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Sawtooth National Forest

Best Hiking Trails in Sawtooth National Forest

119 reviews


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Seasonal Popularity

Overview

Located in south-central Idaho and extending just a bit into Utah, the Sawtooth National Forest is divided into two very different districts that are separated by the Snake River.

The Southern District, south of the Snake River, is part of the basin and range ecosystem and characterized by the desert-like landscape on par with Utah and Nevada. Lower elevations in the southern district host sagebrush and juniper stands, while higher elevations bring typical mountain conifers such as pine and fir trees along with stands of aspen.

In contrast, the district north of the Snake River, is mostly mountainous terrain, set in pine and fir forests and adorned with high alpine lakes and wild rivers. The northern district holds three wilderness areas: the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, and the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness. The Sawtooth Wilderness, dubbed the "crown jewel" of Idaho, hosts more than 50 peaks higher than 10,000 feet, 400 high alpine lakes and deep glacial valleys. Rich with wildlife, the northern area is home to deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, coyotes, wolves, and black bears.

Both the northern and southern districts offer an array of recreational possibilities, including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, off-roading, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Getting Started

If you're planning to go to the southern district, try the Rock Creek Complex south of Twin Falls, Idaho. Rock Creek has eight campgrounds and 60 miles of trails accessed by three trailheads. Stop in at the Minidoka Ranger Station in Burley, Idaho for more information.

In the Northern District, head toward Ketchum, Idaho and hike or bike on the 250 miles of trail that exist within a 10-mile radius of the town or drive northwest toward the Galena summit and pick one of the many trailhead options along the way.

When to Go

The summer months draw the most visitors to the Sawtooth National Forest, and for good reason. The snow has melted and the days are long and warm. However, enjoy fewer crowds in spring and fall, although expect to encounter snow in the shoulder seasons if traveling to the higher elevations. Sawtooth National Forest is also a winter paradise with snowcapped mountains providing opportunities for snowmobiling, backcountry ski touring, and nordic skiing on groomed track.

Permits

Permits are required for all visitors in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. Groups of eight people or more and groups with livestock are required to obtain their permits from a forest service office. All other wilderness users can get their permits at the trailhead.

Dog Info

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash when on the trails from July 1 through Labor Day.


Resources

  • wikipedia

  • Hiking Trails (164)
  • Reviews (119)
  1. 1
    Chemeketan Campground via National Forest Development Road 215
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 5.3 mi
  2. 2
    Taylor Canyon Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.9 mi
  3. 3
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 5.9 mi
  4. 4
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.2 mi
  5. 5
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.0 mi
  6. 6
    National Forest Development Road 141 Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 7.0 mi
  7. 7
    Hyndman-North Fork
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 4.2 mi
  8. 8
    Baker Ck - Norton Cr
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 4.3 mi
  9. 9
    Calf Creek
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.4 mi
  10. 10
    Johnstone Creek
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 5.0 mi
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    drstrick2001 an hour ago
    Taylor Canyon Loop
    It was a really good hike with minimal snow in just a few areas. The wild flowers are starting… barely… but starting nonetheless.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    moto 10 months, 4 weeks ago
    Bedstead West Peak 6/25/21
    Devil’s Bedside West is a great peak hike where you have a good trail to the base of the ridge line ascent. Beautiful wildflowers along the way with the sound of the creek and wonderful high-alpine vistas of the mountains on the hike up. At the top of the ridge there is a Class 2 scramble to the summit. You can drop down on the right-side of the ridge where it is less exposed. The final ascent is a straightforward hands and feet scramble to the top. Incredible views of Corral Creek and Wilson Creek drainages, Pioneers, Lost River Range and North. Found my first cluster of small crystals amongst the loose rocks on the upper section of the ridge. On the summit there is a Boulder with small inclusions of a blue-green iridescent mineral. Beautiful! Pete, Kim, Tif and me.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    crbigelow 1 year, 2 months ago
    The Cross at Galena
    First time skiing the Cross and it won’t be the last. Beautiful day.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    rwlebar@outlook.com 1 year, 8 months ago
    PIO Cabin partial(9/1/20, 10:23:57AM)
    A must do if you are in the Sun Valley area.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    trimble5 1 year, 10 months ago
    Track (7/2/20, 11:41:24AM)
    SXS trip to Subletting, Idaho. Larry Powers grew up there. Cattle country. Mostly roads.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    connorlimburg 1 year, 11 months ago
    Adams Gulch and Shady side
    Mellow climbs and down sunny side was flowy and fun
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    amalkoski962 1 year, 11 months ago
    Norton Lakes (5/26/20, 10:21:19)
    Great Hike! Steep to start but calms down for most of it until the last little bit before the 1 lake. Definitely need the ground to be clear of snow or it’s easy to loose the trail like we did today. First lake is beautiful, will have to do this hike again to get to the other two. Used poles and that was very helpful.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Lroot 2 years ago
    Long way to Rock City Idaho
    Rock City it’s self was amazing! But driving on dirt roads to get there was a bit boring.
    ★ ★

