Idaho High Routes: A Two-Part Backpacking Adventure (Difficult/Strenuous)

I've been fortunate to hike and backpack through some of the most breathtaking wilderness areas in the Southwest, each with its own unique beauty. Yet, one place keeps pulling me back, continuing to surprise and inspire no matter how many times I return: Idaho.

Come along on a two-part backpacking journey through this underrated gem of the American West. We'll explore two distinct regions, both known for world-class trails that draw adventurers from across the country and around the globe.

Alaska Basin
(14 miles with approximately 2,900 feet of AEG – Aug. 16th thru the 17th)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wyoming/alaska-basin-trail

Tucked just east of Driggs, Idaho, this sub-alpine basin features a stunning 16-mile loop that hugs the western edge of Grand Teton National Park. I would prefer to do this one as a two or three night adventure but as a warm-up for the Sawtooths we’ll work this trip into the mix as an out and back hike. The trip will begin with from the Teton Trailhead with the destination to the Basin Lakes in the upper end of Alaska Basin. The next morning we’ll leisurely take our time and hike back out to the trailhead, which is all down hill. Even though we’re cutting out some of the more epic views below Mount Meek and from the Teton Shelf, we’re still going to have incredibly rewarding views at the basin lakes giving us good exposure to the area.

Alice-Toxaway
(19 miles with approximately 4,000 feet of AEG – Aug. 18th thru the 21st)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/tin-cup-hiker

Situated between Ketchum to the south and Stanley to the north, and split by the Salmon River, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is surrounded by rugged beauty. With the Sawtooths rising sharply to the west and the White Clouds spread out to the east, this area has, in my opinion, some of the best loop hikes in the west. You may not have heard of Alaska Basin, but chances are the Sawtooths ring a bell and for good reason. This is just one of many spots in the region that are worth exploring.

The Alice-Toxaway Loop begins at the Tin Cup Trailhead near Pettit Lake. We’ll be hiking it counterclockwise, starting with the Pettit Lake Cutoff that links us to the Yellow Belly Trail. From there, the real climbing begins as we work our way up to 8156 Lake, where we’ll set up camp for two nights.

The next day offers a choice: take a dip in the lake or explore the trails around the area. It’s up to you do what feels right. This trip is just as much about unwinding as it is about taking in the sights.

On day three we'll be getting started early to the crown jewel of the loop Alice Lake. Nestled just below the striking silhouette of El Capitan, one of the most iconic peaks in the Sawtooths, Alice Lake spans roughly 71 acres at an elevation just shy of 8,500 feet. Campsites ring the lake, each offering rewarding views with no bad picks. While many choose to spend their first night at Alice, I’ve always preferred saving it for the last night, it's a fantastic sendoff that’s hard to beat.

Day four starts with a mostly downhill stretch that follows the creek flowing from the upper lakes, gradually leading us back to our starting point at the Tin Cup Trailhead.

Flights/Hotel/Trip
I've booked my flight from Mesa Gateway to Idaho Falls Regional Airport and will be backpacking with two others who aren't part of this meetup. My lodging and transportation are already arranged. If you're interested in joining for one or both of the trips, please complete the questions in the RSVP and let me know if you'd like assistance with travel planning. I'm asking anyone interested to respond by the end of June.