Tin Cup Hiker is a 17.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Stanley, Idaho that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is an amazing loop hike with beautiful natural features at nearly every turn of the trail. From craggy sawtooth peaks to numerous alpine lakes and dense forests with all manner of animals. Although fast packers may make this loop in a long day, there is enough natural features to keep one entertained for two nights or even three.
SNRA HQ, Ketchum 208-726-7672, District Ranger Station,Stanley,208-774-3681
Easy to find trailhead. Follow highway 75 south from Stanley, Idaho about 15 miles to the Pettit Lake turnoff on the right. Follow this graveled road, bearing right at the intersection to the Pettit lake campground. Just passed the campground is the large parking area for the trailhead. Trailhead pass is required, available at the District Ranger Station 3 miles south of Stanley or at the Sawtooth National Rec Area headquarters in Ketchum. Trailhead has restrooms, pump water and garbage dumptsers.
January 12, 2021Did this trail in September 2020- hands down one of the best trails I’ve ever hiked. Spectacular views the entire way!
December 29, 2020This section of hiking in the Sawtooth National Forest is simply breathtaking. Worth every step!
November 4, 2020October 17, 2020Phenomenal trail. Truly gorgeous. I was planning to go backpacking in the National parks but they were asking for backcountry permits in advance which I didn’t have time for. So we turned to the National Forests and not only can you get in for free and get your own permit but places like these are so under appreciated. I’d never seen so many beautiful sites in one place.
October 5, 2020We hiked from Pettit lake to Alice lake in a drizzle then woke up to snow. It was freezing but rewarding. We then went up the ridge to toxaway and overlooked twin lakes. We cut our trip short and went back to Pettit instead of finishing the loop because our stuff was pretty wet from the night before. Here’s a video from our trip https://youtu.be/bumFuTY5DUY
September 26, 2020Spent 5 nights in the entire area, great way to see everything (38 miles total). The dog did well with all the water sill available. Check out my trail guide/trip report: http://www.girlonahike.com/2020/09/backpacking-alice-toxaway-loop-more.html
September 26, 2020
September 21, 2020This review is for horse riders- The trail is extremely rocky, as to be expected in the Sawtooths. Trail has multiple deadfall blocking the trail. Navigated around what we could, but there are multiple points that are impassable. Either bring a saw, or plan on turning around. On horse- you can’t complete the entire loop.
September 21, 2020excellent hike. we did it in 3 days, camping at alice & farley lakes. great views w/ not too much incline. lots of recently used fire pits, don't be a dick.
September 20, 2020A great trail! Unfortunately we couldn’t complete the entire trail like we planned due to rain, hail, and one of our sleeping pads springing a leak and one of us having to sleep on the ground. We camped at Farley Lake and found, what we feel like was the primo spot right next to the lake. Lots of flat camping spots, they’re a little hidden. Bugs weren’t bad at all. Handful of downed trees that you can easily walk around or limbo through. Rated only 4 stars cause I can’t vouch for the rest of the trail. Whomever built the fire pit and had a fire the night before we got there amidst all these Forrest fires, tisk tisk. Happy trails y’all! If you’re driving in from the North and are not familiar with the area, do yourself a favor and checkout the little town of Ketchum. Great food, drinks, and hospitality. Very dog friendly town too.
September 20, 2020September 14, 2020Still pretty smoky up there, reducing what should be stupendous views to vague notions of silhouettes on the horizon. Nevertheless quite pretty. Southern portion has a moderate amount of deadfall and the GPS track is off a bit east of Alice Lake (if working counterclockwise, you’ll note an obvious stream crossing as well as an old trail crisscrossed with much deadfall continuing on the south bank; cross to the north bank here). Overall the trail has very gentle grading (graded for pack animals?), which makes for cruiser ascents and very boring descents. Better as a day hike due to the popularity/crowding.
September 11, 2020Surrounding wildfires made it pretty smokey up there. Temperature was nice though.
September 10, 2020September 9, 2020Backpacked in and stayed one night at Toxaway. I’m glad we did it counter-clockwise, so we could finish all downhill. I think the views were most breathtaking at Alice Lake (the view of El Capitan) & the view of Twin Lakes at the pass.
September 9, 2020September 9, 2020We did this hike counterclockwise over 3 days, 2 nights. Going counterclockwise there is a stream crossing (the first one, can’t miss it) that wasn’t super obvious because the trail curves to the right but you go left across the stream. Also, there are TONS of spots to fill water. Dirt road to the trailhead is bumpy but we did fine in our Prius. I think this trail should be rated hard rather than moderate, though if you’re doing it over 4 days 3 nights I could see it being moderate. While we were there the weather was all over the place which may have influenced our “hard” designation (we had 90s and also snow and winds of 60+ mph so be prepared for anything!). Also, FYI because of said windstorm there are a LOT of fallen trees from the trailhead to Alice Lake.
September 8, 2020September 8, 2020September 6, 2020September 6, 2020September 6, 2020September 5, 2020September 4, 2020September 4, 2020September 4, 2020Busy trail, great 3 day hike!