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    woodycullen 2 years, 1 month ago
    Baldy 9 (2:10)
    Spring like - used crampons on flying squirrel then straight up upper college, best time yet- 2:10 to top
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Tom 2 years, 1 month ago
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    POl
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    artie08 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/7/19, 6:42:47PM)
    Glass in hunter areas!
    ★ ★ ★

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    Jeffrey Frenster 2 years, 8 months ago
    Harriman Trail
    Great trail to bike. Mix of scenery throughout ride. Gravel trail the whole way.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jeffrey Frenster 2 years, 8 months ago
    Proctor Mountain Road
    Steep at points but excellent views. Would suggest doing this hike in the morning as sun makes ascent more challenging.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jeffrey Frenster 2 years, 9 months ago
    Chocolate Gulch Trail
    Beautiful views of Sawtooth Mountain range with mixture of forest and open areas.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dmhuber 2 years, 9 months ago
    Independence Lakes (8/16/19, 19:50:11)
    Great trip to Alpine lakes in Southern Idaho. Trail gets a lot of use from hikers and horses. Climb up and out of the high desert into forest of pines and aspens.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    meagmcg 2 years, 9 months ago
    Norton Lakes 8/5/19
    Moderate out and back with nice views, wildflowers and good for dogs
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kcleeman 2 weeks, 6 days ago
    Area (4/30/22, 10:42:04AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ckmooney 1 month, 1 week ago
    Track (4/3/22, 10:25:19AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ckmooney 1 month, 2 weeks ago
    Dragon back
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    crbrown1976 3 months ago
    Johnstone Creek and Hyndman-North Fork Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    stephen.gladieux 3 months, 3 weeks ago
    Summit 9,474’ (1/23/22, 10:12:47AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Derek Percoski 5 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (12/1/21, 1:23:43PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Derek Percoski 5 months, 2 weeks ago
    Castle Rock!!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tschwarz 7 months ago
    Handwerk Peak (10/14/21, 9:17:27AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    crispm 7 months, 2 weeks ago
    Shady Sunny Adams Gulch clockwise
    ★ ★

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    ckirby208 7 months, 3 weeks ago
    Pio cabin/Johnston
    ★

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    lpotiker 7 months, 4 weeks ago
    Track (9/22/21, 2:14:11PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    garagespace64 8 months ago
    Track (9/18/21, 12:28:12PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    garagespace64 8 months ago
    Track (9/17/21, 8:30:20AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    kschoening 8 months ago
    Norton Lake (9/16/21)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    brycebarfuss 8 months, 2 weeks ago
    Track (8/20/21, 7:16:32AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    heitman 8 months, 4 weeks ago
    Zach ride (8/24/21, 11:14:27AM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    Lagillette82 9 months, 1 week ago
    Track (8/5/21, 1:18:53PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Davvo 9 months, 2 weeks ago
    Adam’s Gulch Valley Floor Return
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    worcester 10 months ago
    Track (7/23/21, 7:11:23AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    worcester 10 months ago
    Track (7/20/21, 6:51:18PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jeposey 10 months, 1 week ago
    Proctor man loop (7/14/21, 10:20:52AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jeposey 10 months, 1 week ago
    Fox Creek (7/13/21, 10:04:37AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jakewing 11 months ago
    Norton Lakes - Idaho (6/18/21, 9:54:51AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    vushdi 11 months, 1 week ago
    Taylor Canyon Loop
    ★ ★

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    amiet27 11 months, 1 week ago
    Fox Creek
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wefisherman 11 months, 2 weeks ago
    Raft River Range (6/5/21, 6/6/21
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bruce 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Track (5/30/21, 9:54:01AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cuttercorn 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Day 2
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    wmjarman 1 year ago
    Federal gulch (5/11/21, 11:41:19AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ckmooney 1 year ago
    Summit Creek Trail (9/26/20, 7:30:47AM)
    ★ ★

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    briandoyle08 1 year ago
    National Forest Development Road 141 Loop
    ★ ★

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    peterkissinger 1 year, 2 months ago
    Ketchum
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JoAnn Lievsay 1 year, 2 months ago
    Jackpot, NV to Twin Falls 9/18/16
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ben 1 year, 2 months ago
    Track (3/7/21, 7:41:09AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ben 1 year, 2 months ago
    Evening Pow turns
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ben 1 year, 2 months ago
    Coyote Hut Tour- modest snow
    ★ ★ ★

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    edogski 1 year, 2 months ago
    Track (2/28/21, 11:50:21)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mbusby 1 year, 2 months ago
    Rock Creek Road
    ★

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    kmorgan2314 1 year, 3 months ago
    Divas Lake Creek Tour
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    matt 1 year, 3 months ago
    Track (2/10/21, 09:41:52)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    woodycullen 1 year, 3 months ago
    Lost shirt
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    lauren.gralenski 1 year, 3 months ago
    Track (2/5/21, 12:45:11)
    ★

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    ismene.grohmann 1 year, 4 months ago
    Baker to Coyote Yurt
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SS.Schofield17 1 year, 4 months ago
    Trail 064
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    woodycullen 1 year, 4 months ago
    High Ridge Trail to National Forest Development Road 142
    ★

