Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail
~3 days · 20.5 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail is known for
A classic backpacking loop in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains, typically hiked from the Tin Cup or Pettit Lake trailheads past Alice Lake, Twin Lakes, and Toxaway Lake beneath the granite spires of the Sawtooth Wilderness. The route threads a chain of alpine lakes over Snowyside Pass, with the glacier-carved peaks of central Idaho rising directly above the water. It is one of the most popular multi-day trips in the range.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 7,431 ft to 9,367 ft over 20.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.4 mi · 32%
- Downhill 10.4 mi · 52%
- Flat 3.3 mi · 16%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail scores 26/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from July through September, once the high passes clear of snow; earlier in the season Snowyside Pass can hold snow and creek crossings run high.
Permits: No permit required to hike; free self-registration at the trailhead and standard Sawtooth Wilderness regulations apply.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 20.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail?
The Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail climbs roughly 4,915 ft total — about 240 ft per mile, topping out near 9,429 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail?
Best from July through September, once the high passes clear of snow; earlier in the season Snowyside Pass can hold snow and creek crossings run high.
Do you need a permit for the Alice Lake - Redfish Lake Trail?
No permit required to hike; free self-registration at the trailhead and standard Sawtooth Wilderness regulations apply.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.