The Grand Sawtooth Loop Backpack (Idaho)
The Grand Sawtooth Loop Backpack (Idaho) This undoubtedly is a premier North American backpacking destination. A trip of a lifetime Note: Apparently has a hot spring near the trailhead for a after hike soak along with a convenient car campground. Multiple azure colored lakes and granite peaks galore in this wilderness that many say resembles the Sierras of California. A great well maintained trail system for good daily mileage accumulation. Many fantastic clear swimming holes along the way. Be sure of your commitment. No chronic last minute bailers. Please read the contents of this event in its entirety. There is no need to RSVP "No", if you are not attending. We only need to know who IS attending. The "No" feature is there for people who need to change their RSVP. (THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER EVENT. DO NOT OVER-ESTIMATE YOUR ABILITIES PLEASE). The Grand Sawtooth Loop is one of Idaho’s most exhilarating and burly backcountry trails. It’s a gratifying route that promises a big adventure through some of Idaho’s most challenging and beautiful landscapes. You’ll spend day after day surrounded by high alpine lakes, majestic mountain passes, and craggy, towering peaks. At 60+ miles and 12,000’+ of gain, this trail is no cakewalk, but the wild views of the Sawtooth Range will exceed your highest expectations. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or an occasional adventurer, the Grand Sawtooth Loop offers everything you could want in a multi-day backpacking trip. Note: There will be a possible pre-trip meet and greet planning session if needed prior to taking on this world famous trek sometime in late July. We can discuss checking out points of interest along the way there and back too. Make sure to do your own research beforehand. Those I have multi day backpacked with previously will get first considerations for this epic trek through the Sawtooths but not exclusively should you be quite experienced. This will be a small group of 6 or 8 adventurers max. Will need minimum 3 or 4 people per vehicle to make this trip feasible. You MUST answer the questionnaire in order to be considered for this epic adventure unless I'm familiar with you already. Fun Facts: Distance: 60 to 70 miles (add or subtract mileage for side trips and route variations) Days needed: 5-7 days Type: Loop Elevation gain: 12,340 ft Best travel time: Late summer to early fall (mid-July to mid-September depending on weather) Permits: No advanced permits required. Free permits available at trailhead. Difficulty: Very challenging A very basic Itinerary for now: Day 1 Drive (10 hour 23 minute) to Boise, Idaho. Then another 2 hours to the Grandjean Trailhead Camp Ground. Days 2 to 7 Backpacking an average 11.666 miles per day ( 18.6k days) Day 8 or 9 Supposedly a hot spring nearby the trailhead and CG. Also, a great pub or restaurant finishers take in before heading home. I'll try to find it and add it here. Found it again at the end of the video. The Sawtooth Lodge. Day 9 or 10 Drive back to Canada eh! Cost incurred: Food Gas Campsites along the way and back. Permits. FREE Someplace to clean up afterwards and to stuff our faces with massive quantities of food at the nearest establishment. Resource: Some general information here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/backpacking/a-complete-guide-to-hiking-the-grand-sawtooth-loop/ Here's a good Kraig Adams vid to wet the appetite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SykjY3GdMs&t=1020s GPS Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/grand-sawtooths-loop Gear: In addition to the 10 essentials ([https://www.northshorerescue.com/education/what-to-bring/ Each person MUST bring a bear canister or Ursack that will hold all of your food This list is not exhaustive, but things to note: Medical insurance documentation Ultra light camp chair (My 1 luxury item) InReach or equivalent Backpack with whistle attached Hiking boots Trekking poles (if you use them) Headlamp and spare batteries Waterproof/wind-resistant jacket and pants Layered clothing (wool/polypro base layers, etc) Down jacket Base layers Socks Toque & gloves Water bottles and/or hydration pack Food Water treatment (filter, tablets) Bear canister\Ursack Bear spray/Bug Spray Insect repellent and head net First aid supplies, sunblock, lip balm Medication for any health issues you may have Sunglasses & sun hat Camera / phone Navigation equipment (GPS, map, compass) Tent Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Stove, fuel and cooking equipment Fire starter (waterproof matches, lighter) Pocket knife or multi-tool Plastic garbage bags Toiletries including toilet paper Change of clothes for the drive home Bag to put your dirty/wet boots in while carpooling Disclaimer/Waiver: BC Hiking Community on Meetup, is not a company, but an online community, run by its members. The Organizers are volunteers, not professional guides and their role is to coordinate the gathering of people at the appointed meeting place for the group to voluntarily take part in the organized Event. It is expected that you will show up to events prepared (first aid, proper footwear, clothing, 10 essentials etc.) and that you will be physically able to take part in the event. Also, please be aware that risks are inherent in all of the outdoor type activities that we take part in and if you are injured or worse, BC Hiking Community Meetup, or your event organizer, cannot be held responsible/liable in any way. The success of each event depends on the cooperation & efforts of every member who participates. Although we always make an effort to look out for one another to the best of our ability, each of us is nevertheless responsible for our own safety and well-being during every event. By RSVP’ing "yes" for this event, you acknowledge and accept these terms. More info to those participating.
