Sawtooth Pass Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The scree field below the pass is genuinely hazardous — loose rock shifts constantly, and a slip here means sliding a long way on rough granite. Move deliberately and keep distance between hikers to avoid rockfall.
The pass sits above 11,600 feet, and the trail gains elevation quickly from Monarch Lakes. Altitude sickness symptoms can hit hard if you haven't acclimatized — turn back if you develop a headache or nausea.
Snow lingers on the pass well into July most years, sometimes later. An ice axe and microspikes may be necessary in early season, and route-finding through snowfields can be tricky without tracks to follow.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start at the Monarch Lakes trailhead by 7 AM — the scree section below the pass turns into a solar oven by midday, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
Trekking poles are nearly mandatory for the final loose section to the pass; they'll save your knees on the descent through the scree and keep you upright when the gravel shifts underfoot.
Linger at upper Monarch Lake on the return trip — it's a perfect spot to refuel and soak your feet, and the reflection of Sawtooth Peak in the lake makes for the best photo of the day.
