water make it hard to beat. I’ve spent evenings here just watching the light change on the granite and feeling like I got my money’s worth on day one.

Twin Lakes

A short hike above Alice, Twin Lakes is smaller and less busy. When I want quieter nights, I head here. The views aren’t quite as dramatic as Alice, but it feels more secluded.

Toxaway Lake

This is my usual second or third night stop. The shoreline is big enough that I can always find a tucked-away site, even in peak season. Toxaway also makes a perfect place to take a swim after a hot day on the trail.

For site planning and lake details, I’ve found AllTrails’ Alice–Toxaway Lake Loop guide useful for gauging distances and elevation gain.

Highlights Along the Loop

For me, a few spots stand out every time I hike this loop:

• Alice Lake: The most photographed spot in the Sawtooths, and for good reason. The turquoise water and granite backdrop are stunning.
• Snowyside Pass: This is the high point of the loop and offers one of the best panoramic views I’ve ever seen in Idaho.
• Wildlife: I’ve spotted elk, mountain goats, and plenty of pikas. Dawn and dusk are the best times for sightings.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, the Visit Idaho Sawtooth Wilderness guide has great trip photos and tips.

Permits and Rules You Need to Know

The Sawtooth Wilderness requires a free wilderness permit. I grab mine at the self-serve station at the trailhead—it only takes a minute. Group size is limited to 12 people, which helps keep things from getting overrun.

Campfires aren’t allowed in many of the popular lake basins, including Alice and Toxaway. I always bring a small backpacking stove for cooking. The Forest Service updates rules seasonally, so I check in with the Sawtooth National Forest wilderness regulations page before heading out.

Bear Safety on the Loop

I haven’t run into bears in the Sawtooths, but black bears are around. I always follow the basics:

• I store food in a bear canister or Ursack.
• I cook and eat away from my tent.
• I pack out every scrap of food and trash.

Honestly, the bigger issue here is small critters. Chipmunks and squirrels will go through your backpack in seconds if you leave food unattended. For more guidance, the Leave No Trace food storage tips are worth reviewing before your trip.

Finding and Treating Water

Water is one of the easiest parts of this hike. Every major lake has clean sources, and streams are frequent along the trail. I carry a Sawyer Squeeze filter and always have a few chlorine dioxide tablets as backup. Two liters in my pack is usually plenty since I can refill often.

For route planning, I sometimes use Gaia GPS Sawtooth Wilderness maps to check potential refill points.

Gear I Recommend

Based on my trips, here’s the gear that’s made the biggest difference:

• Backpacking stove: My Jetboil boils water fast, which matters when campfires aren’t allowed.
• Warm layers: I bring a lightweight down jacket. Nights often dip into the 30s, even in August.
• Rain jacket: Afternoon thunderstorms roll in quick. A shell is non-negotiable.
• Navigation: I download maps on Gaia GPS and carry a paper backup. Service doesn’t exist here.
• Trekking poles: They save my knees on the rocky climbs and descents.
• Bug spray: Mosquitos can be relentless in June and July.

For an updated checklist, REI has a solid backpacking gear list that I cross-check before every big trip.

My Final Tips

If you go in June, expect snow at higher passes. By mid-July through September, conditions are usually perfect. I prefer late August when bugs are mostly gone, and the crowds are thinner.

The loop is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. I like planning for shorter mileage days because sitting by Alice or Toxaway is half the reason I came. The Sawtooth Wilderness Loop always leaves me sore but satisfied, with that perfect mix of exhaustion and joy that only backpacking delivers.

If you’re looking for a true Idaho backcountry adventure, this loop delivers every time.