Hiking the Grand Sawtooth Loop - A Complete guide
If you’re looking for one of the most breathtaking backpacking trips in the American West, the Grand Sawtooth Loop in Idaho should be at the top of your list. Winding through the rugged peaks of the Sawtooth Wilderness, this 60-mile loop takes hikers past alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and dramatic granite spires that live up to the “sawtooth” name. It’s a route that blends beauty with challenge, perfect for those ready to spend a week immersed in the backcountry.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before setting out: when to go, how to prepare, where to camp, and tips for making the most of every mile.
Trail Overview
The Grand Sawtooth Loop is a roughly 60-mile backpacking circuit that weaves through the heart of Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. Most hikers complete the loop in 6 to 8 days, unless you psycho like me and complete it in ~3.5 days
This is a loop for experienced backpackers who are comfortable with route-finding, carrying a week’s worth of gear and food, and adapting to unpredictable mountain weather. In return, the Grand Sawtooth Loop offers an immersive wilderness experience that few trails in the lower 48 can match.
Total distance: ~55-70 miles ( depending on side trails, variations etc )
Typical duration: 5–7 days
Elevation gain: 12,340 ft
Permits: Free permit form can be aquired at the trail head.
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Experienced backpackers
When to go
The best time to hike the Grand Sawtooth Loop is from mid-July through September. Before July, lingering snow can make high passes dangerous or impassable, and many lakes are still frozen. By late September, nights dip well below freezing and early storms can drop snow, cutting trips short.
July: Wildflowers are at their peak, and the lakes are still icy cold but gorgeous. Expect some snow patches in shaded areas or on high passes.
August: Generally the most stable weather, with long days and (relatively) warmer nights. This is also when you’ll see the most hikers on the trail.
September: Crisp, clear days and fewer crowds make this an incredible time to go, but be prepared for frost, icy mornings, and the possibility of early snow.
Permits & Regulations
One of the best things about backpacking the Sawtooth Wilderness is how simple the permit system is. Unlike many popular backpacking loops in the West, the Grand Sawtooth Loop does not require advance reservations or quotas.
Wilderness Permit: A free, self-issued wilderness permit is required for all overnight trips. You’ll find permit boxes at major trailheads like Pettit Lake (Tin Cup Trailhead). Just fill out the form, carry your copy with you, and drop the other in the box.
Campfires: Campfires are prohibited above 8,000 feet and near many of the alpine lakes to protect fragile ecosystems. Even where fires are allowed, most hikers opt for stoves since wood is scarce at higher elevations.
Group Size: Groups are limited to 12 people to minimize impact. Smaller groups have an easier time finding campsites along the route.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash (including food scraps), camp at least 100 feet from lakes and streams, and use established campsites whenever possible. The Sawtooths are stunningly pristine, and keeping them that way depends on every visitor doing their part.
Pets: Dogs are technically allowed on the Grand Sawtooth Loop as long as they’re kept on a leash, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend bringing them on this trail. This route is tough even for humans, with steep elevation gains, long mileage, unpredictable mountain weather, and plenty of wildlife around every corner.
On our trip, the Sawtooths were absolutely bustling with wildlife. We crossed paths with black bear tracks, had a close encounter with a bull moose, and saw hundreds of elk moving through the valleys. As incredible as it was to witness, it also reminded us how unpredictable and potentially dangerous those moments could be with a dog in tow.
If you’re planning this loop, I’d strongly suggest arranging a pet sitter at home instead. It’ll give you peace of mind and let you fully focus on the trail. If you do decide to bring your pup on a different (shorter, less intense) adventure, make sure you plan the trip around their comfort and safety, not just your own.
Logistics & Preparation
Getting to the Grand Sawtooth Loop takes some planning, since the trailhead is fairly remote. The most common way to arrive is by flying into Boise, Idaho, the state’s largest city and the closest major airport. From there, it’s about a 2.5–3 hour drive (roughly 110 miles) to the trailhead. The drive itself is beautiful, winding through old-growth ponderosa pines and the rolling hills of the Boise National Forest.
From Boise – Take Highway 55 North for about 34 miles, then turn right onto County Highway 17 (Lowman Road). Stay on that for about 33 miles before turning left onto Highway 21 North. After 21 more miles, follow the signs for Grandjean Campground and turn right onto Grandjean Road. The final 5.6 miles are on a dirt road perfectly manageable with 2WD, though a car with some clearance makes it smoother. Expect a few rocks, potholes, and bumpy sections, like most Forest Service roads.
