The Sawtooth Mountains are a range of the Rocky Mountains in central Idaho, reaching 10,751 feet at Thompson Peak and spanning 678 square miles across Custer, Boise, Blaine, and Elmore counties. There are 57 peaks above 10,000 feet, nearly 400 alpine lakes carved by ancient glaciers, and roughly 350 miles of trails within the Sawtooth Wilderness alone. The gateway town is Stanley, Idaho — about 3 hours from Boise, 1 hour from Sun Valley, and 5 hours from Jackson, Wyoming. Despite scenery that rivals the Tetons, the trails see a fraction of the crowds. Here are nine of the best hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Before You Go: Permits and Regulations
A free, self-issued wilderness permit is required for all entry into the Sawtooth Wilderness, including day hikes. Pick one up at the trailhead and drop it in the box. Dogs must be on leash from June 1 through Labor Day. Campfires are allowed only on a fire pan or fire blanket — ground fires and rock fire rings are prohibited. All toilet paper and wipes must be packed out. Camp at least 100 feet from lakes, streams, and trails. The hiking season runs roughly July through September; snow lingers at higher elevations well into June, and early-season hikers should carry microspikes.
1. Sawtooth Lake
Distance: 9.6 miles round trip | Elevation gain: ~1,700 ft | Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
Trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead (Forest Road 619, ~3 miles off Highway 21, 15 min from Stanley)
The most popular hike in the Sawtooths and for good reason — Sawtooth Lake is the largest alpine lake in the range, backed by the striking 10,190-foot Mount Regan. The first 3.5 miles climb gradually through lodgepole pine forest along Iron Creek. At the signed junction, a short detour drops to Alpine Lake, a beautiful destination in its own right. The main trail continues with steeper switchbacks through increasingly rocky terrain, passing a small pond before reaching the enormous blue expanse of Sawtooth Lake at around 5 miles. The final mile is the toughest — rocky and steep — but the payoff is extraordinary. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds; this is the busiest trail in the wilderness. There are backcountry campsites near both Alpine and Sawtooth Lakes for overnighters.
2. Baron Lakes
Distance: ~11 miles one way from Redfish Inlet Trailhead | Elevation gain: ~3,200 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Redfish Inlet Trailhead (south end of Redfish Lake, accessed by boat shuttle or 5-mile hike)
Upper and Lower Baron Lakes sit below Baron Divide in one of the Sawtooths’ most dramatic settings — granite spires, clean blue water, and genuine remoteness. Most hikers take the Redfish Lake boat shuttle from the marina at Redfish Lake Lodge to the Inlet Trailhead, saving about 5 miles of flat lakeside hiking each way. The 2026 shuttle costs $18 one-way / $24 round trip for adults ($4 each way for kids 6 and under, $3 for dogs). Boats depart on demand with 4+ people; groups smaller than 4 can board at scheduled pickup times (9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.). The marina typically opens in late May.
From the Inlet Trailhead, the route follows Redfish Creek for 3.7 miles to Flatrock Junction, then turns right and climbs through switchbacks to Alpine Lake (a different Alpine Lake from the one near Sawtooth Lake — the Sawtooths have two). Continue uphill past Alpine Lake to the high point at Baron Divide, then descend to the Baron Lakes. This is best done as a 2–3 day backpacking trip, combining Baron Lakes with Alpine Lake and possibly Cramer Lakes. Baron Lakes has spectacular campsites with views of the surrounding granite peaks.
3. Thompson Peak
Distance: ~13 miles round trip | Elevation gain: ~4,200 ft | Difficulty: Very strenuous (Class 3 scramble)
Trailhead: Redfish Lake Trailhead (near Redfish Lake Lodge)
At 10,751 feet, Thompson Peak is the highest summit in the Sawtooth Range and one of the most rewarding climbs in central Idaho. This is not a hike — it’s a mountaineering scramble that requires route-finding skill, comfort on exposed terrain, and a full day of effort. The first 3.5 miles follow the Fishhook Creek and Alpine Way trails with moderate elevation gain to an unnamed alpine lake (sometimes called Thompson Lake or Profile Lake) at roughly 9,000 feet. From there, the maintained trail disappears. The remaining 2.5 miles climb steeply over talus, scree, and boulders to the saddle between Thompson and neighboring Williams Peak, then up the south couloir — a Class 3 scramble with moderate exposure — to the summit.
The summit views take in most of the Sawtooth Range, the White Cloud Mountains to the east, the Salmon River in the Sawtooth Valley, and the vast Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness to the north. There’s a summit register. Start early, carry poles, wear solid boots, and be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate. This peak can see afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
4. Goat Lake
Distance: ~6 miles round trip | Elevation gain: ~1,800 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead
Goat Lake sits in a rugged cirque and has become one of the more popular alpine lake destinations in the Sawtooths — not because the trail is easy (it isn’t), but because the scenery is exceptional and GPS navigation apps have made the route easier to follow. The trail starts on the same path as Sawtooth Lake from Iron Creek but branches left after about a mile. The first section is relatively flat, then the route climbs steeply through switchbacks on loose dirt and rock. The final 20–30 minutes involve steep scrambling over large boulders. Trekking poles and sturdy footwear are strongly recommended — this is not a trail for sneakers. Once you reach the lake, follow a rough path around the left shore for 10 minutes to find more secluded spots away from the main arrival area.
