Seven Devils Backpacking Loop
An Excellent 4-day Backpacking Trip in the Seven Devils
August 24-27, 2023
Horse Heaven Peak (8,220') - Pyramid Mountain (8,780') - Dry Diggings Ridge (7,660') - Sheep Lake Peak (8,740')

The Seven Devils Mountains are located on the western border of Idaho, within the Hells Canyon Wilderness. The rugged terrain towers above Hells Canyon, and offers up craggy peaks, alpine lakes, and huge views. The Seven Devils Loop should be on the wish list of every Idaho backpacker. But beware, this is not an easy outing, and wildfires over the years have affected the forest on various parts of the loop. Much of the trail passes through burn areas, but thankfully several lakes offer scenic campsites in beautiful sub-alpine forest terrain.

Day 1: Windy Saddle Trailhead to Horse Heaven Lake. Here's a shot of our group before leaving the trailhead. Me, Lucas, Jerry, and Nick.


We elected to do the loop clockwise. This made for a longer first day, but a fair amount of downhill or flattish hiking. Much of this section is recovering from prior wildfires.


Occasional deadfall on the trail. Jerry handles this one like a pro.


After learning there was already a large group camped at Dog Lake, we decided to continue on to Horse Heaven Lake. This extended day 1, but would make day 2 more manageable. Plus more great scenery along the way.


The final climb to Horse Heaven Lake was off trail, and plenty of work at the end of a long day. We had a few rest stops on the way up.


The sun was setting by the time we arrived at Horse Heaven Lake. We were pooped after a long day, and ready for diner and then sleep.


Day 2: Horse Heaven Lake to Baldy Lake. We awoke to a beautiful morning at the secluded lake, feeling stronger after a good night of sleep.


But the forecasted afternoon rainstorm came early. So we broke camp and bushwhacked back down to the trail in the rain.


The morning was pleasant once the rain stopped, and the cloud cover kept things cool as we climbed to the saddle at the southern end of the loop.


Once at the saddle, the others stopped for a well earned break. I decided on a quick side trip up Horse Heaven Peak. From the summit, Horse Heaven Cabin has a great view into the core of the Seven Devils.


After a good rest break at the saddle, we started around the west side of the loop, which provided exceptional views of Hells Canyon.


It had become a beautiful day, and I was feeling good. So while the others continued along the trail, I took a side trip up Pyramid Peak. Here's the summit cairn after a class 2+ scramble.


From Pyramid Peak, a good view of Slide Rock Lake, and our prior night's campsite at Horse Heaven Lake further down.


Once back at the trail, I had some ground to make up in order to catch the others. I tried to hustle, but the views were distracting.


We'd stayed in touch via 2-way radios throughout the afternoon, so I knew the others were only ~5 minutes ahead of me as I made my way up the trail the Baldy Lake. Thankfully this area had been spared by wildfires.


Baldy Lake made for a highly scenic campsite. Here's a panoramic view of the sunset that doesn’t do the scene true justice.


Our spirits were high as we enjoyed the beautiful lake and sunset.


Day 3: Baldy Lake to Sheep Lake. We tried our hands at fishing, and I was fortunate to catch (and release) this huge trout in the morning before breakfast.


Soon enough it was time to break camp and hit the trail. It was a bit brushy in places, but still easy to follow.


Our progress was pretty good, until huckleberries…..


The trail went gradually downhill for a while, and then it was time to climb. We did our best to maintain a good steady pace, enjoying the views along the way.


Once up on the ridge above Hibbs Cow Camp, it was time for a lunch break. I really enjoyed the views in this area, and can only imagine the wildflowers earlier in the summer would be amazing here.


Of course I was chomping at the bit to tag another peak. So I detoured north to Dry Diggins Ridge while the other guys rested. From the summit looking south, here's a view of Tower of Babble, Mt Ball, She Devil, and He Devil.


Soon enough it was time to join the others and head up the trail toward Sheep Lake. Along the way we passed Gem Lake. Beautiful.


As we continued up the trail, I had one more peak in mind. So I scampered up ahead, and then hung a left to visit "Sheep Lake Peak". After a fun scramble, I made it to the summit, which offered great views of Sheep Lake and the surrounding peaks.


Once back at the trail, the clouds came and we got pelted with hail on the way down to Sheep Lake. Here's a neat misty rainbow shot at the lake. Notice the hail on the ground.


Later in the evening, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset from or campsite on the west side of Sheep Lake. The popular lake had several other groups camped there.


Day 4: Sheep Lake to Windy Saddle Trailhead, via the climbers trail. We'd been eyeing the climbers route the night before, and there was definitely some trepidation. The next morning we broke camp. Seemed like these guys were always pumping water for each other.


After circling around the south side of Sheep Lake, Jerry stops for a view looking back.


As we started up the climbers trail, here's a neat shot of He Devil reflecting in a small lake.


Part way up the route, heading up some ledges.


Here's one of the steeper sections, with Sheep Lake in the background.


With most of the climbing done, we did some side hilling before reaching the ridgeline.


Here's a view of Mirror Lake from the ridge. Mostly downhill from here on the way back to the trailhead.


I'd promised we'd see a mountain goat at some point, but that didn't happen until we finally saw this one hanging around the campground at the very end of the trip.


Map of our route. The main loop was 31 miles round trip. With side trips for peaks, total was 36 miles and 9100' of elevation gain.

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