From Missoula, MT – This longer route takes about 6–6.5 hours (330 miles). You’ll head south on US 93, then wind through Challis, Stanley, and down Highway 21 before turning off onto Grandjean Road for the final dirt stretch. It’s scenic, but definitely a full day of driving.
From Twin Falls, ID – Another option, about 3 hours and 45 minutes, heads north on Highway 93 through Shoshone and into Stanley before joining Highway 21 and following signs to Grandjean.
For our trip, we flew into Boise, rented a car for ten days, and made the drive east. To avoid starting the hike with a super-early morning, we decided to stop in Idaho City for the night and stayed at the historic Gold Miners Hotel. It was the perfect way to ease into the trip, a good meal, a cozy bed, and a little taste of mountain town charm before hitting the trail.
When you finally roll into Grandjean, you’ll find a large backpacker parking lot where vehicles can be left safely for days at a time. If you’d rather camp at the trailhead, Grandjean Campground is right there, offering the ultimate convenience for an early start. Another option is to stay in Stanley, about an hour away, though hotels there tend to be more expensive.
Route Details
While some hikers begin the Grand Sawtooth Loop from Pettit Lake, starting at the Grandjean Trailhead on the northwest side of the Sawtooths offers a quieter entry point and an absolutely stunning approach into the mountains. From here, you can hike the loop clockwise or counterclockwise, each with its own advantages:
Clockwise: Brings you quickly to Sawtooth Lake, one of the crown jewels of the wilderness, and spreads the tougher climbs more evenly throughout the trip.
Counterclockwise: Gives you a more gradual start with forested miles before tackling high passes, saving big highlights like Sawtooth Lake for the end of your loop.
For our trip we opted for the Clockwise Route.
In total, starting and finishing at Grandjean keeps the loop around 55–60 miles, depending on side trips you add along the way.
My Route
Day 1 – Grandjean Trailhead → Sawtooth Lake
Kicked off the loop with a climb straight to the stunning Sawtooth Lake.
A tough first push through some old burned forests.
Day 2 – Sawtooth Lake → Baron Lake
Big miles and a lot of elevation gain.
Camped lakeside, but arrived very tired!
Day 3 – Baron Lake → near Smith Falls (off-trail hillside)
The longest, hardest day of the trip.
Ended up camping on a hillside off-trail, completely drained.
Day 4 – Smith Falls → Grandjean Trailhead
Final push out, saw lots of wildlife here.
Ended the trip with some food at the Grand Jean Lodge. ( highly recommend )
We also intended to take the alternate route that drops down toward Edna Lake before looping back around. On paper, it looked like an amazing detour with even more high-alpine scenery. But by the time we reached that junction, we just didn’t have the gas left in the tank. We were tired, worn down from the elevation gains, and decided to stick with the more direct route back.
Overall it was doable, but it meant some very long days, big elevation gains stacked on top of each other. Someone in better shape than me might not has any issues with this route!
Campsites
Baron Lake
One of the best parts of hiking the Grand Sawtooth Loop is the variety of incredible campsites along the way. Whether you want the shelter of tall pines in a river valley or the thrill of sleeping beside a glassy alpine lake under the stars, you’ll find no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
We mostly stuck to impacted sites, (areas already cleared by other backpackers) to help protect the wilderness.
Dispersed Camping
Camping here is first-come, first-served, and there are no reservations. You don’t need a campground booking, but you do need a free wilderness use permit, which you can self-issue at the trailhead. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the backcountry, so you’ll have plenty of flexibility.
Campsite Availability
We had no trouble finding good spots each night. Most of the big alpine lakes like Sawtooth Lake and Baron Lakes are lined with beautiful campsites. But they’re also popular and often crowded. Luckily due to our early starts in the day we were usually one of the firsts people at the campsite, so we got to have our pick of the lot. If you’re looking for more privacy, you’ll find equally scenic (and quieter) sites tucked into river valleys, along streams, or near trail intersections.
The Grand Sawtooth Loop is absolutely breathtaking, a rugged, challenging, and unforgettable slice of Idaho wilderness. Towering granite peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, roaring waterfalls, and sprawling meadows make every step feel like you’re walking through a postcard. At the same time, the trail is seriously demanding: long days, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather test your endurance and planning.
Even though we didn’t complete the section down to Edna Lake, the experience left me inspired. Knowing what I know now, I’m already planning a return trip — ready to tackle that missed portion, take my time, and truly soak in everything the Sawtooths have to offer. It’s a trail that rewards patience, preparation, and an adventurous spirit, and I can’t wait to go back and finish what we started.
Trail Gallery
