Sawtooth/Glacier Pass Class III Shortcut

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Features Lake · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

It's important to note that this route is an off-trail route that is mostly marked by rock cairns. You'll want to bring a paper map, a compass, and your route-finding skills with you on this route.

From Monarch Lake begin the slog up to Sawtooth Pass on the Monarch Trail. Stay left of the large sandy area of Sawtooth's approach and pick a route leading toward the top of the pass. Glacier Pass is the low area between Empire Mountain and Sawtooth Peak. Once on top of Glacier Pass, follow the Class III cross country trail marked by cairns all the way to Spring Lake.

After a night at Spring Lake, cross country down the valley and meet up with the trail ascending Blackrock Pass. From there, you can complete the loop as described in the Mineral King Loop, or you can descend west on the Blackrock Pass trail to its intersection with the Timber Gap Trail to return to your vehicle via that shorter loop.

Small, but great fishing can be had at Spring Lake.