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Lower Palisades Lake Trail

Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.2 (13)
  1. Areas
  2. ID
  3. …Eastern Idaho
  4. …Targhee National Forest
  5. Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek
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“The most popular trail in southeast Idaho and a great beginner trail to start with for those new to hiking. ”

Jeff Fullmer
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Map Key

4.3

Miles

7.0

KM

Point to Point

6,197' 1,889 m

High

5,594' 1,705 m

Low

898' 274 m

Up

332' 101 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

24%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Keep your distance from the moose. They see thousands of visitors a year, but are still wild animals. They can sometimes be found on the trail, especially during the winter.

Description

This is an easy hike that can be done any time of the year. The snow stays compacted on the trail during the winter with all the winter use, and the only major obstacle is during the spring melt and dealing with wet shoes. This is a great option for new hikers or hikers looking for a scenic, easy outing.

Flora & Fauna

Moose live up at the lake in the summer and migrate and live close to the trailhead during the winter. Deer and mountain goats may be seen along the way as well. Pine trees and wildflowers are abundant.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Caribou & Targhee National Forests Office

Shared By:

Jeff Fullmer
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 13 votes

#1

in Palisades Creek Canyon and Big Elk Creek

#1141

Overall
  4.2 from 13 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
46%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Palisades Creek Canyon…

#15

in Idaho

#1,141

Overall
15 Views Last Month
22,588 Since Jul 13, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
25%
17%
58%
0%
0%
0%
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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 )
Stop and enjoy the view of Lower Palisades Lake after crossing the creek.
May 30, 2017 near Victor, ID

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 40 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 30, 2021
Cory Conway
First Hike of lower canyon lake. Got caught in a deluge of rain on the way back. Soaked to the bone. 8.8mi — 3h 00m
May 29, 2020
Lori H
Gorgeous hike. Lots of water with all the snowmelt. — 3h 25m
Mar 1, 2020
Brian Bartlett
Good day, with almost perfect conditions. Saw a moose and her calf.
Sep 19, 2018
Mike Holland
Great hike, beautiful this time of year, no wildlife ;( 9mi — 4h 00m
Jul 4, 2018
Fidelma Oconnell
Aug 22, 2017
Andrew Towle

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