These Glacial Lakes In Idaho Still Have Ice Age Water In Them

Central Idaho's rugged Sawtooth Mountains — while raw, untamed, and well-loved as a towering pinnacle of the Gem State's beauty — are not the tallest range in the state. However, they have a special history that is far more recent than most people realize and ancient secrets that have yet to be discovered. The towering crags and jagged formations of the range are incredibly unique in comparison to the rest of the larger Rocky Mountain landscape because they are so relatively young, still eroding, shifting, and changing to this day.

Idahoans treasure these scenic mountains for hundreds of reasons, but in many ways, they represent the very identity of Idaho itself as a wilderness treasure in an increasingly urban American landscape. Over 400 mountain lakes dot the hidden recesses of the Sawtooths, some of which are so pristine and remote that few people have seen them in person, let alone dipped a toe in their frigid waters. Others are completely untouched and have never even heard the echo of human footsteps. These hidden, mirror-like lakes are a modern, ancient wonder; a beautiful, picturesque contradiction that many theorize still hold secrets of the last Ice Age hidden in their depths — and they're right in the heart of Idaho.

Unlike many of Idaho's stunning mountain ranges, the Sawtooths are surprisingly young at heart.

The jagged peaks and harsh edges that give these mountains their name are a product of their age -- time has yet to tame the rocky exterior.

But their distinct appearance is also a product of Idaho's naturally tumultuous and volcanic geology.

Eons ago, the Sawtooths were covered in thick glaciers.

The mountains naturally form a distinct barricade against winter storms originating from the Pacific Ocean and, during the Pleistocene period, housed massive accumulation areas of glacial ice.

In the hot volcanic bursts that characterized Idaho's landscape at the time and in the coming ages of climate change, the glaciers that covered the area melted into the most perfect natural oases you'll find anywhere else in the country.

These spectacular glacier lakes in Idaho sit largely untouched by human presence and are crystal-clear reminders of Earth's past.

While Earth's rising and falling climate over the ages has no doubt evaporated much of the original glacial water, these pristine lakes could very well be some of the last remnants of our planet's prehistoric history.

Hundreds of research teams have tried to uncover the secrets of Idaho's Sawtooths. While no one team has learned everything there is to know, each venture into the wilderness reveals more about Idaho's geologic history.

And even if nothing more spectacular can be discovered, these hidden gems are still pretty incredible all on their own. Don't you think?

While not everyone can visit each of these perfect glacial lakes in Idaho, isn't it incredible to know just how ancient and breathtaking our state's natural geology truly is? The Sawtooth Wilderness offers hundreds of protected, scenic hiking trails and we definitely encourage everyone to take at least one glacial lake hike in their lifetime -- just be sure to share your stories with us in the comments!