Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
875.00 ft (266.70 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.60 mi (5.79 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Staying near Sun Valley and looking for a good moderate day hike? Look no further than the lovely Baker Lake Trail, which offers amazing wildflowers in mid-summer, great views, and a nice little lake to cool off in when the weather is hot.

The Baker Lake Trailhead is off the beaten path and a little over 9 miles on a good dirt road from the highway. There is a large parking area with vault toilets. The trail starts level, passing through a fairly extensive burned area of lodgepole pines from the 2013 Beaver Creek fire, but it quickly starts climbing across several long traverse routes that alternately pass through forested areas and wide open hillsides. As in many areas of prior fires, the wildflowers can be spectacular here. The grade never gets too steep, and even younger children can manage this trail. 

There is no view of the lake until you are right on top of it, and there is decent tree cover for shade as well as open areas for the views. The fishing in this lake is generally excellent, though there are posted restrictions for the native trout. There are a few campsites around the lake, making this an excellent family backpack destination.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall
Spring

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

No

Pros

Pretty lake. Wildflowers in season. Great views.

Cons

Much of the route is through previously burned areas.

Trailhead Elevation

7,935.00 ft (2,418.59 m)

Highest point

8,810.00 ft (2,685.29 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildflowers
Big vistas
Fishing
Family friendly

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.