South Fork Payette Trail & Ten Lakes Basin

DATES: August 28-September 4

TRAILHEAD: Grandjean, ID

LOCATION: Sawtooth national forest, Sawtooth wilderness

BASECAMP: backcountry primitive

miles to basecamp: TBD

RATING: Strenuous, backpacking

DESCRIPTION:

New for this year! SBFC will be working in the Sawtooth Wilderness Area to restore trails impacted by the 2024 Wapiti Fire. Starting from Grandjean, we will backpack along the South Fork Payette Trail (#452), a vital access route in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) to the Ten Lake Basin-Benedict Creek Loop.

We will perform maintenance on the #452, Benedict Lake Trail (#462), Three Island Lake Trail (#043), and Ten Lake Basin Trail (#463). This route is 30 miles, approximately 22 of which span the Idaho Centennial Trail. The work will include clearing downed trees and brush while repairing trail drainage. Our goal is to ensure this scenic route of high alpine lakes and wilderness remains accessible to outdoor enthusiasts. Volunteers should be prepared to work on burned sections of trail, and to move basecamp throughout the week as sections are completed.

This is a strenuous backpacking trip. Spaces are limited, and volunteers must be prepared to hike long distances while carrying food, personal gear, and tools.

SBFC will provide all meals and snacks, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.