Alpine Lakes Adventure with Friends
CATEGORY
Loop Hike
SEASON
Summer
LOCATION
Sawtooth Wilderness, ID
DATE
Aug 18, 2025
Expedition Itinerary: Sawtooth Wilderness Alpine Loop
Primary Objective: loop hike
Trip Duration: 5 days
Total Estimated Mileage: ~52 miles
Experience Level: advanced
Terrain Type: alpine lakes
- Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~8700 ft
- Start and end trailhead: Tin Cup Trailhead, ID
- GPS coordinates: 44.0842, -114.8270
- Permits: Not required
---
DAY 1: Tin Cup Trailhead, ID to Farley Lake
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~6 miles, +1400 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Tin Cup Trail
- Terrain description: Pine forests leading to open alpine meadow
- Notable features or side quests: Views of Pettit Lake
- Key water sources: Pettit Creek
- Campsite location: Farley Lake
- Wildlife or safety notes: Black bear territory; use proper food storage
- Trail tip: Start early to secure preferred campsite
---
DAY 2: Farley Lake to Edna Lake
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~10 miles, +1800 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Toxaway Lake Trail
- Terrain description: Rocky terrain with stunning lake views
- Notable features or side quests: Side hike to Imogene Lake (~2 additional miles)
- Key water sources: Multiple lake outlets
- Campsite location: Near Edna Lake
- Wildlife or safety notes: Watch for afternoon thunderstorms
- Trail tip: Keep an eye out for mountain goats
---
DAY 3: Edna Lake to Twin Lakes
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~9 miles, +1500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: South Fork Payette Trail
- Terrain description: Steep ascents with rewarding panoramic views
- Notable features or side quests: Explore Virginia Lakes Basin
- Key water sources: Stream crossings along the route
- Campsite location: Twin Lakes
- Wildlife or safety notes: High traffic area during peak season
- Trail tip: Plan to arrive early for best campsite choices
---
DAY 4: Twin Lakes to Alice Lake
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~12 miles, +1500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Alpine Way Trail
- Terrain description: High ridgeline and dense forest sections
- Notable features or side quests: Off-trail segment to Snowyside Peak summit (~2 additional miles, +2000 ft)
- Key water sources: Various streams en route
- Campsite location: Alice Lake
- Wildlife or safety notes: Limited cell coverage
- Trail tip: Carry a topo map for off-trail navigation
---
DAY 5: Alice Lake to Tin Cup Trailhead, ID
- Distance and elevation gain/loss: ~15 miles, +2500 ft
- Primary trail(s) used: Pettit Lake Trail
- Terrain description: Gradual descent through forested trails
- Notable features or side quests: Views of Snowyside Peak
- Key water sources: Several creeks along the trail
- Campsite location: N/A
- Wildlife or safety notes: Monitor weather for return trip
- Trail tip: Plan sufficient time for breaks and photographs
---
CAMPSITE INTEL
- Camp names and elevation: Farley Lake (~7,600 ft), Edna Lake (~8,400 ft), Twin Lakes (~8,300 ft), Alice Lake (~8,600 ft)
- Fire restrictions: Fires prohibited above 8,000 ft
- Bear safety and food storage: Use bear canisters or hang food
- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Alice Lake, Snowyside Peak
- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate to high traffic in August
- Nearest water source: Adjacent to campsites
---
WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES
- Typical temps: 40°F to 75°F in August
- Sun exposure: High; pack sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
- Acclimatization tips: Allow rest days at altitude if experiencing altitude sickness
---
GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)
- Navigation tools (map, compass)
- Water filtration system
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Fire starter and matches
- Pocket knife
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Shelter system (tent, tarp)
- Insulating layers
- Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)
Pro tips: Opt for a lightweight stove for meal prep; dehydrated meals are efficient for high-energy needs
---
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
- Scenic side trips: Virginia Lakes Basin exploration
- Photo-worthy moments: Snowyside Peak summit
- Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Dinner at a local eatery in Stanley, ID
---
FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY
- Trail hours per day: 6-9 hours
- Wake/sleep rhythm: Awake by 6 am; sleep by 9 pm
- Estimated calories burned per day: ~3500 calories
- Water needed per person: ~3-4 liters
- Recommended pack weight range: 35-45 lbs
---
Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.
Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.
Missions: Field Debriefs
Every mission here has been completed, but the terrain still speaks. Proceed with respect.
