Idaho · Hiking · Near Ketchum

North Fork Loop

1.7 mi
loop
210 ft
climb
6,353 ft
high point
Loop
route
May–Sep
best months

Is North Fork Loop 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.

North Fork Loop is a 1.7-mile loop in Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, within the Ketchum Ranger District. The trail is an easy walk with a total elevation gain of 210 feet, rising from about 6,100 feet to about 6,350 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Ketchum show July highs around 80°F with lows near 45°F, and snow is common from November through April. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows bikes, so it works for hikers and riders alike. The loop takes about half a day to complete. Chocolate Gulch is just 0.4 miles away, and Saddle Trail is about 1.4 miles off. North Fork Campground sits roughly 2 miles away, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is about 2.2 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    North Fork Cg

    Campground

    Campground · 2.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    The Sun Valley Club

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 5 mi
  • If it rains

    Sun Valley Museum of Art

    Museum

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Ketchum

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit North Fork Loop

    Best months: May–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

      31° / 8°

      10 wet · 9 snow

    2. Feb

      35° / 11°

      9 wet · 7 snow

    3. Mar

      43° / 19°

      8 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      52° / 27°

      7 wet · 2 snow

    5. May

      62° / 35°

      8 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 40°

      7 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 45°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      79° / 43°

      4 wet

    9. Sep

      69° / 36°

      4 wet

    10. Oct

      56° / 28°

      5 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      41° / 17°

      7 wet · 4 snow

    12. Dec

      30° / 9°

      10 wet · 9 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ketchum Rs, ID, 5.7 mi away at 5,890 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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