Mildred Lakes Trail: A Hiker’s Odyssey

The Mildred Lakes Trail is not for the faint of heart. It’s a hard route that stretches 7.8 miles out and back, with an elevation gain of 3,139 feet¹. The trail is generally considered challenging, but it’s the kind of challenge that true hiking enthusiasts crave.

The Trail Experience

Hikers describe the trail as beautiful, with great fishing opportunities and stunning lake views. However, it’s also known for being not well maintained, requiring off-trail navigational skills at certain points¹. The terrain and elevation make for a slower hike than one might expect, so downloading a map ahead of time is recommended¹.

Reviews from the Trailblazers

• Jake Sanford (July 13, 2024): "The lakes were beautiful, but the trail in is a rough one. Make sure you follow the trail via GPS; it is very easy to get off trail. Lots of straight up and straight down areas. Just take it slow."¹
• Dylan Clay (July 13, 2024): "I did this trail back in 2015, and it seems the trail hasn’t been maintained since then… The trail is not marked well, and I would recommend a GPS of some sorts… Overall still a great hike with great views and low foot traffic."¹
• Bandj Gaming (July 9, 2024): "Hard to find trail and lots of steep uphill scrambling. Conditions: Bugs, Obstructions, Overgrown."¹
• Michael Buchanan (July 6, 2024): "This is a great primitive trail that will challenge you and your hiking companions. Trekking poles and bug repellent came in handy. The route is a bit tricky but the GPS makes it straightforward."¹

The Rewarding Destination

Despite the challenges, the upper lake is both the biggest and most scenic, offering stunning views of the sun and moon rising on the Sawtooths. The end of September is noted for having no biting insects, and the fishing is good².

Conclusion: The Mildred Lakes Trail’s Call to Adventure

The Mildred Lakes Trail calls to those who seek solitude and a test of their hiking mettle. It’s a trail that rewards perseverance with breathtaking natural beauty and a sense of accomplishment that only comes from conquering the untamed wilderness.