ACCESS: The Iron Creek Trailhead is very popular. Be ready with a back-up plan if you cannot find a parking spot. Please do not park in the sagebrush or trees on the side of the road, it destroys delicate alpine habitat.
Please don’t cut switchbacks! It causes erosion, destroys vegetation, and ruins the trail. This trail has many switchbacks, please use them!
Most of our trailheads do not have trash facilities. Please be prepared to pack out all of your trash from the trail and trailhead.
Fires are NEVER allowed at Sawtooth Lake because of its high use and limited fuel sources. If you see a rock fire ring on the ground it is illegal, please don't use it.
Due to the high use and lack of natural soil, packing out human waste is strongly recommended here. Help protect our water quality and fragile alpine ecosystems by using wag bags. There is a restroom at Iron Creek Trailhead.
Store your food in a bear hang or bear proof container. A fed bear IS a dead bear. Help keep our wildlife wild.
This trail enters wilderness. You need a free wilderness permit which can be picked up at the trailhead. Make sure you are aware of all the wilderness regulations.
Trailhead: Iron Creek Trailhead
Round trip: 10 miles
Elevation gain: 1800 ft
Sawtooth Lake is a popular hiking destination in the Sawtooths. The trail follows the valley bottom and then begins to climb more steeply. This hike passes Alpine Lake and continues to climb another 500 feet until you reach Sawtooth Lake. Sawtooth Lake is the biggest alpine lake in the Sawtooths. It has beautiful views.
If you are planning to backpack overnight please follow Leave No Trace practices to help protect this beautiful area. There are limited camping spots at Sawtooth Lake and campfires are never allowed.
