The 3 Best Trails for Breathtaking Views of the Sawtooth Mountains

Idaho's Sawtooth mountain range is one of the most stunning range of peaks in the country. These steep, vertical peaks rise so sharply out of the ground that you can't help but wonder at their beauty.

Looking for some awesome views of these incredible mountains? You're going to want to check out these three hikes. You'll get some amazing vistas where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy all the beauty that the Sawtooths have to offer.

With stunning sunsets and amazing mountain views, these trails will give you an unforgettable outdoor experience.Photo-nic.co.uk | Unsplash

1. Fishhook Creek Trail

At "only" 4.4 miles, the Fishhook Creek trails is one of the easier options you can take in the Sawtooth wilderness. This trail starts at the Fishhook Creek trailhead and gradually leads to a mountain meadow. It's a perfect option for larger groups, or for those with smaller hikers in tow.

The Fishhook Creek Trail rises gradually as it makes its way up to a beautiful mountain meadow. This is a great hike to do in late spring, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. If you're looking for crisp mountain air, it's also a great place to be in the fall.

The views from the meadow may surprise you. From there, you'll get a beautiful angle on Heyburn Peak, as well as all of the other mountain summits that border it. You'll also walk past several mountain ponds created by beaver dams, and in the springtime, you can experience an explosion of wildflowers as well.

2. Bridal Veil Falls

Accessed via the trailhead on Stanley Lake, this moderate 7.9 mile trail will give you a taste of all Idaho has to offer. On this trail, you'll ford creeks, pass through thick forests, and get stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains.

The Bridal Veil Falls are a stunning waterfall you've got to visit on your next trip to the Sawtooths. Instead of plummeting straight down in a single rush, the water that comes down these falls hits the rock face early. It creates a wide fan of a waterfall that does indeed remind one of a veil.

Because of a beaver dam, the very beginning of the trail may be flooded - depending on the time of year you go. Halfway up the trail, you'll cross Stanley Creek for your second water crossing. In summer, this creek is typically low and slow-moving, letting you cross it with ease. Avoid a crossing in late spring, as the winter snowmelt can turn it into more of a torrent.

3. Sawtooth Lake

Known as the quintessential hike to do in the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Sawtooth Lake trail will give you some of the best the Sawtooths have to offer: stunning views, thick forests, and a beautiful mountain lake.

Fairly straightforward (and fairly strenuous), the hike to Sawtooth Lake will challenge you with several steeper climbs up the mountain. This 10-mile hike will give you views of the best parts of the area. The first few miles are relatively flat. Then, the trail begins switch-backing up the mountain.

From the trail, you can visit several bodies of water: Alpine Lake, Sawtooth Lake, Baron Creek and more. You'll also get fantastic views of Mt. Reagan and Observation Peak - two of the most stunning mountains in the Sawtooth range.

Just be prepared for those steeper sections. They may not seem like much, but they can make a long day out of a 10-mile hike. In the end, you'll earn the views on this hike, but trust me - they're absolutely worth it.

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Not sure which trail to hike first? You can certainly do all three. There's no bad view of the Sawtooth range, especially not on these hikes.

Remember to hike safe, and enjoy your time outdoors.

Happy Hiking!

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