Favorite Hikes & Tips for the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
As I anticipate heading to Stanley, Idaho to spend another summer at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch (where I’ll be teaching yoga), I thought it’d be fun to reflect on three of my favorite hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains, a range that is a part of the Rocky Mountains in Central Idaho.
Lady Face Falls – 5 miles
This hike is not particularly challenging, but it’s one of my favorites because it’s easily accessible and has great views. The flat first couple of miles of the trip provide picturesque views of the mountains. After a little bit of up and down in the hills, you’ll come to the top of the waterfalls, which you can scramble down on the rocks for a better view (or even a dip in the freezing cold water!).
The first couple of miles of the hike are on flat ground, with great views!
I took this relatively easy hike in between shifts one day last summer and enjoyed the peacefulness and shaded cover. I hung out in my hammock for quite a while and enjoyed my lunch.
If you fancy a little longer hike, you can go further and try to find Bridal Veil Falls (doesn’t every state have a waterfall named this?). Honestly? I tried to find them and failed, so good luck! However, the trail is well-marked, so you won’t get lost. Just turn around and go back.
Goat Lake – 8 miles
At the top of the hike at Goat Lake.
This hike is my absolute favorite. Even with endless hiking all around, I managed to fit this in twice last summer. I had a friend who even went three times. I won’t lie—the first time is intimidating, so make sure to take a friend.
The hike starts out relatively easy at the Iron Creek trailhead just outside of town, but it quickly becomes a 4 mile hike up into the mountains. Toward the top, you have to scramble up the rocks as they shift under your feet (take extra care on the way back down). With a little bit of a challenge, you’re rewarded with a beautiful lake in the mountains. Don’t miss the small waterfalls along the way.
Goat Lake Falls
If you’re brave, you can jump off the cliff a little ways in and be shocked by the ice water! I highly, highly recommend this if you’re into cold dips in any way shape or form. It’s the reason this is my favorite hike! If you go in June, there may still be ice floating on top.
Alice Lake – 10 miles
Alice Lake
While this one is the longest trek of the three, it’s a wonderful day hike. Start out in the morning when it’s still cool; take several river crossings (wear sandals if you want to get your feet wet—otherwise it’s easy to hop across rocks and fallen logs to avoid it); and hike up and up until you get to the giant lake up in the mountains. The views are incredible, and it has a lot of spread out swimming spots. Make sure to enjoy lunch or a snack up top and take your time coming back down.
Best Tips for Hiking in the Sawtooths
Start your hike in the morning because it’ll get hot fast, especially the areas up in the mountain that are exposed.
Wear lots of sunscreen and be prepared for the heat. Hats help!
Always pack water (more than you think you need. One disposable bottle will not be enough), sunscreen, snacks, a jacket (sometimes it is cold up top even if it’s warm at the bottom of the mountain), a towel for if you want to go for a dip, and a proper first-aid kit just in case.
Jump in all the lakes!
After a long day hike, head into town and stop at the local businesses for a cold drink, and ice cream, or a baked good.
