Are dogs allowed on Sawtooth Lake?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Sawtooth Lake but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Sawtooth Lake?

No, Sawtooth Lake does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Sawtooth Lake?

Sawtooth Lake is rated difficult. It is 6.9 miles long with 1,654 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Idaho trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Challis National Forest/Idaho

Sawtooth Lake

Stanley, Idaho

6.9 mi

Distance

1,654 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 16m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Sawtooth Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located high in the Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is approximately 6.8 miles (10.9 km) southwest of Stanley. A trail from the Iron Creek trailhead and campground leads approximately 5 miles to Sawtooth Lake. The Iron Creek trailhead can be accessed from State Highway 21 via Sawtooth National Forest road 619.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
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OpenStreetMap

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Idaho hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Sawtooth Lake

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Merritt Peak and Goat Lake

Goat Lake and Goat Falls via Iron Creek Trail, Alpine Way Trail

Alpine Lakes Trail to Lake 8609

Alpine Way to Stanley Lake Trail

Trail Creek Lakes

Stanley Lake To Alpine Lake

Other trails in Challis National Forest

Goat Lake and Goat Falls via Iron Creek Trail, Alpine Way Trail

Mount Borah Trail

Stanley Lake to Bridalveil Falls Trail

Iron Bog Lake Trail

Lady Face Falls

Kane Lake Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Iron Creek Campground

Stanley rv + camp

Stanley Lake Campground

Nip and Tuck Road (FS RD 653 to 633)

Lake View Campground

Sawtooth National Forest Stanley Lake Inlet Campground

Similar trails in Idaho

Table Rock Trail

Stack Rock Trail

Scotchman Peak Trail

Stevens Lakes Trail

Hulls Gulch Nature Trail

Polecat Loop Trail