West Fork of Norton Creek to Prairie Lakes View

The last reliable water source on the ascent is at 1.7 miles.  There is not much shade on the hike, so carry plenty of water for you and your dogs.

From downtown Ketchum, it is a 22-mile drive with the last 7 miles on dirt roads. The first 6 of those miles are along the well-maintained Baker Road, but the last mile into the trailhead is a bit rougher. Still, any car with healthy tires will be able to make it to the trailhead.

Click here for directions to the trailhead. There is parking for about 20 vehicles, but the lot fills quickly on weekend mornings.

There are bathroom facilities at the trailhead.

Mid-June through early October

Click Here to Download a PDF of the Route

After crossing the bridge over Norton Creek, continue straight at the junction with Norton Lakes Trail.

The trail begins climbing gently under an open sky, with a hillside rising to your right and Norton Creek babbling to your left.

At .75 miles, come to a simple creek crossing. On the other side, the views open dramatically to a picturesque 9,900-foot, talus-covered peak rising above a small meadow that bursts with wildflowers in mid-summer.

There is another easy creek crossing at 1 mile before the trail enters the woods and begins to steepen. Cross the creek again at 1.65 miles, after which the stream continues alongside the trail for a short distance.

At 1.7 miles, you’ll reach the last reliable water source. With a difficult, sun-exposed climb ahead, this is a good place to top off your water bottles.

This marks the beginning of the hike’s main climb. The trail continues through an open meadow, rising steadily toward the slope ahead. At about 2.4 miles, the trail finally levels out and enters the forest. At 2.5 miles, reach a junction and turn right.

The trail enters a hillside meadow at about 2.6 miles. At 2.7 miles, look uphill to spot a cave tucked into the hillside. Reach the high point of the climb at 2.9 miles and take some time to enjoy the sweeping views into the valleys on either side.

From here, the trail rolls along the right side of the ridge before dropping steeply toward the valley floor. Footing can be tricky in places, and hiking poles will come in handy. As you descend into the valley, keep an eye out for the unusual rock formations rising on either side.

Cross the valley and, at 3.75 miles, begin climbing toward the saddle overlooking Prairie Lakes. At 4 miles, make one final push to reach a saddle-top junction at 4.15 miles. You can continue straight and descend to Prairie Lakes, but we suggest turning right toward the rocky knob overlooking the lakes and surrounding valley.

This is the final payoff.  Climb the knob and find a comfortable spot to sit and enjoy a picnic while taking in the scenery. At least four of the Prairie Lakes and ponds can be seen dotted across the valley below. Of course, the farther you climb, the more expansive the views become—and the more lakes you’ll be able to spot.