There are some hiking trails in Idaho that are short and sweet — perfect for an afternoon of exploring. Then, there are others that are much longer, more difficult, and may require a few days to complete. The Tin Cup Hiker Trail is one of these. This remote hiking trail in Idaho is certainly going to challenge hikers of all skill levels as it takes you through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. In fact, we recommend you sign up for a trial of AllTrails+, which allows you to download maps for use offline and to access other features that can help you on your way. But, with multiple lakes, dense forests, and pure Idaho beauty, this hiking trail is worth every single step.

The Tin Cup Hiker Trail is not for the faint of heart. This is an 18.7-mile-loop trail in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in central Idaho.
Jim Christian/AllTrails
To reach the trailhead, you will follow Highway 75 south from Stanley until you reach Pettit Lake turnoff. You will follow this gravel road to the Pettit Lake Campground. Just past the campground, you will find a large parking area. A trailhead pass is required, which you can acquire at the ranger station south of Stanley.
This trail is rated hard by AllTrails users and it certainly has some challenging areas. You will climb more than 3,100 feet in elevation, so you’ll want to be ready.
Sara Bermingham/AllTrails
While you can make this trail a full-day adventure, I recommend breaking it up into multiple days and backpacking. Along this route, you will come to many natural features that you won’t want to rush by.
Brody McPhail/AllTrails
For example, you will hike through both thick forests and meadows with mountains surrounding you on all sides.
Zevi Seidenfeld/AllTrails

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You will also come to some of our favorite alpine lakes — Alice Lake, Twin Lakes, Toxaway Lake, and Farley Lake.
Adi Loomis/AllTrails
Each lake is absolutely stunning and perfect for setting up camp for the night. If you are brave enough, you may even want to hop in the water and cool off — just be aware that the water is typically quite chilly. Also, make sure you bring plenty of bug spray.
You may also pass areas with meadows of wildflowers.
Carissa Chappellet/AllTrails
Keep your eyes out for streams and small waterfalls as well.
Christine Brakefield/AllTrails
Like I said before, you may just want to break this trail up into multiple days so you can truly immerse yourself in some of Idaho's most rugged and beautiful landscapes. They are so hard to beat.
Aaron Kindall/AllTrails
This is one Idaho hiking trail where you will be grateful you put in the effort. It may be rough, rugged, and remote, but it’s mesmerizing. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Erica Clare/AllTrails

Late summer is best to tackle the Tin Cup Hiker Trail to ensure snow is melted in the higher elevations. You can learn more about this trail, including accessing a trail map, on the AllTrails website.

Have you ever tackled the Tin Cup Hiker Trail or visited any of the alpine lakes along this trail? Let us know in the comments. Just make sure that before you head on any hiking adventure, you are prepared. Check out our ultimate hiking packing list for all of your hiking needs.

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Tin Cup Trailhead, Forest Rd 362, Ketchum, ID 83340, USA