Alturas Lake Recreation Complex

Alturas Lake is the southernmost of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area's big lakes. Tin Cup trailhead, which is an entrance to the Alice Toxaway Loop is located at Pettit Lake. Cabin Creek trail and Alturas Lake Creek trail allow you to hike into the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness from Alturas Lake. This area has tremendous hiking and access to trails in the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness and the Hemingway-Boulder Mountains.

There is tremendous fishing in the many lakes in the area for various species of trout in these high-elevation lakes. Yellow Belly Lake and Perkins Lake to the north do not allow any motorized watercraft. Alturas Lake and Pettit Lake do not allow personal watercraft. 

Double-sites are available at: 

• Alturas Inlet,
• Smokey Bear (Alturas),
• North Shore (Alturas),
• Alturas Tent campground, and
• Pettit Lake campsite. 

Chemeketan is to the south of Alturas Lake and is a group campsite. Alturas Inlet campsite, Chemeketan group campsite, and Alturas Picnic Area (B) accept reservations which can be made by visiting www.recreation.gov or by calling (877)444-6777. 

First-come, first-serve campsites and picnic/day use areas include:

•  North Shore (Alturas),
• Smokey Bear (Alturas),
• Alturas Tent campground,
• Alturas Picnic Area A,
• Pettit Lake, and
• Pettit Lake Day Use Area. 

Sawtooth National Recreation Area Fees & Policies