Just returned from a gorgeous trip into the Sawtooth Wilderness (Golden Lakes Loop). We drove the dusty & bumpy road to the Crater Creek trailhead. Parking lots were full when we arrived at 10am, but we found a spot along the road. Trucks, horse trailers and vans dotted the trailhead campground area.
First time hiking this multi-use trail. Some trip reports suggested the trail is partly road, but it's a single track with multiple technical sections if you aren't on foot (Angel's Staircase, Devil's elevator). Mountain bike and dirt bike riders we encountered were courteous, fit and skilled athletes (except one).
Day one we went to Upper Eagle Lake to camp. Our timing was perfect with sunny skies and the larches at peak. On the way up we were passed by 5 equestrians and their packhorse. Beautiful strong animals. We couldn't help but daydream how wonderful it would be to go into the backcountry like that. The cirque and basin around Upper Eagle Lake (7100ft elevation) had a dusting of snow and the ground was mostly frozen. After sunset the wind howled over the ridgeline, and it got cold (below freezing). Glad we packed our layers and slept with a liner in our bags.
Day two we went over the pass to Boiling Lake, up Angel's Staircase, down Devil's Elevator to Cooney Lake, then back to the trailhead. The section between the passes was absolutely gorgeous (our favorite of the loop). While ascending Angel's Staircase a descending mountain biker ate it and flew over the handlebars. Not a somersault, more like a cartwheel. Luckily, he was not injured, but he was angry and frustrated (maybe embarrassed it happened in front of us). He promptly jumped back on, pedaled furiously and bombed by us leaving only seconds for us to hug the talus and get out of his way. Nary a word from him.
After admiring expansive views at the top, we descended the aptly named Devil's Elevator. It was covered by snow and ice and a bit tricky with just trail runners and poles. Traction would've been nice, but we made do with what we had. Cooney Lake was a bit muddy as it was now afternoon, but we hardly noticed with the golden larch show going on. After a break we descended the forest to the trailhead. A long day and wonderful end to our backpacking season.
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