2024 Baron Creek – Youth

Volunteer Trail Work Project

2024 Baron Creek – Youth

Loading Events

In the Sawtooth Wilderness, this self-supported youth backpacking crew will work from Grandjean Campground towards Baron Lake. With camping options along the way, we will bump up camp as we work up, passing Baron Creek Falls and hopefully making it all the way to Baron Lake. This trail travels through forest and up steep slopes into the lake basin, with views of the saw-toothy ridge lines this wilderness is famous for.

With guidance from crew leaders, youth volunteers (ages 14-18) will learn about and be involved in all aspects of camp life. This includes camp set up, water and sanitation, and ensuring tools are accounted for. Volunteers will learn and are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace best practices and project safety expectations set by crew leaders. ITA’s youth projects are completely free for volunteers to join and all food is provided. Gear can be borrowed from ITA if needed. See our Youth Program page for more info.

Project information is subject to change. Crew leaders will communicate via email. Failure to respond to your crew leader may result in being dropped from the project. See our FAQs, reach out to your crew leader, or contact ITA staff at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org if you have questions.

Trails: Redfish Creek- Baron Creek Trail #101

Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Volunteers and parents/guardians will join for a pre-trip Zoom meeting before the project. Meet at Grandjean Campground in the morning on Sunday July 21st, and backpack into the first camp, about 3.6 miles in. Work up and bump camp along as we work up towards the lake. Friday, hike back toward the trailhead for pickup Saturday morning.

Food Provided by ITA: Yes- dinner and breakfast backpacking food will be provided. Please plan to bring your own lunch/snacks/electrolytes (more on food at the pre-trip Zoom meeting).

Crew Leader:  Kasey Rose and Eric Messenger 

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 2.5 hours from Boise, 1 hour from Stanley

Trail Map:   Click for trail map and elevation profile

Difficulty Rating

You should have some experience with camping or backpacking and be in good hiking condition (able to hike for 3-4 miles at a time with a 30-35 pound backpack on). You will be carrying all your own food and camping gear, as well as a share of trail tools. This is a remote backcountry project so injuries such as sprains and blisters or even extreme fatigue from not being properly conditioned can quickly become a big safety issue. If you are unsure about the proper gear or about preparing for a trip, please reach out to trails@idahotrailsassociation.org; we are happy to offer advice.

Hike: 4/5 Strenuous- Baron Creek gains 3,700 feet of elevation over 10 miles to Baron Lake. You will cover shorter distances each day, bumping packs and gear as you work up towards Baron Lake.  Expect a full day of hiking at the end to return to the trailhead. Expect creek crossings without a bridge, and rocky and uneven terrain. As you near the lake, there are several long stretches of switchbacks.

Project Work: 4/5 Strenuous- Lots of saw work and brushing expected. Maybe hiking longer distances to project work, depending on base camp locations. Carrying heavy packs and tools.

Volunteer Spots Available: 2 of 12
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!

This project is currently full, but we are accepting waitlist submissions. If you have received a waitlist password (different from member password), you may sign up using the button below. Or click here to join the waitlist for this project and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!

Go to Top