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Ketchum, Idaho

Looking for the best backpacking in Ketchum? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Ketchum. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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Top Backpacking Spots in and near Ketchum

  • Hailey, Idaho

    Pioneer Yurt via Hyndman Creek Trail

    6.91 mi / 1650 ft gain
    This trek starts about 25 minutes from Ketchum, Idaho at the Hyndman Creek Trailhead. As a general rule of thumb, Sun Valley is a great place to be in the fall, and this adventure is no different. The hike itself follows the beautiful Hyndman Creek and is only about 3.5 miles, but the daunting st...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Hike to Kane Lake

    4.7
    6.8 mi / 1717 ft gain
    This hike into the Pioneer Mountain Range starts out in a small meadow near Kane Creek, which you will follow for nearly the whole hike. Once you hit the forested area the uphill climb begins and doesn't stop until you get to the lake. About half way up the trail will begin taking you through roc...
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  • Ketchum, Idaho

    Hike to Prairie and Miner Lakes

    4.0
    10 mi / 1975 ft gain
    The 7200' trailhead is suitable for any vehicle to arrival. In fact, this trail head may be the most suitable that I've seen in Idaho, with only a few miles on a gravel road.See this detailed Caltopo map for a better understanding of this route.This trail isn't an exact loop, but rather more of a...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Backpack through Surprise Valley to Lake 10148

    4.0
    13 mi / 2900 ft gain
    I have a hard time getting the word "legendary" out of my mind when referencing this hike. I liked it that much. The trailhead begins at 7200'; be prepared to drive 20 miles on a maintained gravel road to get there. The first 3 miles of this out-and-back hike are pretty flat, meandering through ...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Born Lakes via 4th of July Lake Trailhead

    4.0
    8.17 mi / 1736 ft gain
    Due to it's higher-than-average starting point, many backpackers use this trailhead to access the remote parts of the Boulder-White Cloud wilderness. The trailhead for this hike, nestled at 8850', is readily accessible by Prius and Jeep alike as the gravel road is well maintained, notwithstanding...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Hike to 4th of July Lake

    3.6 mi / 900 ft gain
    This is an easy, yet breathtakingly beautiful hike. After the fun adventure of the 10.2 mile extra bumpy dirt road to the trail head the hike in is simple. 4 Wheel drive and a spare tire are advised, I got a flat. The drive in through old burned forest area is a cool drive on its own. At the end ...
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  • Ketchum, Idaho

    Alice Lake via Petit Trail

    5.0
    11.97 mi / 1673 ft gain
    Alice Lake is a must-see, jaw-dropping alpine lake in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Whether it's a day hike or a multiple night backpacking trip, it surely won't disappoint. Put on the Idaho playlist, we're headed to Stanley! In Stanley, hang right at the T in the road and continue 17 miles south alo...
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  • Ketchum, Idaho

    Alice Toxaway Loop

    5.0
    27.71 mi / 5515 ft gain
    The Alice/Toxaway Loop is a standard loop in the Sawtooth Mountains, ID.  The basic route is around 20 miles and takes 2-3 days.  This trip report will outline our Aug 2016 trip and also give multiple options for you to use your own imagination when coming up with your own route.  Below is my tak...
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  • Ketchum, Idaho

    Alice Lake, Twin Lake, Edith Lake Loop

    21.85 mi / 3996 ft gain
    Alice Lake, Twin Lake, Edith Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you near multiple alpine lakes located near Stanley, Idaho. Check the Forest Service website for updated permit and camping information in the area. 
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Hell Roaring Creek Trail to Hell Roaring Lake

    11.16 mi / 787 ft gain
    Hell Roaring Creek Trail in Lowman, Idaho, is a moderately challenging hiking trail that stretches for about 11.16 miles. The trail features a steady elevation gain of 787 feet, making it suitable for intermediate hikers. The trail leads to the stunning Hell Roaring Lake, a high-altitude body of ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Imogene Lake

    5.0
    13.41 mi / 1496 ft gain
    You will want to turn onto NF-209 off of highway 75, about 10 miles outside of Stanley, Idaho. You will then turn left onto 315, and you can either park at the lower or upper trail head for trail 097. When you park at the lower, you will be trekking 9 miles. If you choose the upper, you will be t...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Scramble Up Decker Peak

    14.4 mi / 3990 ft gain
    This can be a day trip or, if you want to take your time and relax after the climb, backpack in and camp at Hell Roaring Lake on the night before and after the climb. Begin your journey at Hell Roaring Lake Trailhead. From Stanley, drive on ID-75 south for 12 miles, turn west at Decker Flat, and ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Cramer Lakes via Redfish Inlet Trailhead

    4.0
    14.78 mi / 1880 ft gain
    Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Saddleback Lakes

    5.0
    8.64 mi / 2129 ft gain
    The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The boat ride has a fee and is approximately 7 minutes each way. You can learn more on the Redfish Lake blog. Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

    5.0
    10.85 mi / 1893 ft gain
    Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of the...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Climb Mt. Breitenbach

    8 mi / 4600 ft gain
    Directions to the "trailhead": From Mackay, Idaho take Highway 93, approximately 2 miles past Mackay reservoir, turn right on Upper Cedar Creek road (FS rd 127). Follow this road straight toward the mountains. There will be a number of cattle gates to go through. About 3 miles up, the road crosse...
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