Edit to add trip report:
Incredible adventure, scenic views second to none. Route was a GRIND, but doable and worth it. 6 days without a shower or cell reception--10/10 recommend. Town of Stanley, ID is a gem as well (If you're headed that way soon, try the steelhead trout at the Sawtooth Hotel, and thank me later)

A few pics (have a dozen or more just like them haha):














OP:

Sawteeth?

Gearing up for a six day trek through the Sawtooth Wilderness in September. Curious to see if any regulars here have made it up that way and have any recommendations.

I've done quite a bit of research of the endless trails and hidden gems, and tried to plot a route to catch as many as possible.

Here's what I'm looking at right now:

Day 1: Stanley Lake TH to Bridal Veil Falls (short day d/t travel)
Day 2: Bridal Veil Falls to Lake 8271 including side quest to Observation Peak
Day 3: Lake 8271 to Upper Baron Lake
Day 4: Upper Baron Lake to Hidden Lake
Day 5: Hidden Lake to Twin Lakes
Day 6: Twin Lakes to Tin Cup TH

Plan to spend one night in Stanley before heading back to Boise airport.

As far as extended trips, I've only backpacked sections of the AT, so this will be my first time in this environment. I feel confident with my kit/gear, but I'm interested in hearing food hacks, must see areas in the sawtooth wilderness, recs for dinner in Stanley (all FIVE restaurants have great reviews!), or general tips.

My set up is not purely conventional or ultralight…more or less a hybrid of the two.

I'm no help with the Sawtooths but spent last weekend in Boise for a wedding. First time there and it's a new favorite. Incredibly clean, 8th street had great bars and restaurants with a perfect climate and nice, friendly people. The Boise State campus is right on the river, an easy walk from downtown. Spend a day in Boise if you have time. I've never seen a cleaner big city and river with great scenery.

Mas89 said:

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I'm no help with the Sawtooths but spent last weekend in Boise for a wedding. First time there and it's a new favorite. Incredibly clean, 8th street had great bars and restaurants with a perfect climate and nice, friendly people. The Boise State campus is right on the river, an easy walk from downtown. Spend a day in Boise if you have time. I've never seen a cleaner big city and river with great scenery.

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Yeah Boise is great. Almost ended up there a decade ago and still really like it.

Stanley Baking Company & Cafe on Wall Street is great for breakfast. Get there early.

Backpacked there about 5 years ago. It's beautiful. We did Goat Lake via the Iron Creek trail. I was 64 at the time. The last mile or so was a bit of a challenge!

You can't take a bad trail there. You'll love it!

The ultimate food hack

Short of that, what do you mean by "food hacks?" Are you going the freeze dried route or looking for more complicated suggestions?

I've done the area Hidden Lake through the end of your trip twice. Great spot.
Bring a fishing pole if you're into that. Great luck one year, less so the other time.

You have a fairly aggressive itinerary, but seems you're ready for that. We've usually had a single day where we don't move and stay at a lake and dayhike from there. There is a nice campsite midway through Hidden Lake headed south. Alice lake has many campsites, more people, but the view is amazing, not sure about Twin Lakes.

We've always gone late Aug or Early Sept and never had bugs. Seems it can be a problem, so we've been ready for it. It can be pretty warm and dry during the day compared to CO or somewhere with higher elevations. Sun protection is more important. At times, it feels more high desert than alpine.

I guess getting the most calories per weight… tons of resources and info out there.

Really one thing that's been in my mind lately is protein. I try to eat around 180g per day. I'm kinda kicking around the idea of protein powder (making individualized packets for a daily "shake"). Not sure if that's a dumb idea or not… In all the backpacking content I've consumed over the years, I don't think I've seen that one.

Thanks! I originally planned for this to be a casual trip with several day hikes. Then as I was figuring out ways to catch all of the areas, it just made more sense to stay out on trail. Figured what the hell…might as well go for the full immersive experience. It'll be a ballbuster.

I do have a contingency built in if we end up a day behind or need a rest day (basically taking the north loop around Petit Lake back to TCTH)

You can also go in at Redfish Lake via boat. They ferry you across the lake to the TH (for a fee). That takes you up the Cramer lake drainage and makes your trip shorter. Alturas, Edna, Vernon lake are all pretty, if you decided to do that to make the route shorter.

Following...this is on my bucket list

Updated OP with very brief recap and a few pics.

Every bit of that looks incredible. Well done.

Posts like this and leg day at PT today has me rethinking not going back to backpacking.

PharmD4 said:

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I guess getting the most calories per weight… tons of resources and info out there.

Really one thing that's been in my mind lately is protein. I try to eat around 180g per day. I'm kinda kicking around the idea of protein powder (making individualized packets for a daily "shake"). Not sure if that's a dumb idea or not… In all the backpacking content I've consumed over the years, I don't think I've seen that one.

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I think MREs might be your best bet for protein. Maybe incorporate one in your daily meal plan.