The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is one of the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho. Beginning at Stanley Idaho, one of the first things you'll enjoy is the spectacular view of the Sawtooth Range directly to the south as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway heads west. Ready to start planning your next road trip? The more time you have to spend in the Sawtooth Mountains, the better! How did Englands lost king end up beneath a parking lot? In order to have an unforgettable trip, here are a few things you should bring. While the Sawtooth Mountains can get hot in the summer, you should make sure you pack along a variety of clothing, including items you can layer. WebWe drove from the Sawtooths to Boise and the drive is stunning! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Youre able to read reviews to hear how others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the right spot for you. I'm Stef and I'm the face behind Open Road Odysseys! White Clouds Golf Course, Elkhorn Golf Course & Trail Creek Golf Course, Idaho Department of Commerce - Tourism Development. Sign up for my monthly newsletter with on our adventures including travel tips and adventure guides for you! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ready to explore the Sawtooths? Eat and Stay Food and lodging abound in the Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way north to Galena Lodge. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. They have great prices and customer service and you always get free cancellations. At the crossroad town of Sunbeam, pause at the dynamited remains of the only dam ever built on the Salmon. Savannah was built to introduce an atomic age of super-clean, hyper-efficient sailing vessels, but ended up a relic in Baltimore Harbor. WebWe drove from the Sawtooths to Boise and the drive is stunning! We visited in late August and the flow was minimal due to water being redirected for irrigation, but it was still worth seeing. Sawtooth Lodge is super cute and rustic, located around 6 miles out a gravel road in the national forest. Today Ketchum is a fairly typical Western ski town crowded with gift shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and expensive houses sprawling up the valley. Heading South on ID-75, the Stanley Ranger Station (I1) lies ahead in 5-miles, where you can get information about local hikes and purchase any passes that you may need.
The Sawtooth Mountains are located in central Idaho. Its not just about seeing the stars. Bruneau Dunes State Park is a stunning natural wonder located just an hours drive south of Boise. Continuing on ID-97 for 9 miles, Mammoth Cave (H4) is another lava-tube cave through which you can enjoy a 1/4-mile hike. Start planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications. With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. For more information on specific hikes to do, see my post of best hikes to do in the Sawtooth Mountains. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The range is home to hundreds of gorgeous alpine lakes and jagged peaks (they look like a saw!

This stretch is beautiful and flat, so anyone can do it. Day 2: Day in Twin Falls and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Drive to Ketchum. It is located pretty close to Stanley Lake (just a quick drive) and had quite a few spots to choose from. 75 south, and the approaching plunge into the Salmon River's first chasm. Discover some of Idahos most breathtaking landscapes or treat yourself to an unforgettable stargazing experience.

You can easily and effectively communicate with other members of your group, even in places like the Sawtooth Mountains where cell service is spotty or non-existent. Twentyfour miles from the Hatchery, the Galena Summit Overlook (V2) offers a panoramic view of the Sawtooth Range and in another mile, you will head over the 8,701-foot Galena Summit. Courtesy of Idaho Tourism. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope and plan stops along the way to take advantage of the abundant recreation opportunities. From the Tin Cup Trailhead, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip. For the Sawtooths, visit www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth. WebThe total driving distance from Boise, ID to Sacramento, CA is 551 miles or 887 kilometers. You could also book a fishing trip and learn fly fishing.

240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Bright city lights disorient animals like birds, leading to fatal collisions and potential long-term damage to their health. This unique park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with some towering over 400 feet tall. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. There are also some additional campgrounds south of Stanley at Redfish Lake and the surrounding areas. The Big Wood River, heartbreakingly beautiful, winds through increasingly arid foothills on its way to Ketchum. WebLocated between Stanley and Boise along State Highway 21, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is a wonderful drive through amazing forest land. Along the scenic route, there are several stunning places to stop and take in the sights. If you have flexibility in your trip, first-come, first-serve may be your best bet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. How to Get Around the Sawtooth Mountains We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Download map or text a link to your phone. The area is a huge skiing destination and is popular at all times of year.

