Sawtooth Wilderness

The 217,000-acre Sawtooth Wilderness holds spectacular beauty and opportunities for solitude. It is characterized by high granite peaks, narrow glacial valleys, and 100s of alpine lakes. It is considered the "crown jewel" of the Gem State.

First protected in 1937 as a "Primitive Area," the rugged Sawtooth Wilderness was officially created by Congress in 1972. The Wilderness features hundreds of jagged peaks – 50 over 10,000 feet in height – and nearly 400 high alpine lakes dotting the predominantly rocky terrain. Also hidden within its boundaries are deep, secluded valleys covered with enormous stands of trees.

These mountains hold the headwaters of the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Boise River, the South Fork of the Payette River and contributes significantly to the headwaters of the Salmon River. Nearly 350 miles of trails provide a wide range of routes and many of the high lake basins do not have constructed trails to reach them.

The hiking season is relatively short. Alpine wildflowers bring the high meadows alive with color in the months of July and August. An abundant population of wildlife thrives upon the lush, grassy meadows and many species of fish make their home in the thousands of streams that feed the headwaters of four major rivers.

Sawtooth Wilderness Map

Sawtooth National Recreation Area Map with Wilderness Boundaries

Active Alerts

Sawtooth Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use

General Information

All Sawtooth Wilderness users must possess a free Wilderness Use Permit which outlines the Sawtooth Wilderness Regulations. Permits are acquired through self-registration at the trailhead or wilderness boundary. Groups of eight or more hikers or those intending to use stock overnight must contact the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters or Stanley Ranger Station to obtain a permit. Groups may not exceed 12 people and 14 head of stock May 1 - November 31. Group size is limited to 20 people and 14 head of stock December 1 – April 30. Oversized groups must be separated by a drainage or a day apart.

Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed in any designated wilderness areas.

Before entering the Sawtooth Wilderness, visitors should familiarize themselves with Sawtooth Wilderness Regulations, which summarize the details of the Occupancy and Use Order posted under Alerts.