5. Bench Lakes
Distance: ~8 miles round trip (to 2nd lake) | Difficulty: Moderate to 2nd lake, strenuous beyond
Trailhead: Redfish Lake Trailhead
The Bench Lakes are a chain of five alpine lakes stacked beneath the dramatic east face of Mount Heyburn (10,229 ft). A well-maintained trail leads to the first two lakes, but beyond that, the path becomes faint, overgrown, and steep — which means the upper lakes offer real solitude. The reward for pushing to the 4th or 5th lake is complete seclusion at the foot of some of the Sawtooths’ most impressive granite. This is a great option for experienced hikers who want to get away from the Sawtooth Lake crowds. The trail starts from the Redfish Lake Trailhead (not the Inlet Trailhead — no boat shuttle needed for this one).
6. Bridal Veil Falls and Lady Face Falls
Distance: ~6 miles round trip | Elevation gain: ~600 ft | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trailhead: Near Stanley Lake (Trail 640)
One of the few shorter, easier hikes in the Sawtooths, this trail leads to two waterfalls at the northern end of the range below McGown Peak. The path begins through a flower-filled meadow with minimal elevation gain for the first couple of miles, then begins climbing toward Bridal Veil Falls. Lady Face Falls is accessible via a short scramble from an unmarked overlook before you reach Bridal Veil. Both falls are best visited in early to mid-summer when snowmelt is at its peak. This is a good “rest day” option between more ambitious Sawtooth objectives — the kind of hike where you can enjoy the mountain scenery without the demanding elevation gains that characterize most trails in this range.
7. Alpine Lake via Redfish Inlet (Baron Lakes Approach)
Distance: ~10 miles round trip from Redfish Inlet Trailhead | Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
Trailhead: Redfish Inlet Trailhead (boat shuttle access)
This is not the Alpine Lake near Sawtooth Lake (see Hike #1) — it’s a separate, equally beautiful lake below Baron Divide, along the route to Baron Lakes. Take the Redfish Lake boat shuttle to the Inlet Trailhead, then hike along Redfish Creek to the Cramer Lakes junction at Flatrock Junction. Turn right toward Baron Lakes and climb a series of switchbacks to reach Alpine Lake. The camping here is excellent, and combining Alpine Lake with Baron Lakes (continuing uphill to Baron Divide — see Hike #2) makes for an outstanding 2-night backpacking loop. The lake is far enough from the trailhead that it sees significantly fewer visitors than Sawtooth Lake.
8. Unnamed Lake Below Thompson Peak (“Lake 8865”)
Distance: ~11 miles round trip | Elevation gain: ~2,500 ft | Difficulty: Strenuous (off-trail sections)
Trailhead: Redfish Lake Trailhead
Referred to informally as Lake 8865 (its approximate elevation) or “Thompson Lake,” this unnamed alpine lake sits in a dramatic cirque directly beneath Thompson Peak and Mickey’s Spire. It’s the base camp for Thompson Peak summit attempts and a spectacular destination on its own. The route follows the same initial approach as Thompson Peak — Fishhook Creek Trail to the Alpine Way Trail — then veers off-trail over scree, talus, and boulders to reach the lake. Route-finding skills and comfort on loose terrain are essential. The trail is rough, unmarked in the upper sections, and often crosses snowfields into early July. For fit, experienced hikers, this is one of the most rewarding destinations in the range — a genuine wilderness alpine lake with no maintained trail and far fewer visitors than Sawtooth or Baron Lakes.
9. Ruffneck Peak and Langer Lake
Distance: ~5 miles round trip | Elevation gain: ~2,000 ft | Difficulty: Moderate-strenuous
Location: Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness (north of the Sawtooth Wilderness)
Technically just outside the Sawtooth Wilderness in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, this hike earns inclusion because of the panoramic summit views that take in the entire Sawtooth, White Cloud, and Pioneer ranges. The route climbs steeply through pine forest to small Langer Lake, then continues up a steep path carved into the slope to Ruffneck Peak’s fire lookout. The lookout is well-maintained and the 360-degree views from the top are among the best in central Idaho. The trail is steep, rocky, and exposed in sections but not technically difficult. This is a shorter, punchier alternative to the longer Sawtooth Wilderness hikes and is less crowded than any trail on this list.
Planning Your Trip
Stanley, Idaho is the base for all of these hikes. It’s a tiny mountain town with lodging (Redfish Lake Lodge, Mountain Village Lodge, cabins, and vacation rentals), restaurants, a general store, and outfitters. The Redfish Lake Visitor Center has maps, trail information, and current conditions. Dispersed camping is available throughout the Sawtooth National Forest for free — popular spots are near Stanley Lake and along Forest Road 619.
Key trailheads to know: Iron Creek Trailhead (Sawtooth Lake, Goat Lake), Redfish Lake Trailhead (Thompson Peak, Bench Lakes, and the walk-in approach to Redfish Inlet), and Redfish Inlet Trailhead (Baron Lakes, Alpine Lake — accessed by boat shuttle). Cell service is limited to non-existent once you leave Stanley. Carry a water filter, bear spray, layers, and sun protection at all elevations.
For more mountain hiking guides, see Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier, the Allegheny Highlands Trail, Redwoods National Park, and Fall Creek Falls swimming.
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