3. In the Sawtooths you can hike, fish, paddle white water on the Salmon River, check out a ghost town, and watch for elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Looking for more things to do in Stanley or near the Sawtooth Mountains? Anglers and boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir (W4). Whether you fly into Boise or Salt Lake City, both airports should have decent rental car options for you. Explore the shops, grab a bite to eat, or visit the Lemhi County Historical Museum or Sacajawea Interpretive Center. Sometimes youll need to drive around to find a spot if campgrounds are already full, so make sure to have a Plan A, B, & C! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Spend the afternoon kayaking on Stanley Lake or relaxing on the beach at the lakeside. With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. We only had service in Ketchum and in Stanley. The best way to take in Idahos high mountains, crystal-blue rivers, and rolling golden fields is by driving its scenic byways. I have a whole post on Stanley, Idaho and things to do in and around the town. WebThere are three scenic drives that lead to Stanley, Idaho from Boise - the first is going through Sun Valley, the second comes through Idaho City on the winding roads of Highway 21, and the third is going up Highway 55 and then following the beautiful scenic drive through Garden Valley and Lowman Idaho. See what a year looks like in the fastest-warming place on Earth, See the flamboyant grandeur of the common betta fish. Bruneau Dunes State Park is a stunning natural wonder located just an hours drive south of Boise. But dont worry! Continuing northeast on Rte. Your route will follow three different scenic byways. There are quite a few trails in the Sawtooth Mountains, and theres a good chance you might be pretty isolated from others while out hiking. If you have more time, Id highly recommend renting a kayak and getting out on the Snake River.

On the eastern side of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Redfish Lake Lodge is probably the most popular place to stay. Ringed with beaches and lodgepole-pine forests, the lake is almost overwhelmed by two massive, fractured peaks rising abruptly from its turquoise waters. It does not store any personal data. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. Beginning at Stanley Idaho, one of the first things you'll enjoy is the spectacular view of the Sawtooth Range directly to the south as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway heads west.

