Horton Peak Trail

Horton Peak Trail is a 6-mile out-and-back hike in Idaho's Sawtooth National Recreation Area, part of the Sawtooth National Forest. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail rises from 7,182 feet to 9,897 feet, with a total climb of about 2,700 feet. It is a moderate route, best suited to a day when you can plan for the climb and the time it takes to reach the high point. The trail starts at a lower elevation and works its way up to the peak, so pace yourself. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically July and August, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run in the low to mid 70s, though temperatures at the top run cooler. Several other spots sit within a few miles. The Salmon River is about 2 miles away for paddling, and Alturas Lake Ski is about 2.6 miles off for another hike. Perkins Lake offers lake fishing about 3.5 miles away, and Pettit Lake Campground is about 4.7 miles away for an overnight stay.