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- Sawtooth Lake: The picture that makes people think of the whole range — a turquoise, glacier-fed lake sitting in a steep, sawtooth-lined cirque with jagged granite ridges rising all around. The hike (popular but still peaceful if you start early) rewards you with dramatic reflections, alpine campsites, and good chances to see marmots and pikas. Personal favorite — the light there at dawn is hard to beat.
- Redfish Lake & the Redfish Valley: Big, accessible lake with a classic mountain-front view of the Sawtooths; boat shuttles and the small resort village make it easy to mix a mellow afternoon with longer backcountry trips. It’s also prime for wildlife in the morning—deer, osprey, occasional elk—and a great staging point for hikes into the heart of the range.
- Alice and Edith Lakes (alpine
- Sawtooth Lake: The picture that makes people think of the whole range — a turquoise, glacier-fed lake sitting in a steep, sawtooth-lined cirque with jagged granite ridges rising all around. The hike (popular but still peaceful if you start early) rewards you with dramatic reflections, alpine campsites, and good chances to see marmots and pikas. Personal favorite — the light there at dawn is hard to beat.
- Redfish Lake & the Redfish Valley: Big, accessible lake with a classic mountain-front view of the Sawtooths; boat shuttles and the small resort village make it easy to mix a mellow afternoon with longer backcountry trips. It’s also prime for wildlife in the morning—deer, osprey, occasional elk—and a great staging point for hikes into the heart of the range.
- Alice and Edith Lakes (alpine lake chain): A cluster of high-clear lakes tucked into flower-strewn meadows and rocky basins—each has its own character but all share glassy water and steep granite bowls. These make for exceptional multi-lake day hikes or short overnight loops; the scenery feels intensely alpine, with lots of places to sit, swim, or watch the light shift on the peaks.
- Imogene Lake: Deep-blue, dramatic, and a little more remote—Imogene sits beneath sheer cliffs that give the lake a fjord-like feel. The trail climbs into real alpine country, so the approach feels earned; it’s quieter than the most famous lakes and fantastic for fishing, photos, and getting away from the crowds.
- Thompson Peak (summit and ridgelines): The highest point in the Sawtooths, and for good reason—once you’re up there (expect a scramble, route-finding, and possibly snowfields), the panoramas sweep across countless peaks and lakes. It’s the standout choice if you want summit views that put the whole wilderness into perspective; not a casual stroll, but utterly rewarding for experienced hikers.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.