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    woodycullen 1 year, 4 months ago
    Heliski
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mcherp 1 year, 4 months ago
    Headwaters—Teagan, Latner, Jeremy Black, Cody Baird, Tyler and Chance Chavez
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    laskisam25 1 year, 5 months ago
    Day 3
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    browderkevin54 1 year, 5 months ago
    Prairie Peak (12/14/20, 8:44:50AM)
    ★

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    laskisam25 1 year, 5 months ago
    Day 2
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    joeriley 1 year, 5 months ago
    Thompson Flat Campground, Cassia County, ID, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tgamble59 1 year, 6 months ago
    Sawtooth Trail 126. West Fork Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Nicholas.Hoaglin 1 year, 6 months ago
    Magic to Oakley
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    lpotiker 1 year, 6 months ago
    Track (11/3/20, 1:43:33PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mcdonaldjohnj 1 year, 6 months ago
    Track (10/22/20, 1:40:21PM)Adam’s Gulch 2
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Ketchum Idaho 1 year, 7 months ago
    Oregon Gulch Trail 183 to FS road
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bhemani 1 year, 7 months ago
    Sun valley - pioneer cabin
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mcdonaldjohnj 1 year, 7 months ago
    Chocolate Gulch
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    breeana15 1 year, 7 months ago
    Harriman Trail (9/28/20, 1:06:50PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    hayleeidaho 1 year, 7 months ago
    Track (9/26/20, 11:37:47AM)
    ★

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    Nicholas.Hoaglin 1 year, 8 months ago
    Track (9/12/20, 4:24:59PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    nkw9466 1 year, 8 months ago
    Side Rd 6/22/17, 1:46:47PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    6tholens 1 year, 8 months ago
    Lost arrow up clear creek
    ★ ★ ★

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    cprice 1 year, 8 months ago
    Old hyndman
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    dborroum 1 year, 9 months ago
    Track (7/22/20, 1:13:19AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    stephan.fuchs 1 year, 9 months ago
    Actual: Long Gulch and Pioneer Cabin
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    stephan.fuchs 1 year, 9 months ago
    Run: Proctor Mountain
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    pdurana 1 year, 9 months ago
    Track (8/9/20, 6:36:08PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    zanderdouglas18 1 year, 9 months ago
    Old Hyndman (8/7/20, 8:39:01AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    zanderdouglas18 1 year, 9 months ago
    Old Hyndman (8/7/20, 8:39:01AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    zanderdouglas18 1 year, 9 months ago
    Old Hyndman (8/7/20, 8:39:01AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    zanderdouglas18 1 year, 9 months ago
    Old Hyndman (8/7/20, 8:39:01AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    debra.grasberger 1 year, 9 months ago
    National Forest Development Road 141 Loop
    ★

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    shannonmavery 1 year, 9 months ago
    Proctor
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    stu.pettis 1 year, 9 months ago
    Track (7/25/20, 13:02:39)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    shannonmavery 1 year, 9 months ago
    Fox Creek (7/29/20, 8:38:22AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    labrown.wyss 1 year, 10 months ago
    Adams Gulch (7/20/20, 7:37:45AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    farhang 1 year, 10 months ago
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Becca 1 year, 10 months ago
    Norton Lake Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    gidgekapala 1 year, 10 months ago
    Mahoney (7/11/20, 9:22:58AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    roger 1 year, 10 months ago
    Mill creek trail6/27/20, 11:52:37AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    tiedeonline 1 year, 11 months ago
    Power County to Genes Lane, Power County, ID, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    lets14ride 1 year, 11 months ago
    Track (6/13/20, 8:51:37AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    connorlimburg 1 year, 12 months ago
    Track (5/25/20, 10:25:42AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    carolpetrelli 2 years ago
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    woodycullen 2 years ago
    Baldy 10 2:18
    ★ ★ ★

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    Phil 2 years, 2 months ago
    Track (2/27/20, 8:54:24AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Donn B 2 years, 5 months ago
    National Forest Development Road 141 Loop
    ★ ★

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    mattklingler 2 years, 5 months ago
    Track (1/12/18, 8:43:15AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    akwulff 2 years, 6 months ago
    Iron Mountain
    ★

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    spagc550 2 years, 7 months ago
    Sawtooth National Forest Hike
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    mattmiddlekauff 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/6/19, 2:08:42PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    taylor.davidw 2 years, 8 months ago
    untitled
    ★ ★

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    slaterroyal 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/2/19, 10:01:31AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    todd.achilles 2 years, 8 months ago
    New Track 5/12/19 9:53:56 AM
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Andrew Sweet 2 years, 9 months ago
    Osberg Ridge Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    duffybills 2 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/7/19, 10:34:17AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    friedman.charles 2 years, 10 months ago
    Alden
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    sptsmn700 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/23/19, 7:53:21AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jayr517 2 years, 11 months ago
    Adams Gulch
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jayr517 2 years, 11 months ago
    Adams Gulch
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    jnickchickrell22 2 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/11/19, 5:38:45PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    haasbos 2 years, 11 months ago
    105 Short Swing Ln, Ketchum to Eve Gulch, Blaine County, ID, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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