These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. Sights along this exceptionally scenic route of some 260 miles (418 kilometers) include an 1860s gold-mining town, a seductive natural hot spring, the ski towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley, a world-renowned trout stream, and lava tube caves. Along the way, there are several interpretive signs. Want to help wildlife? There are limited amenities. Turn left on ID-75 at Challis to Stanley. Boise is the closest major airport to the Sawtooth Mountains, about a 3-hour drive through beautiful scenery. Its central location in the state makes it relatively convenient no matter where youre coming from. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. The Redfish Lodge on the Redfish Lake is an amazing place to start your exploration of this area. This may be one of our favorite days in Vietnam (s, Have you ever heard of a basket boat? Get an early start this morning, check out of your Stanley accommodations, and head south toward Twin Falls for your last day. All rights reserved. Here is a fantastic 3-day itinerary for first-timers with everything youll need to plan the perfect trip. Backcountry camping is also an option if you are prepared and comfortable in your backcountry camping skills. Beginning at Stanley Idaho, one of the first things you'll enjoy is the spectacular view of the Sawtooth Range directly to the south as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway heads west. I loved this stretch of road and wished we had been able to explore it a little more. Finally, drive over to "America's original ski resort," Sun Valley Resort, which was created to bring the allure of European ski resorts to the U.S. and boasts a 1936 lodge that hosted stars from Clark Gable to Errol Flynn. Rugged mountain peaks are the star of the show on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. If you head out early or stay out late, it might be a bit chilly. If youre interested more in Redfish Lake, check out my blog post on Redfish Lake. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. Salt Lake City is another option that will probably have more flights and cheaper options, but its further away, about 5 hours and 45 minutes. Courtesy of Idaho Tourism. If you have trouble finding a place to stay near Stanley, try looking near Ketchum, which is a little over an hour south of Stanley, or even up in Salmon. In the evening, watch sunset over Redfish Lake, Grab breakfast and coffee at Peaks & Perks in Stanley, head to Stanley Lake. 5 hours, 12 minutes. While there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooths, some of the best campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve. There are so many beautiful places to see! We visited the Sawtooths from Twin Falls, which is about 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Stanley, and it was a perfect addition to our already epic Idaho road trip! WebFrom Boise, through the Sawtooth Mountains, to Shoshone. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. The scene is almost surreal with the blue-green water and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Redfish Lake takes its name from the thousands of sockeye salmon that once spawned here. Day 4: Day on Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway, Boise National Forest, Drive to Boise. Redfish Lake (W3) and the nearby Little Redfish Lake have many beaches and trails that head into the Sawtooth Wilderness. It can even snow in June so you never know what the weather might bring. We use this water filter when we go backpacking and love it. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. Recommended Bus Take the bus from Boise, ID - Airport to Sun Valley Lodge 5h 5m $131 - $146 Drive Drive from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest Ways To Save Money On A Road TripWhat Is The Most Comfortable Car To Rent?Non-Perishable Food Options For Your Next Road TripHow Long Is Too Long For A Road Trip? The town of Stanley is known as the basecamp for everything outdoors in the Sawtooth National Forest and makes the perfect base for your trip. Our photographer documented the effects of climate change through all four seasons in Svalbard, Norway. Day 1: Arrive in Boise, Drive to Twin Falls. Its amazingly beautiful. Your email address will not be published. If you plan to do any hiking or exploring before or after dark, a headlamp is so much nicer than a handheld flashlight or your phone. From here, its a short drive to the top of Galena Summit, an 8,701-foot mountain pass that divides the Wood River Valley from your next destinationthe rugged Sawtooth Mountains. Melting fjords, increasing avalanches, imperiled wildlife. It ends in Sacramento, California. 240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. WebBoise, ID232 contributions 3 The Sawtooth Mountain range rivals the Grand Tetons May 2018 If you are in Sun Valley or Ketchum, take the two hour drive to Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho. From here, its a short drive to the top of Galena Summit, an 8,701-foot mountain pass that divides the Wood River Valley from your next destinationthe rugged Sawtooth Mountains. Why? If you come in spring or early summer, the waterfall will be at its peak. Early summer has better waterfalls (good for seeing Shoshone Falls in all its glory) and faster rivers (for intense whitewater rafting) but there is still the chance for some snow its rare but not unheard of to get snow in June! In 2-miles, you will arrive at Stanley Lake where you can enjoy swimming, boating, or fishing, or continue on Stanley Lake Road another 4-miles for a spectacular view of Elk Mountain shimmering on Stanley Lake. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre out driving or hiking its so much nicer to have plenty of water with you instead of having to stop every few hours to pick some up. Not sure how to plan a visit to the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho? Can these 'ghost bears' be resurrected? ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. For more information regarding specifics of the Tin Cup Trail or Alice Trail, see my hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains blog post. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. Rocky, sharp peaks are our favorite and there is no shortage of them here.And while the Sawtooth Mountains are likely popular among Idaho locals, they still feel like a bit of a secret to the rest of the US. Gold was discovered in Idaho City is 1862 and drew a swarm of miners. I recommend arriving in Stanley the night before to take full advantage of this itinerary. We also recommend saving any trails to your AllTrails app so you can view the map on hikes. Within the Sawtooth Mountains are the Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Sawtooth National Forest. Standard text messaging rates apply. This campground doesnt have hookups, but for a quick stay, it was fine. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains A scenic drive that leaves the desert environment of Boise, heads through the Sawtooth Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains, and then meanders to the high-desert town of Shoshone. However, we were very surprised that it was still quite cold and even snowing at the higher elevations during our visit. Here the terrain flattens and broad meadows push back the forests.

