Big Lost Lake is located in central Idaho’s Smoky Mountain, not far from Ketchum. It can be reached from the Norton Lakes trailhead, which is accessible to passenger vehicles. There is an unofficial, but well used trail that can be used to combine Big Lost Lake and the popular Norton Lakes, into a six mile loop hike.

My sons and I didn’t leave town as early as I would have liked, so we didn’t start hiking until about 7:30 Friday night. I had transferred more weight from my pack to theirs than years past, but could still barely keep up with them on the way up the fairly steep trail.

After three-quarters of a mile, we made it to the unmarked but obvious fork leading west to Big Lost Lake. The trail was well used but steeply graded much of the way. The sun was starting to set, and we took a break to look at some great lighting on the clouds and ridge behind us. We then continued up to Smoky Lake. It was almost dark when we got there, and we debated stopping there but decided to continue another fifteen minutes to Big Lost Lake. It was dark by the time we arrived at Big Lost Lake, but we were able to find a tent spot, and then spent close to an hour stargazing before hitting the sack.

The next morning, we were up early to see the sunrise light on the mountains above the lake, and were able to watch several mountain goats high above us. A great start to the day. After breakfast, we broke camp and continue onward to the Norton Lakes.

The trail descended to the Lower Norton Lake, where we dropped our packs for a brief side trip to Upper Norton Lake. Both lakes were highly scenic and full of fish that we could see swimming in the clear water. Soon enough we headed down the trail. There were many folks out hiking on a Saturday morning, and I’d estimate we saw close to 50 other people making their way up the trail as we were going down.

It was a short but great outing with my sons. Quality time in the mountains that I treasure. Round trip was just over 6 miles round trip and 1800’ elevation gain. It was 2.5 miles and 1600’ gain to Big Lost Lake, and another 3.5 miles and 200’ gain to finish the loop.

Map of the route, just over 6 miles and 1800' gain round trip.	Heading up the trail.	Neat lighting on the ridge behind us.	A little dark by the time we reached Smoky Lake.	Sunrise at Big Lost Lake.
One of several mountain goats we watched.	Prairie Creek Peak above Big Lost Lake.	Skipping rocks.	Our campsite.	Heading toward Norton Lakes.
Descending to Lower Norton Lake.	Upper Norton Lake is gorgeous.	Heading back down.	Lower Norton Lake.	Almost back to the trailhead.
Map of the route, just over 6 miles and 1800' gain round trip.Heading up the trail.Neat lighting on the ridge behind us.A little dark by the time we reached Smoky Lake.Sunrise at Big Lost Lake.One of several mountain goats we watched.Prairie Creek Peak above Big Lost Lake.Skipping rocks.Our campsite.Heading toward Norton Lakes.Descending to Lower Norton Lake.Upper Norton Lake is gorgeous.Heading back down.Lower Norton Lake.Almost back to the trailhead.