Alice Lake sits in the southerly heart of Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Wilderness, surrounded by serrated pinnacles that give the range its namesake. To reach the lake, drive north from Ketchum on Highway 75 over Galena Summit, then turn left at the Pettit Lake highway sign. Continue on Pettit Lake Road to the backpackers’ parking lot, where the marked trail to Alice Lake begins. The distance to the lake is approximately 6 miles.
Stream crossings can be treacherous in early season—May through early July. However, these can be avoided by traveling off-trail along the southerly slopes. The final stream crossing is via a bridge just before Lakes 1 and 2. If you stick to the main trail, consider bringing wading attire.
⛷️ Alpine Touring & Ski Mountaineering The greatest vertical drops are found on Snowyside Peak’s northeastern slopes, descending into Twin Lakes or Toxaway Lake drainages. Broad open-slope skiing is also available on the lower northern flanks of El Capitan. Mountain bikes are permitted up to the Wilderness Boundary at the end of the Pettit Lake access.
🎣 Fishing Notes Alice Lake and its connected tributary lakes were first stocked by Idaho Fish and Game in the 1940s and ’50s with Eastern Brook Trout. Because brookies are prolific breeders, these lakes are no longer stocked—all fish here are wild brook trout. Lakes 1, 2, 3, Alice, and Twin Lakes contain abundant populations.
- Alice Lake holds the largest fish, best caught in the early to late evening.
- Twin Lakes brookies can sometimes be caught round-the-clock.
- Lakes 1–3 fish best in early morning or evening, though afternoon bites are also possible.
Recommended fly patterns include small woolly worms, streamers, and nymphs. Surface action can be found using Mayfly (Adams), Renegade, and midge patterns sized 16 to 20.
🧗 Climbing Opportunities El Capitan, Snowyside, and Perfect Peak can all be accessed from this drainage. Snowyside’s summit is often reached from the Alturas Lake drainage, but a more exposed ascent from the Alice Lake side is also possible. Those aiming to ski from Snowyside’s summit will find the Alturas approach preferable.
🌄 Wildlife & Scenery In early season, waterfalls line the glacial canyon, and the cliffs occasionally host mountain goats—so keep a watchful eye.
