Hell Roaring Lake Hike
Hell Roaring is one of my favorite hikes into the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This trail offers an incredible gateway into a remote alpine landscape, and it’s perfect for both ambitious day hikers and backpackers looking to settle in and explore.
You can hike in and find plenty of excellent camping spots, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring nearby mountain lakes and streams. Once you’re there, it’s hard to resist taking a refreshing dip in the cold, clear water or casting a line to fish in this pristine wilderness setting.
The full out-and-back hike from the lower trailhead is about 11 miles, with a steady descent on the way in and a more demanding climb on the return.
NOTE: There is an upper parking area that provides closer access to the upper trailhead, but you must have a true four-wheel-drive vehicle with good clearance. The road is rough, narrow, and requires careful, slow driving.
I’ve driven it several times in a GMC Yukon, in four wheel drive LOW and with the proper vehicle and experience navigating rugged mountain roads, you can reach the upper trailhead. Starting from there shortens the hike to about 6 miles round trip, and the terrain becomes relatively flat and much more accessible.
It’s one of those rare places where you can tailor the experience—either commit to a longer, more challenging hike or use the upper access point to enjoy a shorter, scenic adventure deep in the Sawtooths.
stanleycc.org
visitidaho.org/regions/central
