Idaho is overflowing with lovely alpine lakes that glitter in the sunlight and make lengthy mountain hikes undeniably worth the extra effort. It’s absolutely impossible to pick just one! But few are as refreshing and accessible to the intermediate backpacker as Alice Lake in Central Idaho’s rugged Sawtooths. Crystal-clear, picture-perfect, and just waiting for a fly-rod, this little mountain lake is magical in all the right ways.
Beautiful, peaceful, and mirror-like, Alice Lake is a true natural paradise.
Hugi FamDamn/YouTube At over 8,600 feet above sea level, the air here is crisp enough to keep this lake frozen well into summer. But whether icy or glistening in the summer sun, this expansive lake is a sight to behold!
The steep trail to get here climbs over 1,600 feet and crosses multiple creeks, making this hike one not for the faint of heart.
Miguel Vieira/Flickr Special wilderness permits are required, which you can grab at the trailhead near Pettit Lake.
The commanding face of El Capitan stands guard over the lake.
David ~O/Flickr Towering at over 9,900 feet, this sheer mountain makes an ideal lookout.
Alice Lake is actually one of the largest lakes in the Sawtooths, and is part of the 18-mile Alice-Toxaway Loop.
Hugi FamDamn/YouTube Be sure to take time to enjoy the view and wildlife! Deer, bears, and more are common sightings, so take caution when you visit. (And remember that this is protected land, so be gentle!)
This hidden gem is perfect in every way, as you can clearly see.
Linda Paul/Flickr Like the dozens of other lakes tucked within the rocky Sawtooths, Alice Lake was formed thousands of years ago by slow-moving glaciers. That icy start is what gives this lake so much natural beauty… but with water temperatures hovering below 50 in the summer, swimming isn’t recommended!
It may seem like Alice Lake couldn’t possibly get any more perfect, and you might be right. But for backpackers with extra endurance, the remaining hike around the loop lakes is just as scenic — waterfalls, streams, and lush vegetation are just the beginning!
Hugi FamDamn/YouTube
At over 8,600 feet above sea level, the air here is crisp enough to keep this lake frozen well into summer. But whether icy or glistening in the summer sun, this expansive lake is a sight to behold!
Miguel Vieira/Flickr
Special wilderness permits are required, which you can grab at the trailhead near Pettit Lake.
David ~O/Flickr
Towering at over 9,900 feet, this sheer mountain makes an ideal lookout.
Be sure to take time to enjoy the view and wildlife! Deer, bears, and more are common sightings, so take caution when you visit. (And remember that this is protected land, so be gentle!)
Linda Paul/Flickr
Like the dozens of other lakes tucked within the rocky Sawtooths, Alice Lake was formed thousands of years ago by slow-moving glaciers. That icy start is what gives this lake so much natural beauty… but with water temperatures hovering below 50 in the summer, swimming isn’t recommended!
For more beauty, check out this unique Road Trip to Nowhere. Now go forth and explore!
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