Packsaddle Lake
Tetonia, Idaho
| Address: | Packsaddle Lake Rd, Tetonia, ID 83452, USA |
| GPS: |
43°46'26.5"N 111°20'20.3"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Idaho |
| Trail Length: | 5.00 miles |
| MTB Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| MTB Trail Type: | Fire Road |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.6 mi |
Lakes Rivers Trails Wildflowers
Dive, Hike, Mountain Bike, Snowshoe, and Swim
Packsaddle is one of the less well known lakes/trails in the area. If you've got a good offroad vehicle, you can probably make it all the way to the end of the road, otherwise, it's just an extra 0.5 miles up the hill. Even to get to that point though, you may push the limits of your car or mini van and be required to do some pretty technical driving. There are plenty of good spots to park along the road if you decide that's as far as you can drive. The descent to the lake is pretty steep (300ft elevation drop) but less than a 1/2 mile to the lake. You'll be able to see the lake from the top of the trail. There's a little camp area on the eastern edge of the lake.
Mountain Bike Trail (From Lower Trailhead)
It starts on a slight incline and then gets gradually steeper. Trail is pretty smooth. After a tough climb, you get a downhill followed by a field. Then there's a fork in the road. If you actually want to get to the lake, take a left at the fork. Climb some more. View the beautiful Tetons on your left. You'll come to a clearing at the top. If you look down to the left, the lake is between the trees down the steep decline singletrack. Don't ride right into the lake. It's freezing, and does a quick dropoff. Courtesy of Singletracks.com
More Information
Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.
Read MoreBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Tetonia, Idaho
- Head south on S Main St toward Perry Ave (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto N 3000 W (2.1 mi)
- Turn right onto W 4000 N (6.7 mi)
- Continue onto Packsaddle Rd (1.2 mi)
- Continue onto Packsaddle Lake Rd (1.8 mi)
- Turn left to stay on Packsaddle Lake Rd (0.5 mi)
If you're okay driving through 1.5 feet of murky water
- Head East on Highway 33 towards Driggs (24.4 mi from Hwy 20)
- Turn RIGHT onto Hoopes Road
- As you come to the edge of the woods, keep LEFT at the fork to stay on Hoopes Road.
- Immediately after the turn, the road will likely be flooded. If you plan to drive through it, you may want to make sure you're not going to hit any debris
- You'll come to a 'T' in the road. Turn RIGHT onto Packsaddle Lake Road
- Follow Packsaddle Lake Road for 1.8 miles
- At the fork, turn left (either on foot or by car). The road from here is pretty steep and can be quite difficult
- At the top of the hill, follow the trail to the left down the hill. You should be able to see bits of the lake pretty soon
Otherwise
- Head East on Highway 33 towards Driggs (24.4 mi from Hwy 20)
- Turn right onto N 8000 W after passing Rim River Ranch
- After 3.9 miles, turn right onto W 4000 N
- Continue on Packsaddle Lake Road for 3 miles
- At the fork, turn left (either on foot or by car). The road from here is pretty steep and can be quite difficult
- At the top of the hill, follow the trail to the left down the hill. You should be able to see bits of the lake pretty soon
Trails
Distance ?
0.6 miles Round TripElevation Gain ?
-260 feetReal Ascent ?
24 feetReal Descent ?
284 feetAvg Grade (-9°)
-16%Grade (-20° to 12°)
-36% to 21%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.