Remote Sawtooth Backpacking (Level 4)

## Very Challenging Trip - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Overview
Lace up your hiking shoes and get ready to leave the crowds behind over Fourth of July weekend in some of the most remote reaches of the Sawtooth Wilderness. This will be a challenging hike with big days that will take us into parts of the Sawtooths that most people will never see. We will hike 14-15 miles each day, so expect early mornings and long days on trail. We will be very remote, and will prepare ourselves for wilderness travel in bear country.

How Hard will this Be?
This will be a hard trip (rated Level 4) primarily due to 14-15 mile days and challenging terrain. We know there will be creek crossings that could be waist deep. The trails are less traveled and could be in disrepair with overgrowth or down trees. It will still be fairly early in the year and we may need to travel on snow. Because of these challenges, attendance on this trip will require strong backcountry experience and preparation. Preference will be given to group members who have hiked with us before. If you have not hiked with us before, the organizer will reach out to you individually to better understand your readiness for this trip, and may ask you to join us on a different trip where we can get to know you before joining us on a trip like this

What is a level 4 backpacking trips?

Physical ability standard (excellent+):
• You exercise 5-6 times per week, sometimes for over 3 hours. Or a minimum total of 10 hours per week. At least twice a month you put in full 8-10 hour days of activity.
• Hiking 12-14 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a 35 - 45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) is fine for you.
• Hiking on steep off trail and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to 5000 feet while carrying a lightweight pack should be ok for you . You can handle a class 2-3 scramble if that is part of the trip.

Experience level (proficient):
• You are knowledgeable on your gear. You can quickly set up and take down your tent.
• Your base weight is below average ( approx. 5-10 lbs).
• You can adjust to different types of weather conditions.
• You may have special skill sets such as map and compass, first aid training, knot tying, or survival skills.
• You are comfortable with route finding and off trail hiking.
• You could organize a backpack at this or lower levels.

Trail description: Trips may have significant elevation gain, weather challenges, and maybe multiple days. You may exceed 15 miles per day. There may be some scrambling (class 2-4) and a helmet maybe required. Examples: Seven Devils loop, White Clouds loop, Grand Sawtooth loop, some winter backpack trips

Pace: 2.5-3.5 mph. A consistent, brisk pace with minimal stopping, typically on well-maintained trails. Breaks every 1.5-2 hrs

There will be a MANDATORY ONLINE PRE-TRIP MEETING (link will be provided as the event approaches).
Attendance at the pre-trip meeting is required to participate in this trip. Add your name to the waitlist and the organizer will move you to the event list. Maximum attendance will be 8 for this trip.

What is this Trail?
This exact route is not covered on Alltrails, but here are a few links to get a feel for where we will be. A Caltopo route will be shared with everyone who signs up for the hike.

Queens River Loop: (we are not doing the Little Queens side of this loop where they are reporting extensive downed trees. Sounds like the main Queens is in better shape): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/queens-river-loop--2
Some Beta on Benedict Creek Trail: https://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=10767
Atlanta to Spangle: https://sbbchidaho.org/PDF/Atlanta-Powerstation-TH..pdf or https://idahoconservation.org/blog/enduring-the-idaho-wilderness-trail-from-atlanta-to-stanley-in-less-than-two-days

Day 1: We will start just outside of Atlanta (Idaho) and hike up the Queens River to Everly Lake, roughly 14 miles and 3400 ft elevation gain. There will be two or three crossings of Queens River that will require wading, possibly waist deep.

Day 2: We will hike a 14-mile loop around Benedict Peak, past Virginia, Edna, Vernon and Ardeth lakes, taking us to Spangle Lake to camp for night 2. Very little net elevation change from start to finish on this segment of trail, but we will be descending and climbing about 2800 feet along the way. Day 2 will take us to the headwaters of the South Fork of the Payette River and the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Boise River on the same day! (Alternately, we could decide if we would rather hike about 6 miles, directly from Everly to Spangle and then summit Benedict and get a nice view of the Rakers.)

Day 3: The trip back to Atlanta is 15 miles, losing 3100 feet from Spangle Lake, following the Middle Fork of the Boise River. Looks like more river crossings and opportunity to get your feet wet again. I am sure everyone will make good time on this stretch of the hike, eager to head back to town and get a shower and a good meal.

Getting to the Trail: We will meet 6:00 a.m. to carpool at a location we will determine in our trip planning meeting. The Boise hikers and the Eastern Idaho hikers will meet up where the road to Pine & Featherville intersect Hwy 20. We will drive to Atlanta via this road. Details will be finalized in our pre-trip meeting.

## 🎒 What to Bring

Required Gear:

• Backpacking tent (1–2 person)
• Sleeping bag (appropriate for conditions)
• Sleeping pad
• Water filter or purification method
• Food: 3 lunches, 2 dinner, snacks
• Water capacity: minimum 2 liters
• Comfortable hiking shoes

Additional Items:

• Trowel or wag bag (available from organizer for $3)
• Toilet paper
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Sandals / extra socks / provisions for creek crossings
• We will watch reports out of the Sawtooths closely to predict if we will be traveling in snow. Micro-spikes may be advised.
• Ten Essentials (required)

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## 📋 Policies & Expectations

• ❌ No alcohol or drugs
• ❌ No weapons or firearms
• 🌿 Practice Leave No Trace
• You may turn around at any time
• Notify the organizer if you cancel
• No-shows may impact eligibility for future trips

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## ⚠️ Safety Notes

• You are responsible for your own safety
• Be honest about your ability level
• If unable to continue, you may need to shelter in place while assistance is arranged
• We will support participants and prioritize safety at all times

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## 🩺 Health & Media

• If you are sick, please stay home
• If you are managing any specific health conditions (diabetes, asthma, etc.) please notify another hiker or your trip leader in case assistance is required.
• By attending, you consent to photo/video use for group promotion (Meetup, YouTube, social media)

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.