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Honestly, the obsession with the John Muir Trail means people are missing the Sawtooths in Idaho, which have way better campsites and half the crowds.
Ngl, after hiking both routes last summer, I found the Sawtooth's Alice Lake area had more reliable water sources and zero permit hassle, so has anyone else ditched the classic trails for something less hyped?
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brian_murray1mo ago
My buddy who works for the Forest Service out there told me the Sawtooths saw a 40 percent jump in visitors last year, but it's still nothing like the Sierra crowds. He said the real secret is the White Cloud peaks just to the east for total solitude. I had a whole lake to myself for three days there, no permits needed. The rock hopping is a bit tougher, but that's what keeps it quiet.
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