New day use fees to be implemented at Pettit Lake Trailhead

KETCHUM, Idaho — The Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Recreation Resource Management of America, the concessionaire who operates the area’s campgrounds and recreation sites, will install a fee tube at Pettit Lake Trailhead and begin collecting day use fees at the popular recreation site this summer.

The Pettit Lake Trailhead, formerly known as Tin Cup Trailhead, provides access to the Alice-Toxaway Loop in the Sawtooth Wilderness.

“The level of use this area sees is taking a toll on available resources and existing amenities,” said Area Ranger Kirk Flannigan. “Implementing a day use fee will allow us to better manage trash, the restroom, and informational signing. It will also help protect the area from overuse at this very popular recreation site.”

A single day use pass will cost $10. The fee can be paid by cash or check.  Fees collected will be used to enhance trash service, maintain amenities, manage hazard trees, and other services at the trailhead. 

Visitors also have the option of purchasing an annual pass for $100. The annual pass may also be used at any day use facility on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area for each calendar year. 

Passes may be purchased from the host at Pettit Lake Campground.

To monitor occupancy at the site, visitors to the trailhead will be asked to fill out a registration form with their last name, number of people in their party, intended length of stay, and license plate number. When the trail has reached 100 percent occupancy, hosts at the site will implement a one-in for every one-out policy. 

To facilitate with the transition, Recreation Resource Management of America will provide additional staff to assist with visitor registration and education.

For more information, please call Recreation Resource Management of America at 928-537-8888.