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Garden Valley, Idaho

Looking for the best backpacking in Garden Valley? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Garden Valley. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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Top Backpacking Spots in and near Garden Valley

  • Lowman, Idaho

    Ski or Snowshoe to Stargaze Yurt

    2.6 mi / 549 ft gain
    Gaze at the stars on a crisp night from one of Idaho Park & Rec's best backcountry yurts! Cook a meal in the middle of nowhere with all of the provided utensils. Sleep to the glow of a crackling wood fire as the cozy stove keeps you warm through the night.The adventure begins at Beaver Cree...
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  • Boise County, Idaho

    Snowshoe to Skyline Yurt

    5.0
    5 mi / 650 ft gain
    This is one of many great Idaho Parks & Rec backcountry yurts. It sits on a ridge above some excellent tree skiing with views that make the hike well worth it! The wood stove will keep you warm on the coldest of nights, and the kitchen has all the utensils to make a delicious meal. Depending ...
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  • Cascade, Idaho

    Camp at Blue Lake

    5.0
    Blue Lake is a great spot to spend a night next to the lake but is also the perfect escape if you're looking to get away for just the day. The stars at night are worth the trip alone, as it's far away from light pollution. It gets a little windy sometimes but there is plenty of cover and trees to...
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  • Boise County, Idaho

    Jennie Lake Trail

    4.0
    8.38 mi / 1998 ft gain
    Perhaps one of the best beginner-esque lake hikes closest to Boise, making your way to Jennie Lake can either be packed-in overnight or and out-and-back day hike. You'll be delighted by the secluded ambiance of the lake and the cool mountain breeze rushing through the pines. Getting There: Make ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Trail Creek Lakes

    4.5
    10.39 mi / 2923 ft gain
    Based in Grandjean, one of the lesser utilized access points to the Sawtooth mountains, this trailhead is one of the most accessible in the range. A short trek on a dirt road, smooth for even Prius standards, off the highway is the gateway to mountainous adventure. The hike starts at 5200' above...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Marten Lake and Kelly Lake

    5.0
    9.16 mi / 1434 ft gain
    The Sawtooth mountain range consists of hundreds, maybe thousands, of small, crystal clear lakes. Because of the sheer number of lakes, there are many destinations where the foot traffic is considerably low. Most weekend packers will stick to the familiar: they find themselves hiking to Sawtooth ...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Sawtooth Lake via Iron Creek

    4.9
    10.04 mi / 1962 ft gain
    Sawtooth Lake is "must-see" for Idaho hikers or any outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sawtooth National Forest. The five mile trek to the lake is made worthwhile by breathtaking, photogenic alpine lakes and the crisp, clean Idaho air. It's up to you whether to day hike the trail or to camp at the ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Cramer Lakes via Redfish Inlet Trailhead

    4.0
    14.78 mi / 1880 ft gain
    Before beginning this hike, you'll want to take the ferry from the Redfish Lake Lodge to the other side of the lake, where the trailhead is. From there, you'll progress along the valley floor, following the Redfish Lake Inlet as towering Sawtooths rise up on both sides. During the first few miles...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Redfish Lake to Alpine Lake

    5.0
    10.85 mi / 1893 ft gain
    Just south of the beautiful town of Stanley, Idaho lays one of coolest lakes in the region: Redfish Lake. Redfish is a banana shaped lake that boasts some of the most epic camping spots in all of Idaho. Using this area as home base, there's countless adventures within just a few miles. One of the...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Saddleback Lakes

    5.0
    8.64 mi / 2129 ft gain
    The adventure starts taking a boat shuttle over between the north and south ends of Redfish Lake. The boat ride has a fee and is approximately 7 minutes each way. You can learn more on the Redfish Lake blog. Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), hike the Redfish...
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