138

Norton Lakes and Norton Pass

Distance: 6.8 miles roundtrip

Total elevation gain: 2,250 feet

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Range: 7,650 to 9,900 feet

Topographic Map: Baker Peak, Galena

Time: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes

Distance to Trailhead: 22.2 miles

Water Availability: Norton Creek, Norton Lakes

Cautionary Advice: Depending on snow-melt conditions, early season hikers may find the crossing of Norton Creek difficult. You may have to ford the creek, so caution is in order. Although not a long hike, the trail has very few flat areas. Be prepared for a physically challenging hike. Beyond the Norton Lakes there is little tree cover. Bring a hat and do not attempt if thunderstorm activity is near.

Information: Sawtooth National Forest, Ketchum Ranger District (208) 622-5371

Trailhead:

North 43 43.863West 114 37.996

Norton Peak Pass:

North 43 45.395West 114 39.340

Norton Lakes and Norton Pass

Most hikers stop at the gorgeous Norton Lakes. However, if you are up for a physical challenge and prize views, then you have to add the pass below Norton Peak to your itinerary. From the pass, the views are amazing! To the north, Miner Lake can be seen glistening some 1,100 feet below. The Prairie Creek drainage is beyond the lake with the steeps walls of the Smoky Mountains ridgeline rising behind. To the south, both Norton Lakes can be seen as well as the exquisite headwalls backing Smoky and Big Lost lakes.

Trailhead Directions

From downtown Ketchum drive north on Highway 75 for 15.0 miles. Turn left or west, between mile markers 143 and 144, onto Baker Creek Road, also known as FR 162. Follow FR 162 for 5.9 miles to FR 170. Turn right

36

Coordinates

Hiking Idaho | www.hikingidaho.com

The Day Hiker's Guide to Sun Valley & Ketchum

139

and follow this dirt road another 1.3 miles to the road’s end. All roads are suitable for passenger cars.

The Hike

Follow hike 35 to the upper Norton Lake. From the upper Norton Lake, cross the outlet stream. The trail quickly enters forest and reaches the first of 14 switchbacks at 2.3 miles. The trail makes an incessant climb up the steep ridge, with an occasional tree providing shade. With each step, the views down to the Norton Lakes become more remarkable. After a climb of 800 feet, the trail arrives at the open saddle. To the right is Norton Peak (10,336 feet), the second highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. Look closely for mountain goats which can often be seen teetering on the rocky edges near the top. For spectacular views and a fantastic lunch spot, go left or southwest along the saddle for 500 feet to a rock outcropping. Views are striking looking north into Miner Canyon, south to the Norton Lakes and of the many rugged peaks on the main crest of the Smoky Mountains. From the saddle, there is a faint path that leads north and climbs 450 feet to the top of Norton Peak.

View down to Upper Norton Lake near Norton Pass

Hiking Idaho | www.hikingidaho.com

The Day Hiker's Guide to Sun Valley & Ketchum

▪35 NORTON LAKES 36 NORTON LAKES AND NORTON PASS

37 NORTON - BIG LOST - SMOKY LAKE LOOP 38 WEST FORK OF NORTON CREEKHiking Idaho | www.hikingidaho.com

The Day Hiker's Guide to Sun Valley & Ketchum