Wild Idaho Endurance Challenge · Southern Idaho + Oregon
Mystery Peak Loop
Description
- 53 miles, 12,500ft climbing
- 5230-9111 ft asl
- Sawtooth Wilderness, west of Stanley, Idaho
- Stanley Ranger Station,; Sawtooth Nat'l Rec Area
- This trailhead is off of a paved road.
“Although route travels through several well visited areas, there is also opportunity to spend miles and miles in stunning solitude.
Leaving Redfish, the trail is initially steep. It eases off along the ridge as it joins the Alpine Ridge Trail #528. Look behind you to see the rounder White Cloud Mountains just to the east. Leaving the ridge, the trail descends into a cooler, wetter valley. The terrain here is full of soft sand.
As you approach the Iron Creek trailhead, you’ll pass the turn-off for Goat Lake Trail. At the junction, the Alpine Way Trail coincides briefly with the Iron Creek - Sawtooth Lake Trail (#640). When the trails split, take the right fork to continue on #528. The north end of this route takes you around McGown and Mystery Peaks, the latter of which received the moniker for being tucked away in the Boulder Mtns and difficult to spot. Be on the lookout for a rounded, jutting summit while you’re making your way north on the Alpine Way Trail.
Around mile 23, trail 64 intersects with trail 614. Turn left towards Sawtooth Lake. Passing the northern shore of Sawtooth Lake, the trail joins the North Fork Baron-Sawtooth Lake Trail and follows the eastern edge of the lake and the valley at the base of Mount Regan.
As you continue south and re-enter the trees, the trail is less maintained. It is the most isolated area in the route. Near mile 29, the trail crosses North Fork Baron Creek. During high water, this crossing can be tricky, but there should be some down trees that you can cross on if you're sure-footed. After that, thick undergrowth, blowdowns, and landslides from the 2020 earthquake will slow your pace. Trekking poles may help to push through the foliage.
After joining with the better maintained Baron Lakes Trail 101, the trail begins to climb. Around mile 37, the trail veers away from the creek and tree coverage is lost. A series of switchbacks take you up and around a noisy and stunning waterfall.
At Upper Baron Lake, you begin the grand finale of this nearly 4000 ft climb as switchbacks take you up and over the pass. Aside from a brief climb around mile 49, once you reach the top of this pass, it is mostly downhill to Redfish Lake.”