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This hike is amazing. We got some snow the night before, so probably 60% of the trail was snow covered. We brought yaktrax and gaiters, and ended up using them on the descent. They weren’t necessary, but they were helpful! The views were beautiful. Not a soul in sight. I would definitely do this hike again.
This hike is worth it for the views in the last few miles. The first 3-4 miles are pretty flat (and shaded), then there is moderate elevation gain, and at about 5.5 miles it gets really steep and exposed. There is a small sign directing you right and up when you get to the saddle. It's a rocky slog from the saddle to the final set of switchbacks, but the views are outstanding. My Garmin clocked this at 16.4 RT.
reviewed Took the short route up this time from Ballard Rd, saw 2 other groups on the trail on a Sunday Afternoon. Overcast all the way up, thought we were gonna get some rain but it held out, hit Summit at 2pm. Sunny all the way down. Beautiful July afternoon hike, a little chilly/windy at the top, but otherwise very pleasant. Trail is in great condition, mud in one spot but not bad at all. 7.1 miles round trip, 1593 EG
Our group's GPS tracking clocked 16-17 miles RT, so be prepared for a long day! Besides the mileage, this is a pretty straightforward hike with an amazingly epic view of the big peaks from the top...and it's the only Sawtooth summit with a trail all the way to the top. Granted, we had to pick our own way up to the summit due to snow, but it was very doable, and allowed for some fun plunge-stepping and glissading on the descent. Be prepared for some knee-high or worse creek crossings in early season!
Trail was in beautiful condition! We only passed two people the entire hike. LOTS of wildflowers once on Westridge. GORGEOUS!!!
Beautiful trail for trail running!
Ran about half of the trail. Very shaded in the trees. Fairly dry for the most part and there did not appear to be snow at the top. Drove past the TH over memorial day weekend and there were a ton of cars. Early Tuesday morning - I was the first car.
Beautiful trail. Unfortunately we ran into snow about 1.5 miles from Donner Pass. It started small then about 100-200 yards from the Pass we were postholing to our waists. The mountain beat us today. May be a couple weeks until all that snow is gone.
A great trail that definitely could be pretty challenging at times. It’s a bit muddy and icy in a few areas so good hiking shoes are a must. The view when you get toward the top of Westridge is spectacular, so take a bit to enjoy it. I will be doing this one again in the future.
Lots of dirtbikes on the weekend. Didnt hike the whole trail, because i had my daughter and her friend. Ill be back to do it on my own!! Great views and scenery!! To all my fellow hikers, dont forget pack it in, pack it out. sad how much trash is in the clearings.
I have done this hike from Grand Jean and from Standley Lake. the last climb from the saddle up to the ammo can at the top you'll be in full sun so best to do it early. there is a trail marker in the saddle to point you the right way because the trail disappears for about hundred yards until you get to the ridge.
BTW, just be aware, I notice the mileage is wrong while viewing this recording online. Lots of up and back mid-hike. The out and back is not the 32 miles depicted.
Hiked from Homestead up Well Gulch on to Timber, then Westridge, then Howard, over to Arthur's Rock, north on East Valley back to start for an 8 mile loop. Took 5 hours. Weather on May 9 was cloudy with light snowfall during hike. Trail was either muddy at lower areas or snow covered on higher sections. Temps in the 30's. A good workout and beautiful snow covered scenery. Turned out to be a winter hike on a spring day. Would do this again on a warmer and dry day.
Beautiful this time of year with the leaves changing color! It was a little confusing on where to go sometimes, so download the map if you can! Follow any arrows you see on the trees as well.
a great view of the sawtooths and of the Lakes below the peak.I believe the milage is wrong, not that far ,good day hike
Attempted to hike this trail with the dogs. About a mile in gun shots could be heard ricocheting through the canyon. Shots were very close to the trail and spooked the dogs. We had to head back to the vehicle without much of an exploration.
First to ReviewThis is the only peak in the Sawtooth Wilderness with a Class I trail to the top. The trail starts at Stanley Lake Campground and follows the Idaho Centennial Trail up to a saddle, where it can be difficult to find the Observation Peak Trail at first. Look for the switchbacks above and scramble over some rocks to get to it. This can also be accessed from the Grandjean Trailhead. The last few miles are steep switchbacks, but offer beautiful views to keep you motivated. There is a cairn and lock box at the top. There is a nice view of Horsetail Falls along the way.
Beautiful and extremely icy in several stretches yesterday. Poles &/or microspikes would have been helpful, but going on hands & knees worked fine. (The stretches were generally
