Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Sawtooth Mts,
Other U.S.,
ID
The Sawtooth Range is a part of the Rocky Mountains, located in Central Idaho, named for its jagged peaks. Much of the range is located within the Sawtooth Wilderness. To the east lies the 30-mile long Sawtooth Valley and the town of Stanley, our home for the majority of this trip. East of the valley rise the White Cloud Mountains, which offer a unique across-the-valley perspective of the jagged Sawtooths. On this twelve-day adventure, we'll explore alpine lakes, high divides, and majestic peaks of the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains. After arriving in Boise, Idaho, we'll meet the group, gather some supplies for the trip, and enjoy a welcome dinner. After one night in Boise, we'll embark on a three-hour scenic drive to the town of Stanley, our home for eight nights. We'll enjoy some strenuous and challenging hikes ranging from seven to sixteen miles per day. We should see wildlife, pristine lakes, jagged peaks, and many panoramic views alight in yellow and orange foliage. We'll experience the unique terrain and mountain air as we climb to several divides and summits between 9,000' and 10,000'. Our group will hike to the scenic Alice, Alpine, Bench and Sawtooth Lakes. We'll climb to Baron Divide and summit Ruffneck Peak (9,400'), Observation Peak (9,151') and Horton Peak (9,896'). Late afternoons can be spent relaxing at our inn or poking around town. We will spend our last two nights back in Boise, with a full day to explore the city before enjoying a farewell dinner and departing for home. This trip is geared towards the experienced hiker. The terrain is rugged and steep in places and requires agility. Some of the hiking will be at higher elevations where the air is thinner. One day's hiking duration could be nine hours or more. We will hike at a moderate pace, which will permit time for photos and rest breaks. Participants should be in excellent physical condition, capable of hiking several hours daily on consecutive days. This trip is designed for small group travel which allows us to fully experience the landscape and its treasures, enjoy hassle-free travel arrangements, and stay in small, local hotels or cabins.
