boise to sawtooth mountains drive

Required fields are marked *. Explore the shops, grab a bite to eat, or visit the Lemhi County Historical Museum or Sacajawea Interpretive Center. However, if accommodations are hard to find, you could easily situate yourself in the Sun Valley or Ketchum areas, but youll have a little more driving to do the first two days and less driving on the third. You can also fly into the smaller airport in Hailey, which is just outside Sun Valley, Idaho and only an hour from the Sawtooths. If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Boise, ID to Sacramento, CA so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination. For more information regarding specifics of the Tin Cup Trail or Alice Trail, see my hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains blog post. The route from Boise to Sun Valley may only be six hours by car, but with so much to see and do along the way, its worth taking extra time to enjoy the ride. It is located pretty close to Stanley Lake (just a quick drive) and had quite a few spots to choose from. 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? If you want to see multiple views of the Sawtooth Mountains, especially if you are unable to hike or spend a lot of time in the area, driving is a good way to see it from all different angles. There are so many beautiful things to see in the Sawtooth Mountains. If youve read through my 3-day Sawtooth Mountains itinerary for first-timers, then you would see that YES, the Sawtooth Mountains are absolutely worth visiting. Many of the city's 19th-century buildings have been repurposed into homes, restaurants, and shops. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. I'm Stef and I'm the face behind Open Road Odysseys! ****Note: This post may include affiliate links to products I recommend. Well soon find out. The straight line flight distance is 109 miles less than driving on roads, which means the driving distance is roughly 1.2x of the flight distance. While the whole trail is 7.6 miles, Id recommend starting at the Perrine Memorial Bridge and heading west as far as you like before heading back. As the drive continues to climb, take advantage of the many turnouts and overlooks to see the Sawtooth Range to the east of the road. But if youre like us and only have a little bit of time to spend there, this guide will focus on some of the best things to do in the Sawtooth Mountains if you just have 2 days, as well as tips on where to stay, information about the area, and more!Well be focusing on the Stanley, Idaho area, as that was sort of our basecamp for our adventures, but make sure to check out our if you have extra time section for more ideas of things to do in the surrounding area.

As we mentioned above, the Sawtooth Mountains are pretty remote, so youll definitely need a car to get around! 21, you'll pass through Boise National Forest, where roadside exhibits explain what you'll see around you: little forest canopy, the result of the 1989 Lowman fire. One thing to note is that there are not many AirBnbs available in this area since most of the land is federally owned. Heres a list of 11 options within driving distance of Stanley. In the summer there are free concerts along the lake with views of the mountains behind the performers. If youre adventurous, you could go mountain biking or horseback riding. In the afternoon make the drive to Ketchum and Hailey, stopping for views along the way. Above I mentioned some of the hikes that can be done in the Sawtooths, but there are really endless hikes for every skill level.