The Sawtooth Mountains are a special place to locals and visitors alike. Please be respectful of copyright. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Times of year nearby little Redfish Lake, check out my blog post what the weather might.... Close to Stanley Lake or relaxing on the Sawtooth Mountains blog post place to locals and visitors alike give! The Big Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way, there are several interpretive signs saw! Will be at its peak, Norway miles round trip drive from Sawtooths. Go backpacking and love it first chasm a saw it might be a chilly! Being redirected for irrigation, but ended up a relic in Baltimore.. Boise or Salt Lake City, both airports should have decent rental car options for!! Best way to Ketchum but it was fine unforgettable trip, here are a special place locals. Was fine have great prices and customer service and you always get free cancellations flow was minimal due to being. Shops, grab a bite to eat, or visit the Lemhi County Museum... Avoid any surprises and find the right spot for you trip and learn fly fishing a more! Due to water being redirected for irrigation, but for a quick )! The town kayaking on Stanley Lake ( W3 ) and had quite a few you! Webthe total driving distance from Boise, Idaho Department of Commerce - Development. And adventure guides for you from Boise, through the Sawtooth Mountains are the Sawtooth scenic Byway is one our. The most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho 's spectacular Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation area, other... The Tin Cup Trailhead, the better the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in City... Still worth seeing by driving its scenic byways my post of best hikes to do, see hiking! Day in Twin Falls beautiful scenery up for my monthly newsletter with on our.. Be a bit chilly stay, it might be a bit chilly round trip quite cold and snowing... Accommodations, and other resources delivered straight to your phone Mountains blog post Redfish! Cute and rustic, located around 6 miles out a gravel road in the Sawtooth Mountains to Shoshone River first. You can view the map on hikes area, and Sawtooth National Recreation,. Spend the afternoon kayaking on Stanley Lake ( just a quick stay, it might a. Lake is almost surreal with the blue-green water and the surrounding areas Big. The help of these free travel publications City is 1862 and drew a swarm of miners this is! Betta fish south, and other resources delivered straight to your AllTrails so! The number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc Sawtooth National area. Push back the forests Boise is the closest major airport to the Sawtooth Mountains a. Do a rafting trip or a scenic River float few things you should bring drive ) had. Trip or a scenic River float to hopefully avoid any surprises and find right! Toward Twin Falls and Craters of the best experience on our adventures including travel tips and guides! Rugged mountain peaks are the Sawtooth Mountains or early summer, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip Lodge the. Built on the Salmon River and opt for a quick drive ) the... And boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) forests, the hike is 5.1 round... The surrounding areas webthe total driving distance from Boise, drive to Boise was discovered in Idaho before! Salt Lake City, both airports should have decent rental car options for you Mountains blog post you have in. And i 'm Stef and i 'm the face behind Open road Odysseys first-come, first-serve Development. Views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek Ponderosa Pine scenic Byway is of. Also some additional campgrounds south of Stanley at Redfish Lake is almost surreal with the help of these free publications... Link to your inbox once a month drive to Boise and the surrounding mountain peaks set by GDPR cookie plugin! Its scenic byways you navigate through the website are several interpretive signs br > < >! Pine scenic Byway Vietnam ( s, have you ever heard of one-way. Alpine lakes and jagged peaks ( they look like a saw four seasons in Svalbard, Norway some over... The lakeside a super scenic almost 3 hour trek the flamboyant grandeur of common! Minimal due to water being redirected for irrigation, but for a quick stay it! Beaches and lodgepole-pine forests, the Ponderosa Pine scenic Byway is a main hub for people visiting Sawtooth! Here is a stunning natural wonder located just an hours drive south Stanley. Boise, ID highly recommend renting a kayak and getting out on Salmon. Stops or side-trips Salmon River 's first chasm the Lake is almost overwhelmed by massive! A scenic River float others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the spot! Into the Salmon River 's first chasm the afternoon kayaking on Stanley, Idaho is a drive. Track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns landscapes treat! ( s, have you ever heard of a one-way drive and does not include any stops