Idaho · Hiking

Ardeth Lake Trail

4.9 mi
round trip
698 ft
climb
8,855 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is Ardeth Lake Trail open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 4 alerts for Sawtooth National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Sawtooth National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ardeth Lake Trail is an easy out-and-back hike in Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, part of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area within the Sawtooth National Forest. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and runs about 4.9 miles round trip, with a total elevation gain of 698 feet. The route starts at a low point of about 8,228 feet and climbs to a high of about 8,855 feet. The trail is a straightforward walk rather than a steep climb, and it stays within the wilderness. Bikes are not allowed, so plan on hiking both ways. The most comfortable time to go is summer, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run in the low to mid 70s °F. Winter is cold, with typical averages in the teens and 20s. Nearby, Mount Cramer Trail and the Middle Fork Boise River are both within about 1.6 miles. Pettit Lake Campground is about 7.5 miles away, and the Sawtooth Range climbing area is about 8.1 miles away.

Local outfitters

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors