Sawtooth Mountains: Alice-Toxaway Loop (overnight) - Intermediate Level

The Alice Toxaway loop is consistently rated as one of the top backpacking trips in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. After doing this with the group last year, I 100% agree. I am up to do it again. This backpack has it all: alpine lakes, tumbling creeks, and towering mountains.
The cover here is an actual picture I took. Check out my Tiktok video that says it all:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjf7GBwr/

This is an intermediate level backpack (see definition below). However, I am open to beginners coming if you come on the Jennie Lake trip and do well or if you kick butt on Grand Slam. If you are a beginner and have some other experience and feel you are qualified reach out to the organizers to discuss further . Either way, you must be able to manage the distance. Day one is easy but day two is much harder.

**YOU MUST have either a bag resistant bag (e.g., ursack) or bear canister - the rangers often check at the trailhead. I can't let you join the meet up without this**. I have one bear canister to loan, first come first serve. However, if you plan to do more backpacks with us, it is a good idea to get your own canister or bag.

Read more here about the Alice-Toxaway Loop:
https://backcountrydirtbag.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/sawtooth-wilderness-alice-toxaway-lake-loop-planning-guide/
Mileage: 18.7 miles
Elevation gain: 3,139 ft
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/tin-cup-hiker
Itinerary:
Saturday: meet at Riverwear in Stanley. You can pick up any last minute gear here (expensive!). We drive 30 minutes to Petite Lake Campground and meet at the Tin Cup Hiker Trailhead. I suggest you park at the horse trailer parking lot, as space is often limited near the trailhead. We will hike to Toxaway Lake and spend the night.
Sunday (suggest sun rise start): complete the loop, grab a late lunch, and head home.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Definitions used by Idaho Hikers and Backpackers:
"Intermittent level backpack: Group members will have a good knowledge of their gear. They may still be testing their equipment out. They are not “dialed in.” Base-weights are average or below average. They feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. They are fine with some elevation gain. The trail may be faint in some places. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2). Backpackers are comfortable with a 10-20 mile trip."

What to bring:
Please review the beginner's backpacking guide for the basic gear list:
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharingBear resistant container](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharing)

Additional items required for this trip:

• Bear spray
• Trowel or wag bag
• Please be prepared for possible water crossings. So have a change of clothes.* More info on this closer to the event. When we went in August there were no water crossings. Typically, these are ankle to calf level deep.
• Water shoes

Policies:
* Please do not bring any alcohol or drugs*
* Leave no trace - so bury or carry your poop*
* If you are unable to complete, you may drop out at any time. However, you are responsible for your own transportation/way back.
* Be honest about your abilities
I am not a guide but a facilitator. Please come prepared to contribute to the objective. I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. By signing up, you agree to be responsible for your own safety. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations but no later than 7 pm the night before the meet up. Last minute sign ups welcomed. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members in order to promote the the group.