Start Planning you Backpacking Trips Now!

Goat, Betty, and Baptie Lakes
(In Idaho’s Pioneer Mountains)

Goat Lake is the highest lake in Idaho at an elevation of 10,438 feet.  The trail to these extreme elevation lakes begins at Broad Canyon Trailhead with a starting elevation of 7,800 feet.  The trail to Baptie Lake goes four miles up Broad Canyon then forks a half mile before the lake. Most of the elevation is gained the last mile. The trail then goes on to Goat Lake and Betty Lake making it about 6 miles in. There are also some great scrambles to Standhope Peak (11,850 ft), Altair Peak (12,550 ft) and Peak 11887. This area invites exploration and the routes to the peaks are class 2 and 3, making them fairly accessible. The elevation gain of this hike is just under 3,000 feet not including the ups and downs. So you will want to be in good physical condition to tackle this hike. But the trip is well worth the effort. This area is wide open with incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks and valleys. If you love high, wide open hiking this is the place for you.

To get there: From Sun Valley or Ketchum get on Highway 75 and drive to Sun Valley Road. Turn onto Sun Valley Road heading northeast . Take this road to the Copper Basin Road. Turn right at Copper Basin Road. Drive about 13 miles to the Copper Basin Loop Road. Turn right on the Copper Basin Loop Road. Follow this road 7.5 miles to the Broad Canyon Road. Turn right on this road and follow it for 0.5 miles to the trailhead.
Goat Lake
Highest Lake in Idaho

This beautiful high elevation (close to 10,000 ft) area in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is a great place to pick a base camp and start exploring more than 7 other lakes. The high rocky tundra offers the perfect opportunity for open country roaming.

Hiking in Colorado
Feature Hike
Shelf and Solitude Lake

Shelf and Solitude Lake set high above the Glacier Gorge Trail in a hanging glacier valley. Thatchtop and Arrowhead peaks rise above the valley helping to form it. The area is wide open and invites exploration. As the name sake suggests you should find some solitude on this wonderful and amazing hike.

The Most Spectaular Hikes in Western U.S. Alaska and Canada

No need to guess when deciding what trail to hike this summer. Find pictures, trail information and directions on getting there all right here.

Top Rated Gear

Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice 2010"Tents"
Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Tent

Three season, free standing, ultralight backpacking tent. Floor and fly is ultralight silicone treated nylon rip-stop with a 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating. Trail weight is 2 lb 2oz. Floor area is 28 sq ft.
Check it out at REI

ARC'TERYX Altra Backpack
Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice Trekking Pack for 2010

Delivering maximum comfort and load control, the Altra 75 pack from ARCTERYX is a large volume trekking pack that combines breathable suspension components with lightweight materials and a plethora of stowage capacity and options. Addressing loading and unloading convenience, this top-loading pack also employs a full-length inverted U-zip for a panel-loading option that is sure to keep you organized. One of the most comfortable packs you will find.
Buy at Moosejaw

Outside Magazine Gear of the Year 2008
Sierra Designs Verde 20 Degree

Climashield XP technology will keep you warm in even the wettest conditions. This bag has Ergonomically Shaped Foot Box, Pad Locks, and Draft Tube for great functionality.
Check it out at ALTEC

Backpacker Magazine Editors Choice 2010 Salomon Wings Sky GTX Trekking Boot

The Salomon Wings Sky GTX is the latest lightweight hiking boot from Salomon which combines trail running shoe technology with all the comfort, support and protection of a hiking boot.
Check them out at Altrec

Hot Links

The Wilderness Society:we work to protect wilderness and to inspire Americans to care for our wild places.

Green Trail Maps: Great topo maps of the Western States and British Columbia

Trail Journals: Planning an extended hiking trip? Look into starting a trail journal

The Mountaineers: If you have ever thought of getting involved in group wilderness activities check out the Mountaineers Club

Hot Springs

Shower Bath Hot Springs Idaho:Unbelievable... is so awesome that it gets an"A+" rating

Deep Creek Hot Springs Montana: probably one of the nicest natural hot springs

Liard River Hot Springs: Located in northern B.C. the second largest hot spring in Canada.