Idaho Hikers & Backpackers - Where Friends and Nature Meet

Please read carefully

Join us for one of Idaho’s most iconic mountain hikes! The Pioneer Cabin Trail climbs through beautiful forests and open meadows to the historic Pioneer Cabin, perched high above the Wood River Valley with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

The famous sign on the cabin reads:

“The higher you get, the higher you get.”

This is a challenging but rewarding day hike with significant elevation gain, making it a great opportunity to build fitness while enjoying some of the best scenery in central Idaho.

Hike Details

• Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: About 2,800 feet
• Highest Elevation: Approximately 9,400 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Pace: Moderate with regrouping at key junctions

Pioneer Cabin Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/pioneer-cabin-trail?sh=oelgkd&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

We will carpool from the park and ride to the coral creek canyon campground . It is possible that we may not find a camp spot there and need to move to an alternative spot as this is a popular time of year or split up at a campsite.

I ask that you be flexible and we take as few cars as possible. I want to be at the pioneer cabin trailhead by 7 am Sunday to secure a parking spot and start before the heat. Finally, since we will be carpooling just bring the minimum you need for the night and the hike.

=========================

About the series:
===========================
I found this great book on hikes in Sun Valley & Ketchum. We may use some of these hikes as scouting trips for future backpacking trips.

Join us for an ongoing hiking series exploring some of Idaho’s most scenic mountain ranges surrounding Sun Valley and Ketchum! This series is designed to bring the community together for memorable day hikes across a variety of landscapes—from rugged alpine peaks to quiet forested ridgelines. Depending on interest, organizer availability, weather, and conditions, this series may extend into next year or beyound.
We’ll be visiting at least one trail in each of the following incredible areas, giving you a chance to experience the diversity of central Idaho hiking:
Smoky Mountains
Often overlooked and refreshingly uncrowded, the Smokies offer sweeping views, wildflower-filled meadows, and a true backcountry feel. Expect moderate to strenuous hikes with big elevation gains and rewarding summit vistas.
Pioneer Mountains
Known for their dramatic peaks and glacial valleys, the Pioneers provide a more rugged and adventurous hiking experience. Trails here often feature alpine lakes, rocky terrain, and stunning views of towering limestone summits.
Boulder Mountains
A quieter alternative to some of the busier ranges, the Boulders offer rolling terrain, open ridgelines, and expansive views. These hikes are perfect for those looking to explore less-traveled trails with a peaceful atmosphere.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Home to some of Idaho’s most iconic scenery, the Sawtooths boast jagged peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and well-maintained trails. These hikes range from moderate to challenging and showcase some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state.

Whether you’re training for bigger adventures or just looking to get outside and meet fellow hikers, this series offers something for everyone. Specific hike details—including distance, elevation gain, meeting times, and difficulty—will be posted for each individual event.
Come explore, connect, and experience the best of Idaho hiking with us!

## PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

If you are interested in this trip, please add your name to the waitlist. We will be adding hikers from the training hike series who are currently on the waitlist.
There is a MANDATORY ONLINE PRE-TRIP MEETING (link will be provided in the event details). Attendance is required to participate in this trip. The final group size is limited to 7 people due to group size restrictions in the Sawtooth Wilderness.

***

## Trip Description

Halfway between Grandjean and Redfish Lake you will find Baron Lakes. We will be taking the boat shuttle across Redfish Lake to start our hike, and follow Redfish Lake creek for a couple miles before veering away from the creek to the 9000 ft pass above Baron Lakes. From this pass, we will be able to see Snowyside Peak, the highest peak on the Alice-Toxaway loop and myriad other peaks in the Sawtooth Wilderness.
📖 More trail info:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/redfish-lake-to-baron-lake-via-trail-101

***

## Approach to This Trip

The hike to Baron Lakes is about 8.5 miles, and will climb a little over 2500 feet to the top of Baron Pass before descending 800 feet to the lakes. This will be a fairly long and challenging trail for a Level 2 hike, so be sure you are ready for the physical challenge if you sign up. As a group, we will take breaks once per hour on the long uphill section to ensure everyone is staying hydrated and strong. Once we get to camp, you may choose to explore the lakes and views in the area, take a swim in the lake, or just take off your pack and relax. We will have a fairly leisurely morning on Sunday, leaving camp by 8:30.

The skill we will focus on for this trip is keeping your pack light (without buying new gear). We will talk about things you can leave at home in our pre-trip meeting, we will practice managing water weight on the trail, and explore food options for without a stove.

***

## Trip Highlights

We will ride the Redfish Lake Shuttle across the lake to start the hike, and then ride the Shuttle back across the lake on our way out. Cost is $28 per person for the round trip.

***

## Road to Trailhead

• Paved all the way to Redfish Lake

***

## Itinerary

### Saturday (July 25)

• Meet: 6:00 AM at Ten Mile Park & Ride
• Depart: 6:15 AM (carpooling strongly encouraged)
• Arrive at Redfish: ~9:30 AM
• Catch the shuttle across the lake (they will operate on demand with a group our size)
• 10:30 start hiking

### Sunday (July 26)

• Wake up by 7:30 AM (or earlier to get pictures of the mountains reflecting off the still lake)
• Start hiking out: 8:30 AM
• Shuttle pick-up at noon
• Optional lunch in Stanley before returning to town

***

## What to Bring

• Trowel or wag bag (available from organizer for $3)
• Toilet paper
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Weather-appropriate sleeping bag
• Water filter or purification tablets
• Tent (single or shared)
• Sleeping pad
• Food: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, snacks
• Water capacity: at least 2 liters
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Ten Essentials (required)

***

## Policies & Expectations

• ❌ No alcohol or drugs
• 🌿 Practice Leave No Trace
• You may turn around at any time if needed

If you cancel, please notify the organizer as soon as possible.
No-shows without communication may affect eligibility for future trips.

***

## Safety Notes

• Participants must take responsibility for their own safety
• If you are unable to continue, you may be asked to “shelter in place” while assistance is arranged
• We will make every reasonable effort to support you and ensure your safety
• We will not leave anyone injured or in danger

👉 Honest self-assessment is critical—do not overestimate your ability

***

## Health & Media

• If you are sick, please stay home
• By attending, you agree to possible photo/video use for group promotion (e.g., YouTube, social media)

***

## Release of Liability

By signing up, you acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of outdoor activities, including injury, property damage, or death. You agree to release the organizers from liability to the fullest extent allowed by law and accept full responsibility for your participation.

We can have two groups. A climbing group and a backpacking/day hike group.

I am plan planning on traveling back to Ecuador after a successful Cotopaxi trip to climb Mount Chimborazo - the closest point to the sun on earth (20,548-feet). This zoom meeting is for those who are interested in the climb /hike/backpack or and to start some preliminary planning for a January or February 2027 trip.

Note that if you are planning to climb this trip requires familiarity with crampons and an ice axe and prior mountaineering experience is highly recommended.