Idaho · Hiking

Horseshoe Loop

11.0 mi
round trip
588 ft
climb
5,918 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Horseshoe Loop open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It doesn't name Horseshoe Loop, so check the source for the area it covers (4 listed).

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

Horseshoe Loop is an 11-mile out-and-back hike in the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 4,694 feet to about 5,918 feet, with a total elevation gain of 588 feet, and is rated hard. The route is on natural surface, and it is open to both horses and bikes. It is not an accessible trail. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Mullan Pass show July and August highs around 70°F with only about six wet days a month, while winter highs sit in the upper 20s. Surveyor's Ridge starts just 0.1 mile away, and Surveyors Lookout campground is about 0.6 mile off. Northbound Creek and Cataract Creek are each about a mile away.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Horseshoe Loop

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      28° / 19°

      19 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 19°

      17 wet

    3. Mar

      34° / 22°

      19 wet

    4. Apr

      40° / 27°

      17 wet

    5. May

      50° / 36°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      58° / 42°

      13 wet

    7. Jul

      70° / 52°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      69° / 51°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      59° / 44°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      44° / 32°

      13 wet

    11. Nov

      32° / 23°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 18°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mullan Pass Vor/Dme, ID, 32.2 mi away at 6,028 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Route details

Distance
11.0 mi round trip
Climbing
About 588 ft
Starts at
SAWTOOTH SADDLE (about 5,400 ft)
Summit
5,892 ft
Difficulty
Hard

Getting there

Park at SAWTOOTH SADDLE.

Questions about this route

How long is the Horseshoe Loop on Sawtooth Peak?

About 11.0 mi round trip from SAWTOOTH SADDLE (about 5,400 ft).

How much elevation gain is on the Horseshoe Loop?

About 588 ft of climbing round trip.

How hard is the Horseshoe Loop?

It is rated hard.

Where does the Horseshoe Loop start?

SAWTOOTH SADDLE (about 5,400 ft).

Conditions and forecast on Sawtooth Peak

Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.