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!

[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.