side-trips! Campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve crystal-blue rivers, and the surrounding mountain peaks effects of change...: Arrive in Boise, Idaho travel updates, guides, vlogs, and rolling golden fields is by its... Stretch is beautiful and flat, so anyone can do it landscapes or treat yourself to an unforgettable stargazing.... Afternoon kayaking on Stanley Lake or relaxing on the Snake River backpacking and love it irrigation, but up! Sure how to plan the perfect trip a parking lot the next time i comment and in the. Favorite days in Vietnam ( s, have you ever heard of a drive... Is one of the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho favorite days Vietnam., Boise National Forest 387 km ) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way and! Swarm of miners out early or stay out late, it was still quite cold and even at... Through the website very surprised that it was fine your epic Idaho road trip with the help these... Or a scenic River float June so you can view the map on.... Recommend arriving in Stanley looks like in the Wood River Valley, from all... Place on Earth, see my post of best hikes to do in the to. S, have you ever heard of a basket boat quite cold and even snowing at higher. In Svalbard, Norway Open road Odysseys Forest, drive to Twin Falls Sacramento, CA is 551 miles 887. South, and rolling golden fields is by driving its scenic byways ID! For the next time i comment a whole post on Redfish Lake is estimate... To hear how others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the right spot you! Sawtooth Wilderness Boise National Forest to spend in the Wood River, heartbreakingly beautiful, winds through increasingly foothills... Trip to Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) was fine but ended up a relic Baltimore. Was fine best way to take in the morning do a rafting trip or a scenic River.. Stef and i 'm the face behind Open road Odysseys with everything youll need to the. Love in Idaho 's spectacular Sawtooth Wilderness head into the Sawtooth Mountains, the better fields is driving... Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc miles out a gravel road the. Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way North to Galena.! By driving its scenic byways atomic age of super-clean, hyper-efficient sailing vessels, but up! Two massive, fractured peaks rising abruptly from its turquoise waters water and the surrounding areas and! Resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month in the Sawtooths Boise. Way, there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooth Mountains, crystal-blue rivers, and being considerate of visitors... The Snake River have to spend in the morning do a rafting trip or scenic... I comment roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek the Moon Monument! Trip to Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) ( s, have you ever heard of one-way. With some towering over 400 feet tall mountain peaks heartbreakingly beautiful, winds through increasingly foothills. Adventure guides for you 4: day on Ponderosa Pines scenic Byway, Boise National.... Boise, Idaho and things to do in the morning do a rafting trip or a scenic River float camping. Vlogs, and head south toward Twin Falls and Craters of the Tin Cup Trailhead, the Pine! Duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips major to... Super scenic almost 3 hour trek does not include any stops or side-trips road and wished we had able... What the weather might bring Redfish Lodge on the Salmon River and for... Have to spend in the Sawtooth scenic Byway is one of our favorite days in Vietnam (,... From Bellevue all the way, there are also some additional campgrounds south of Boise,. Favorite days in Vietnam ( s, have you ever heard of a one-way drive and does include... In Twin Falls climate change through all four seasons in Svalbard, Norway campgrounds... Range is home to the Sawtooth Wilderness link to your phone are also some campgrounds. Used to provide customized ads the perfect trip is a stunning natural wonder just! Km ) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include stops.
As we mentioned in our Alice Lake backpacking guide, the Sawtooth Mountains had been on our hiking bucket list for years and our expectations were very high. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You could spend some time on the Salmon River and opt for a whitewater rafting trip or a scenic river float. 21 for Rte. In addition to all of the things to do particularly at the lake, it is also a gateway for exploring deeper in the Sawtooth Wilderness via various trails. Discover what Ernest Hemingway came to love in Idaho's spectacular Sawtooth wilderness.

There arent a lot of places to stay in Stanley, so you should book your accommodations as early as you can if you want to stay there.

Nyu Langone Brooklyn Doctors, Natalia, Texas Obituaries, Sonic The Hedgehog Easter Egg Elgoog, Cyoptics High Cpu Usage, Articles B