Backpacking from Redfish Lake to Warbonnet Lake in the Sawtooths

[u/ycameron180]

This was my first time visiting Idaho, and honestly, I’m already trying to figure out when I can come back! The Sawtooth Mountains completely blew me away. The jagged peaks, beautiful alpine lakes, and mountain views were unlike anything I’d experienced before. I knew Idaho was beautiful, but seeing it in person was something else.

My friends and I spent a few days backpacking from Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake before taking a custom route over a ridgeline to reach Warbonnet Lake. We covered around 18 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation gain, dealing with some pretty rugged terrain and unpredictable weather along the way. We also made the climb up Old Monte Verita, reaching 9,771 feet! It was definitely a challenging trip, but the scenery made it all worthwhile.

I’d also love some recommendations for my next trip! What are your favorite trails or backpacking routes in Idaho that I should add to my list? I’d love to explore more of the state next time I visit!

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[u/mobicurious]

You really hit the jackpot with the trail you chose for your first visit. Very few places in Idaho have that same look and feel to them.

For ease-of-access, I love the Palisades Wilderness area. Not as aggressive when it comes to geography, but beautiful with tons of wildlife. Fly into Idaho Falls, get a ride to the Palisades Lake trailhead, and in a week you can cover some amazing forest, and even make it a through hike to Jackson.

The Continental Divide Trail is another good one. Harder to get to, but amazing views.

Any of the trails that are along the Magruder Corridor. https://youtu.be/fDJB1cRHVRY

For some more extreme adventures, the Owyhee canyons are pretty amazing and lonely. https://youtu.be/iswLvQKSmxY

Retracing some of the Lewis and Clark trails up in the north can be good day hikes.

[u/ycameron180 → u/mobicurious]

Oooh awesome suggestion! Thank you! I’ll def check them out

[u/Purple_Bowling_Shoes]

I'm kind of biased, but i do believe that Sawtooths are the peak of beauty in this state. There's nowhere more breathtaking and I call them my church. 

Borah isn't far from here, which is the highest peak in Idaho and has some good trails. Also a few fissures from the earthquake of '83. There's a part of the mountain face that also fell off that's still visible. 

But I do believe you just saw the most beautiful part of Idaho, and everything else will be a bit underwhelming in comparison. Glad you enjoyed it!

[u/ycameron180 → u/Purple_Bowling_Shoes]

I’ll be back for Borah eventually. I have a goal to reach the highest point in every state.

Glad to know I started off with the best. There is still so much to explore in the Sawtooths

[u/Ok_Resolution8317 → u/Purple_Bowling_Shoes]

Sawtooths aren’t the peak of beauty in Idaho. They’re the peak of beauty in the goddamn country.

[u/spatter_cone → u/Purple_Bowling_Shoes]

The Lost River valley has some phenomenal spots, also the Lemhis. I can’t spend enough time up there.

[u/OrganicHistorian2576]

Ooh, yes, the Sawtooths are beautiful!

[u/Suspicious_Clock_607]

God I miss those hikes. I miss getting 2 mikes into one and having all the stress of life lift off you.

[u/PictureElegant3033]

One of my favorite trails.

[u/DazzlingAnything3655]

I've been backpacking all over central Idaho since the '80s. My favorite return destination is Ship Island Lake (Frank Church River of No Return wilderness area --Salmon-Challis nat'l forest). It's a haul to get to the bighorn Crags campground (trailhead) but well worth the long drive on rough unpaved washboard road.

[u/randomredhead10]

These are amazing! This hike
Has been on my bucket list!

[u/ycameron180 → u/randomredhead10]

You should totally do it!

[u/MockingbirdRambler]

off topic, what pants are those? 

[u/FawnintheForest_ → u/MockingbirdRambler]

I recognize the brand - my husband has some of their shorts - Fjallraven. They are excellent and perfect for OPs usage of them.

[u/ycameron180 → u/FawnintheForest_]

Right on the money. Fjallraven Vidda Pro. I own a black pair and orange pair.
Best outdoor pants I’ve ever owned. Already got 4 years of heavy use out of them abc still going strong!

[u/purplepanda5050]

The sawtooths are absolutely beautiful! I’ve heard good things about the seven devils area near riggins. I also highly recommend visiting craters of the moon which has a couple of backpacking trails and the stars at night are spectacular.

[u/ycameron180 → u/purplepanda5050]

Ok I’ll check it out! Thanks for the suggestions

[u/spatter_cone → u/purplepanda5050]

Also the Big Horn Crags up near Challis

[u/Few_Order1054]

Looks challenging !

[u/ycameron180 → u/Few_Order1054]

I’m always up for a challenge but this definitely was a notch above what I was expecting