The Best Backpacking in Lowman

Gaze at the stars on a crisp night from one of Idaho Park & Rec's best backcountry yurts! Cook a meal in the middle of nowhere with all of the provided utensils. Sleep to the glow of a crackling wood fire as the cozy stove keeps you warm through the night.The adventure begins at Beaver Creek Summit Parking Lot, this is located in the Boise National Forest, a few hours north of Boise and a...

This is one of many great Idaho Parks & Rec backcountry yurts. It sits on a ridge above some excellent tree skiing with views that make the hike well worth it! The wood stove will keep you warm on the coldest of nights, and the kitchen has all the utensils to make a delicious meal. Depending on the size of your pulk or pack, you can expect to spend 2 to 4 hours hiking your way in.The advent...

Perhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines.Getting There: Make your way to the Jennie Lake trailhead by heading north on Hwy 21 (from Boise) past Idaho City but befo...

Based in Grandjean, one of the lesser utilized access points to the Sawtooth mountains, this trailhead is one of the most accessible in the range. A short trek on a dirt road, smooth for even Prius standards, off the highway is the gateway to mountainous adventure.The hike starts at 5200' above sea level at the Grandjean campground, where there is befittingly "backpacker parking" so you don't h...

Steel Mountain, which defines the highest point of the Boise National Forest, has the impressive qualities of its neighboring Sawtooths. From its few alpine lakes to its sharp cliff-like ridges, Steel Mountain has something for everybody, as long as you’re willing to work for it.The closest establishment to Steel Mountain is the former mining town of Rocky Bar. From there, continue northwest on...

The Sawtooth mountain range consists of hundreds, maybe thousands, of small, crystal clear lakes. Because of the sheer number of lakes, there are many destinations where the foot traffic is considerably low. Most weekend packers will stick to the familiar: they find themselves hiking to Sawtooth lake, while beautiful, might be confused with an outdoor mall.Enter Kelly and Marten lakes, one of t...

Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the destination, but one thing is for certain: don't forget to bring your camera!From Boise, take Hwy 55...

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 these adventures, the hike to Alpine Lake, starts just across the lake at the Redfish Inlet trailhead.W...

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, you're rewarded by unobstructed vistas of the entire valley, huge granite boulder fields, and the ...

Blue Lake is a great spot to spend a night next to the lake but is also the perfect escape if you're looking to get away for just the day. The stars at night are worth the trip alone, as it's far away from light pollution. It gets a little windy sometimes but there is plenty of cover and trees to take shelter if need be. You first park at the trailhead off of Cabarton Road. You then descend int...

The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The cost is $7.50 per person each way and is payable at the marina. The boat ride is approximately 7 minutes each way.Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish Lake Creek trail southwest for approximately 2 mile. At the junction, you're about 100 feet ...

The Sawtooths are known for its craggy shapes protruding from central Idaho. Although the hike to Thompson Peak isn't necessarily a rare or tremendously physical feat, it's a proud, boastful moment bagging the tallest peak in the range. Here's the scoop: To reach Redfish Trailhead, head south of Stanley for about 6 miles and follow signs for Redfish Lake. Just before the lodge there is a parkin...

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 trekking 6.5 miles to Imogene. Now, I would like to tell you up front that if you choose the upper, y...

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 drive 5 miles on a rocky four-wheel-drive road. Make sure you have a car with high clearance. From t...

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 along Highway 75. Turn right at the sign for Pettit Lake and follow a gravel road for 2 more miles, this ...

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 take on the route with my opinions interjected :)Day 1-  Tin Cup to Twin Lakes (6.57 miles)Starting at ...