Stephens Lakes Basin Ski Tour

Another of our favorites in the Sawtooth Wilderness, the tour up into the Stephens Lakes Basin promises gorgeous views but does not follow a maintained trail all the way in.  On Saturday we will drive to the Stanley Basin, park near Little Redfish Lake, follow a snowmobiled road for about a mile and a half, and then follow a trail up Fishhook Creek that will most likely be broken.  We will bypass a yurt and enjoy superb views from meadows before entering the forest and camping.  On Sunday we will continue up and into the Stephens Lake Basin where we have several options for touring to the highest lake or other vantage points before returning to camp. On Monday we will ski out and return to town.  Backcountry skis, telemark gear or an alpine touring/randonee set up are appropriate for this trip.  Shovels, transceivers, probe poles, climbing skins, and winter camping gear are required as are strong intermediate skiing skills - you must be able to ski down through trees. The parking area is about a 3-hour drive from Boise.  No dogs, please.