Trail Description
Sawtooth Lake in the southern Pioneer Mountains is a popular summertime hike. We were happy to hike it during a shoulder month to enjoy it in solitude. The hike starts out hiking through a new growth forest recovering from the Hidden Lake Fire in 2003. After about a mile and a half, it meanders closer to the north side of the valley near the base of a rocky cliffside. You’ll have a good view of the cliffs for about 3/4’s of a mile before it goes into a denser hemlock forest following close to Clark Creek. After about another mile and a half the trail opens up and passes through a lodgepole forest. There are a few large switchbacks and here is where you gain the most elevation. At the last switchback, the trail then cuts straight to the lake. Fantastic views of Sawtooth Mountain and Highboy Mountain are easily seen.