Central Idaho’s rugged Sawtooth Mountains — while raw, untamed, and well-loved as a towering pinnacle of the Gem State’s beauty — are not the tallest range in the state. However, they have a special history that is far more recent than most people realize and ancient secrets that have yet to be discovered. The towering crags and jagged formations of the range are incredibly unique in comparison to the rest of the larger Rocky Mountain landscape because they are so relatively young, still eroding, shifting, and changing to this day.
Idahoans treasure these scenic mountains for hundreds of reasons, but in many ways, they represent the very identity of Idaho itself as a wilderness treasure in an increasingly urban American landscape. Over 400 mountain lakes dot the hidden recesses of the Sawtooths, some of which are so pristine and remote that few people have seen them in person, let alone dipped a toe in their frigid waters. Others are completely untouched and have never even heard the echo of human footsteps. These hidden, mirror-like lakes are a modern, ancient wonder; a beautiful, picturesque contradiction that many theorize still hold secrets of the last Ice Age hidden in their depths — and they’re right in the heart of Idaho.
Unlike many of Idaho’s stunning mountain ranges, the Sawtooths are surprisingly young at heart.
John Rose/YouTube
John Rose/YouTube
The jagged peaks and harsh edges that give these mountains their name are a product of their age – time has yet to tame the rocky exterior.
Steven Bratman/Flickr
John Rose/YouTube
But their distinct appearance is also a product of Idaho’s naturally tumultuous and volcanic geology.
John Rose/YouTube
Eons ago, the Sawtooths were covered in thick glaciers.
John Rose/YouTube The mountains naturally form a distinct barricade against winter storms originating from the Pacific Ocean and, during the Pleistocene period, housed massive accumulation areas of glacial ice.
In the hot volcanic bursts that characterized Idaho’s landscape at the time and in the coming ages of climate change, the glaciers that covered the area melted into the most perfect natural oases you’ll find anywhere else in the country.
John Rose/YouTube
John Rose/YouTube
These spectacular glacier lakes in Idaho sit largely untouched by human presence and are crystal-clear reminders of Earth’s past.
John Rose/YouTube
While Earth’s rising and falling climate over the ages has no doubt evaporated much of the original glacial water, these pristine lakes could very well be some of the last remnants of our planet’s prehistoric history.
John Rose/YouTube Hundreds of research teams have tried to uncover the secrets of Idaho’s Sawtooths. While no one team has learned everything there is to know, each venture into the wilderness reveals more about Idaho’s geologic history.
And even if nothing more spectacular can be discovered, these hidden gems are still pretty incredible all on their own. Don’t you think?
John Rose/YouTube
While not everyone can visit each of these perfect glacial lakes in Idaho, isn’t it incredible to know just how ancient and breathtaking our state’s natural geology truly is? The Sawtooth Wilderness offers hundreds of protected, scenic hiking trails and we definitely encourage everyone to take at least one glacial lake hike in their lifetime — just be sure to share your stories with us in the comments!
John Rose/YouTube
Steven Bratman/Flickr
The mountains naturally form a distinct barricade against winter storms originating from the Pacific Ocean and, during the Pleistocene period, housed massive accumulation areas of glacial ice.
Hundreds of research teams have tried to uncover the secrets of Idaho’s Sawtooths. While no one team has learned everything there is to know, each venture into the wilderness reveals more about Idaho’s geologic history.
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Address: Sawtooth Range, Idaho 83637, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Glacier lakes in Idaho July 01, 2022 Courtnie Erickson Are there glacial lakes in Idaho I can visit today? Yes! There are many beautiful Idaho glacier lakes that are just waiting to be explored. One of our favorite lakes sits in the Sawtooth Mountains — Alice Lake. This lake is surrounded by pure Idaho beauty and features crystal-clear water. However, to reach this lake, you will have quite a difficult hike ahead of you. Alice Lake sits at approximately 8,600 feet above sea level and you’ll have some steep areas to climb to reach it. However, once you reach the lake’s shores, you’ll be mesmerized by its beauty. Be aware that due to the high elevation of this lake, it isn’t uncommon for it to be covered in ice and snow well into the summer months. What other lakes should I visit in Idaho? With hundreds of lakes scattered around the Gem State (and at least 400 found in the Sawtooth Mountains alone!), it can be hard to choose which lake you should visit in Idaho. However, one that we recommend is Bloomington Lake. Located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this small lake is gorgeous and peaceful. There is only a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to the body of water and the trail is enough that the entire family can go along on the adventure. Another hike that you’ll want to add to your bucket list right away is the 2-mile trek to Baker Lake. Located in the Sawtooth National Forest near Ketchum, this lake looks almost like a painting. With blue water and forest and mountains surrounding it, the area is breathtaking and you will certainly not want to forget your camera. However, this is not a trek you will want to take on impulse as the trail can be quite challenging, particularly if you plan to bring young children along and novice hikers.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Glacier lakes in Idaho
July 01, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
Are there glacial lakes in Idaho I can visit today? Yes! There are many beautiful Idaho glacier lakes that are just waiting to be explored. One of our favorite lakes sits in the Sawtooth Mountains — Alice Lake. This lake is surrounded by pure Idaho beauty and features crystal-clear water. However, to reach this lake, you will have quite a difficult hike ahead of you. Alice Lake sits at approximately 8,600 feet above sea level and you’ll have some steep areas to climb to reach it. However, once you reach the lake’s shores, you’ll be mesmerized by its beauty. Be aware that due to the high elevation of this lake, it isn’t uncommon for it to be covered in ice and snow well into the summer months. What other lakes should I visit in Idaho? With hundreds of lakes scattered around the Gem State (and at least 400 found in the Sawtooth Mountains alone!), it can be hard to choose which lake you should visit in Idaho. However, one that we recommend is Bloomington Lake. Located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this small lake is gorgeous and peaceful. There is only a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to the body of water and the trail is enough that the entire family can go along on the adventure. Another hike that you’ll want to add to your bucket list right away is the 2-mile trek to Baker Lake. Located in the Sawtooth National Forest near Ketchum, this lake looks almost like a painting. With blue water and forest and mountains surrounding it, the area is breathtaking and you will certainly not want to forget your camera. However, this is not a trek you will want to take on impulse as the trail can be quite challenging, particularly if you plan to bring young children along and novice hikers.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes! There are many beautiful Idaho glacier lakes that are just waiting to be explored. One of our favorite lakes sits in the Sawtooth Mountains — Alice Lake. This lake is surrounded by pure Idaho beauty and features crystal-clear water. However, to reach this lake, you will have quite a difficult hike ahead of you. Alice Lake sits at approximately 8,600 feet above sea level and you’ll have some steep areas to climb to reach it. However, once you reach the lake’s shores, you’ll be mesmerized by its beauty. Be aware that due to the high elevation of this lake, it isn’t uncommon for it to be covered in ice and snow well into the summer months.
What other lakes should I visit in Idaho?
With hundreds of lakes scattered around the Gem State (and at least 400 found in the Sawtooth Mountains alone!), it can be hard to choose which lake you should visit in Idaho. However, one that we recommend is Bloomington Lake. Located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this small lake is gorgeous and peaceful. There is only a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to the body of water and the trail is enough that the entire family can go along on the adventure.
Another hike that you’ll want to add to your bucket list right away is the 2-mile trek to Baker Lake. Located in the Sawtooth National Forest near Ketchum, this lake looks almost like a painting. With blue water and forest and mountains surrounding it, the area is breathtaking and you will certainly not want to forget your camera. However, this is not a trek you will want to take on impulse as the trail can be quite challenging, particularly if you plan to bring young children along and novice hikers.
