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Upper Palisades Lake

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.8 (10)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Eastern Idaho
  4. …Targhee National Forest
  5. Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek
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“This out-and-back takes you to the west end of the Upper Palisades Lake. ”

James Park
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Map Key

14.4

Miles

23.1

KM

Out and Back

6,652' 2,028 m

High

5,596' 1,706 m

Low

1,726' 526 m

Up

1,726' 526 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek

Overview

For this out-and-back hike, you follow the Palisades Creek all the way up to the Upper Palisades Lake, while passing the Lower Palisades Lake.

Need to Know

This is bear country and as such you should take proper precautions.

Description

The trail from the trailhead to the lower lake is relatively easy with a steep section right before you get to the lake (there is some switchbacking at this point). From the lower lake to the upper lake, the first half is fairly flat, while the second half becomes a lot steeper with quite a few switchbacks.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Caribou & Targhee National Forests Office

Shared By:

James Park
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 10 votes

#1

in Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek

#860

Overall
  4.8 from 10 votes
5 Star
80%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Palisades Creek Canyon…

#5

in Idaho

#860

Overall
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9,324 Since May 30, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
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Photos

Taken during the "Cowbell Race Series: Soup in the Snow" event the first Saturday of every February.
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Experience the trail during the winter. Creates a whole new challenge.
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Experience a whole new trail hitting it in the winter.
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Come do this trail in the winter, you'll not believe it is the same easy trail you did in the summer!
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
Stay on the trail during the winter months. Up towards the lake it can be belly button deep if you step off the trail!
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )
The metal bridge and major turn to the Upper Lake. Don't miss it!
Jul 13, 2017 near Irwin, Not set (ID )

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 16, 2022
Gerald Murphy
backpacked. super cool.
Jul 27, 2021
Kylan Eigsti
14.2mi — 6h 30m
Aug 16, 2020
Dawnetta Mahnken
Jun 9, 2018
Austin Mower
14.4mi
Jul 1, 2017
Alaina Preddie
7.2mi

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