The Alpine Triangle in Idaho offers a rugged backcountry experience connecting three mountain towns—Stanley, Challis, and Salmon. This roughly 90-mile loop pits you against wild rivers, steep alpine meadows, dense forests, and limestone escarpments, with each segment daring you to engage with landscapes fiercely themselves. You'll start in Stanley, elevation 6,250 feet, where the Salmon River whispers through narrow canyons, before pushing east toward Challis. Expect to climb and descend around 7,500 feet total elevation gain over uneven terrain—rocky stretches that test your footing and shaded trails that carry the scent of pine and fir.

The route’s pace is dictated by the land around you: sudden bursts through open ridges offer sweeping views of the Sawtooth Range, while thick woods envelop you in quiet shadows, broken only by distant bird calls. Salmon’s wide river channels invite a pause, challenging you to measure your energy against the current’s rhythm.

Prepare for varied weather—warm days can shift to cool nights quickly. Hydration is crucial; rivers are plentiful but often swift, so a reliable water filter is a must. Footwear should grip on slick rock and soft dirt alike, and be ready for stretch of slog that make trekking poles more friend than extra weight. The best months for this trek are July through September when snow has melted and trails are most accessible.

With a balance of challenge and reward, the Alpine Triangle isn’t a trail to conquer but a route to engage with. Its character comes from how it shifts beneath your steps and the wildness pressing close. Respect the pace it demands, plan carefully, and it will reveal views and moments that stay with you long after your boots are rested.