Hot take: The 4-day loop in the Sawtooths is better done clockwise

I did the Alice-Toxaway loop in Idaho last month, going clockwise from Tin Cup trailhead. The climb up to Alice Lake felt brutal with a full pack, but the views opening up were worth it. My buddy swears the counter-clockwise direction is easier, spreading the elevation gain over two days. I think getting the big climb done first is better, ending with the gentle walk along Pettit Lake. The debate in our group got pretty heated over campfire coffee. Which direction do you think is the better way to hike it?

2 comments

2 Comments

emerychen1mo ago

Honestly gotta push back on the clockwise take. Going counter-clockwise from Pettit is the move. You get that long, chill warm-up along the lake first day, which is way better for easing into the trip. Then you hit the big climb up to Alice Lake fresh on day two, not right out of the car with a heavy pack. Ending with the downhill back to Tin Cup feels like a reward, not just a slog.

allen.cole1mo ago

Exactly, that first day along Pettit is basically a flat trail with killer views. Gets your legs ready without wrecking you. Then tackling the Alice Lake climb with lighter food weight is a game changer.