Alice Lake & El Capitan

If you're looking for an iconic Sawtooth experience that goes beyond the usual, the Imogene Lake to Toxaway Lake to Alice Lake Loop delivers. This difficult 24.5-mile (39.4 km) hiking route, with 4136 feet (1260 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 12 hours and 35 minutes, immerses you in a landscape of pristine alpine lakes and dramatic granite peaks. You'll wind through conifer forests, cross numerous creeks, and climb to high passes, all while enjoying continuous views of the Sawtooth Mountains, with highlights like the stunning Alice Lake and the expansive Toxaway Lake.

To tackle this multi-day adventure, you'll need to pick up a free permit at the trailhead. The best time to visit is between July and September to avoid snow, but be aware that mosquitoes can be prevalent around the lakes in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. Plan your days to account for these conditions and ensure you have adequate gear.

This loop is celebrated as one of the most scenic and popular backpacking routes in the Sawtooth Wilderness, offering abundant opportunities for camping near the many alpine lakes. It's a quintessential Idaho wilderness experience, known for its

Hike the difficult 13.6-mile Pettit Creek Trail in Sawtooth Wilderness, featuring alpine lakes, El Capitan views, and varied terrain.

The Alice Toxaway Loop, also known as the Tin Cup Hiker Loop, is a quintessential Sawtooth Wilderness adventure, immersing you in a landscape of dramatic jagged, granite peaks and crystal-clear alpine lakes. This difficult 18.9-mile (30.4 km) hiking route features 2866 feet (874 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 8 hours and 56 minutes. You'll traverse through conifer forests, open meadows, and past stunning bodies of water like Alice Lake, Toxaway Lake, and Twin Lakes, with the views from Snowyside Pass being a particular highlight.

Planning your visit requires a free, self-issued wilderness permit available at the trailhead. The Tin Cup Hiker Trailhead parking lot can get very busy, especially on summer weekends, so arriving early is a good strategy. While it can be done as a very long day hike by experienced individuals, many choose to complete this challenging route as a 2 to 3-night backpacking trip, allowing more time to soak in the scenery.

This trail is a prime example of the rugged beauty of the Sawtooth Wilderness, offering a true backcountry experience. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, so proper food storage is essential. The loop can be hiked in either direction, and there are various side trip options to other lakes, allowing for a customized adventure.