Sawtooth Wildnerness LOOP
GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIP
IDAHO
Step into Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness for a six-day alpine adventure through jagged peaks, high mountain passes, and a chain of crystal-clear lakes. This trip blends scenic backcountry miles, iconic camps at places like Sawtooth Lake, and true wilderness solitude into one unforgettable mountain experience.
August 1-6, 2026
The Sawtooth Wilderness stretches across central Idaho in a jagged sweep of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and glacier-carved valleys. This route winds through some of the most iconic terrain in the range, climbing high mountain passes, descending into wildflower-filled basins, and linking together a chain of pristine lakes like Sawtooth Lake, Alpine Lake, and Hell Roaring Lake.
This is classic Rocky Mountain backpacking at its best, with big climbs, bigger views, and a landscape that feels raw and untouched. One day, you are grinding up switchbacks toward a high pass with panoramic views of serrated peaks. Next, you are moving through open meadows, crossing cold mountain streams, and setting up camp beside glassy alpine water.
Wildlife is part of the experience here. Mountain goats and deer are commonly spotted along the trail, and if you are lucky, you might hear elk moving through the trees at dusk. Nights are quiet, the stars come out in full force, and the stillness of the backcountry settles in fast, the kind that reminds you just how far you are from everything else.
About the Sawtooth Wilderness Loop
TRIP AT A GLANCE
DATES:
DURATION:
DISTANCE:
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ORIGIN:
GROUP CAPACITY:
August 1-6, 2026
6 DAYS
62 MILES
Moderate to Difficult
Boise, Idaho
7 (MEN ONLY)
PRICE:
$745 (Bring your own gear) / $945 (includes gear rental)
TERRAIN: Well-established alpine trails wind through open meadows, pine forests, and granite basins, connecting a series of high mountain lakes throughout the Sawtooth Wilderness. You’ll move between valleys and scenic passes on a mix of dirt trail, rocky sections, and smooth singletrack, with occasional creek crossings along the way. Expect steady elevation changes and constantly changing views as the landscape opens up around you.
MILEAGE: Approximately 55–65 miles over 6 days, depending on final route and camp locations.
CONDITIONS: Summer days typically range from 60–80°F, with cooler temps at higher elevations. Nights can drop into the 30s–40s°F. Weather can shift quickly in the mountains, with afternoon storms always a possibility. Expect strong sun exposure at elevation and cooler, shaded sections in the valleys.
MEALS: Included: Trail breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.
What to expect ON THE Sawtooth Wilderness Loop
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GROUP DYNAMIC: Small group capped at 7. The pace will be steady and flexible, with time built in for lake stops, photos, and taking in the landscape. This trip is as much about the experience as it is the miles.
TRIP LOGISTICS & PREPARATION
PERMITS: All wilderness permits for the Sawtooth Wilderness are secured and included.
TRANSPORTATION: Participants are responsible for travel to Boise. From there, transportation to and from the trailhead will be coordinated and included.
MEALS: All trail meals are included, from backcountry breakfasts and lunches to dinners and snacks throughout the trip. Any meals before or after the backcountry portion in Boise are not included.
*The rental package includes a backpack, 3L hydration bladder, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove with fuel and cook set, water filter, headlamp, and trekking poles.
GEAR: Bring your own backpacking setup, or rent a full package.* You will receive a full packing list.
CLOTHING: Warm base layers, a puffy jacket, and a lightweight waterproof jacket. Rain is unlikely but possible.
FOOTWEAR: Trail runners or lightweight hiking shoes with solid traction are ideal for varied terrain and long days on trail.
ESSENTIALS: Sun protection, electrolytes, personal medications, toiletries, and a headlamp are required. A small first aid kit, blister care, and extra layers are strongly recommended for comfort in the backcountry.
THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF...
You want to unplug and spend six days surrounded by alpine lakes, mountain air, and wide open space in the Sawtooth Wilderness.
You’re comfortable hiking multiple days in a row with a pack, settling into a steady rhythm on the trail.
You’re drawn to high mountain landscapes, camping beside clear alpine lakes, and waking up somewhere that feels completely removed from everyday life.
You value connection, both with the people you’re hiking with and the environment you’re moving through.
You’re ready to step away from screens, noise, and constant input, and replace it with quiet mornings, long trail days, and nights under the stars.
MEet Your Guide: Alex "rambo" Major
I'm Alex Major, a 20-year military veteran, Search and Rescue volunteer, and someone who genuinely believes the backcountry is one of the best places to clear your head and reconnect with yourself.
Over the last ten years, I've section hiked the PCT through Washington and Oregon, completed the John Muir Trail, the Wonderland Trail, the Timberline Trail, the Loowit Loop, and a lot more in between. All of it while serving full-time and raising a family.
Before all of that, I spent my college years guiding kayak trips through the Black Canyon section of the Colorado River. That's where I first figured out I loved leading people through wild places.
In 2025, I joined the Pinal County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team as a volunteer. I also hold my Wilderness First Aid certification. Safety in the backcountry isn't an afterthought. It's the foundation everything else is built on.
I'm a husband and a dad. I've logged a lot of miles without checking out of real life, and I know what it actually takes to make that balance work. That's the kind of experience I want to help you build.
If you're ready to trade the routine for the trail, let's go.