Queens River Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Christa Chagra on Unsplash

Queens River Trail

~3 days · 13.9 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance13.9 mi
Days out3
Elevation gain3,622 ft
Gain / mile261 ft
High point8,586 ft

What the Queens River Trail is known for

The Queens River Trail climbs a deep glacially carved canyon on the quiet southwest side of Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, running about 12-13 miles from the Queens River trailhead near Atlanta to the lake divide at the canyon head. Expect primitive tread, downfall, and repeated river crossings; it forms the main leg of the popular Queens River-Little Queens loop.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Queens River Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 17,028 ft to 28,159 ft over 13.9 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 11.9 mi · 86%
  • Downhill 1.6 mi · 11%
  • Flat 0.4 mi · 3%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Queens River Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Queens River Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 13.9 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Queens River Trail?

The Queens River Trail climbs roughly 3,622 ft total — about 261 ft per mile, topping out near 8,586 ft.

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.

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