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Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail #43 - 3 members in 2 triplogs have rated this an average 4.3 ( 1 to 5 best )
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Aug 23 2025
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Ball and Pyramid Lakes Trail #43Northern, ID
Northern, ID
Hiking avatar Aug 23 2025
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking5.73 Miles 1,497 AEG
Hiking5.73 Miles   3 Hrs   50 Mns   1.78 mph
1,497 ft AEG      37 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Jill and I headed up to Pyramid and Ball Lakes for today’s hike. I’ve been to Pyramid before, but neither of the Ball Lakes.

Cool temps to start. From the trailhead, we headed uphill on the main trail. At about 0.60 miles, we took the left fork onto trail 43. From there, it was a quick hike up to Pyramid Lake.

The trail headed east from the lake, and started ascending up the granite wall encircling the lake. Not too steep of an ascent, and we had some good views as we climbed. Once at the top of the wall, the trail mostly leveled off as we made our way towards the Ball Lakes. There was a signed fork for the two lakes. We first took the right fork to Upper Ball, which I kept calling Big Ball since it’s the larger of the two lakes.

Upper Ball has incredibly clear water and is FULL of fish. It’s a gorgeous lake, with a dramatic backdrop of granite. There were two groups camping and fishing at the lake, one at each end. We rested for a while, then headed over to Lower Ball Lake, which I called Little Ball. Also, a gorgeous lake surrounded by granite. There was one family camping there. They had a very loud little kid, who was constantly yelling for his brother, Wolfram. The brother had obviously headed for quieter territory. The dad had wisely abandoned his family, and was way up at top of the ridge high above the lake. I bet he stayed up there all day.

After eating lunch at the third lake, we headed back down the trail. Easy descent. Still pretty cool when we finished, only 73 degrees, which is actually much hotter than average.

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Ball Lakes 76-100% full 76-100% full

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Pyramid Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
  1 archive
Jun 30 2021
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 Guides 110
 Routes 2,246
 Photos 8,982
 Triplogs 2,600

45 female
 Joined Dec 24 2007
 Ahwatukee, AZ
Pyramid Pass Trail #13 - Idaho Panhandle NFNorthern, ID
Northern, ID
Hiking avatar Jun 30 2021
LindaAnnTriplogs 2,600
Hiking6.65 Miles 1,846 AEG
Hiking6.65 Miles   4 Hrs   45 Mns   1.56 mph
1,846 ft AEG      30 Mns Break
 
1st trip
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realm09
watermelonW
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Much cooler temps at the trailhead than back in Sandpoint or Bonners Ferry. Got started before 0800 and made our way uphill. Lots of shade, and not too buggy. The trail is in good shape and the incline is fairly steady. Took our time heading up, making our way over three or four downed trees. Quick break at the saddle before continuing north.

Debated continuing all the way to Long Mountain, but it had a little more elevation gain than the kids wanted, so we turned around near the end of Pyramid Pass trail. I’ll come back to this area next summer to do more of the trails up here. Quick hike back down, made easier by the crew that had cleared the deadfall behind us.

Headed over to Pyramid Lake, where the kids swam and chased frogs. The trail past Pyramid Lake and up to Ball Lakes looks STEEP. Again, another obe for next year.

Easy hike back down to the trailhead, but it was getting warm. Saw two backpackers at the parking area when we finished, they were heading up to Long Mountain Lake. Other than the trail crew, they were the only other people we saw.

Great area, with a nice feel of isolation.
 Flora
 Flora [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Mountain Heather
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light

water 1 out of 5water 2 out of 5water 3 out of 5water 4 out of 5 Pyramid Lake 76-100% full 76-100% full
Lake was full
_____________________
Stop crying and just go do the hike.
  1 archive
average hiking speed 1.67 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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