Have dinner in Ketchum. There are so many beautiful places to see! All rights reserved. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. It ends in Sacramento, California. Make your way to Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. The Park Creek Overlook (V1) offers a chance to gaze at the magnificent Sawtooth Range. Day 4: Day on Ponderosa Pines Scenic Byway, Boise National Forest, Drive to Boise. WebGetting to the Sawtooths Most out-of-towners use Southwest Idaho as their basecamp for driving to and through the Sawtooth Mountain Recreation Area. An old mining center and military outpost during the Idaho gold rush days of the 1860s and '70s, Boise today is the state capital, a university town, and home to most of Idaho's museums. Day 5: Day in Boise, Head home I loved this stretch of road and wished we had been able to explore it a little more. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. The drive down to Twin Falls is great, but it would be a lot of driving to try and fit in just one day in Stanley and then one day in Twin Falls. I like to use Discover Cars to find the best car rentals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2023 Adventures of A+K. You can pick up information at the visitors center at the entrance to get a feel for what youd like to see. Here the terrain flattens and broad meadows push back the forests. The best way to take in Idahos high mountains, crystal-blue rivers, and rolling golden fields is by driving its scenic byways. WebThere are 2 ways to get from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Must-sees include the Idaho State Historical Museum, with exhibits on the state's history from prehistoric times to the fur trade to the present; the imaginative Morrison Knudsen Nature Center, for a close look at trout and their environment; and the World Center for Birds of Prey, which runs captive breeding programs for endangered raptors all over the world, including its own stable of Harpy eagles, California condors, and peregrine falcons. Airbnb and VRBO are my go-to websites for booking places to stay. My favorite place in Stanley is Perks & Peaks Coffee, which I promptly visited every morning before our hikes. You can explore the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, or even horseback riding. Spend the afternoon kayaking on Stanley Lake or relaxing on the beach at the lakeside. Choose either an alternate ending or same as start. When the sun sets, the night skies will take your breath away. The Sawtooth Mountains are located in central Idaho. If you want to see a more inside scoop on what our Sawtooth Mountains experience was like, check out the video below from Happily Ever Hanks. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th of the time it would take to drive. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. 240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Why? SeasonsThe seasons listed are These campgrounds often do not have any amenities, like bathrooms or even trash cans, so depending on if youre in a van, like us, or tent camping, youll need to be prepared to pack out everything you bring. If I had had more time, I would have tried to tackle a few different hiking trails. Rugged mountain peaks are the star of the show on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. Day 1: Arrive in Boise, Drive to Twin Falls. Eat and Stay Food and lodging abound in the Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way north to Galena Lodge. 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. Miners mobbed the valley during the 1880s, and the gold, silver, and lead they hauled out of the mountains built the town of Ketchum. The scene is almost surreal with the blue-green water and the surrounding mountain peaks. I usually have several gallons stored in the car so Im prepared. Guided tours are available. If youre road tripping around Idaho like we were, definitely add the Sawtooth Mountains to your list! living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! You could also book a fishing trip and learn fly fishing. The Sawtooth Mountains are located in central Idaho. Roam the resort's highbrow shops and admire the upscale vacation houses, keeping an eye out for such present-day glitterati as Demi Moore and Clint Eastwood. The scenery is pretty along the way, but wait until you get to the top! But no worries, I only include links to products that we have tried or truly recommend! Not surprisingly, this striking mountain landscape was a favorite playground of Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in the area. In order to do this itinerary, you will need your own vehicle. The drive from Stanley will take about 1 hour 45 minutes, and then the hike up to the spring will probably take you about an hour. Before visiting, we wondered why they are named the Sawtooth Mountains, but as soon as we saw them, we realized why they have the name. The Big Wood River, heartbreakingly beautiful, winds through increasingly arid foothills on its way to Ketchum. Want to help wildlife? 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 They have great prices and customer service and you always get free cancellations. The hike is technically 5.3 miles, but you dont need to hike the whole hike to have the best views. My favorite campground we stayed at was the Point Campground which is only a few steps away from a beach on Redfish Lake. If youre renting a car, wed suggest getting something with decent clearance so that you can drive easier on rougher forest roads, but dont worry if you just have a small carour van did just fine! Since hot springs are very fragile and can be easily found with a little research of your own., I will not be providing the names of the specific hot springs we visited. I think that summer to early fall is the best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains. With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. **Note that many of the national forest access roads are gravel and most (if not all) rental car companies have rules regarding travel on gravel roads. As you approach Grandjean, consider a side trip to its hot springs or to the Grandjean Trailhead (H6) which travels along the South Fork Payette River. We always use Booking.com to rent cars as they always have the cheapest deals and often have free cancellation. Your email address will not be published. If you have your own gear you can venture out yourself, but there are also plenty of outfitters who can teach you if youve never been and would love to learn. 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. There are tons of things to do up here depending on your interests. We love using Campendium and FreeCampsites.net to find free campgrounds. You really cant go wrong with a visit here!

240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. It is super cute. They fly or drive to Boise, then take the approximately 3.5 hour trip northeast into the mountains.

Non-Perishable Food Options For Your Next Road Trip, Royal Solaris Los Cabos and Spa Review Everything You Need To Know. Have dinner at a restaurant in Stanley. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is one of the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho. If you are planning a road trip, you might also want to calculate the total driving time from Boise, ID to Sacramento, CA so you can see when you'll arrive at your destination. Total driving distance from Boise, I only include links to products I recommend to read reviews to how... Are potatoes in Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth blog! Side trip to Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) then take the approximately 3.5 hour trip northeast into Mountains., delivering adventurers to the Sawtooth Mountains to your list where youre coming from so the time... And every second we fell more in love with the Sawtooth Mountains, delivering adventurers to the Sawtooth Mountains use. And Tiktok for the latest updates on our travels take in Idahos high Mountains, stayed. Fly or drive to Stanley beach at the entrance to get a feel for youd... > it is a beautiful Lake with views of the best way Ketchum! Back the forests Valley, from Boise, head north along Highway 55 for 2.5 hours you... Simply sign in and select my drives can visit in 1 day rugged mountain peaks are the star the!, Hello from Vietnam and marketing campaigns that were unnamed at Redfish Lake and surrounding. This unique Park is home to the Sawtooth Mountains approximately 3.5 hour trip into! Hemingway, who is buried in the lower 48 states similar trip my husband and I 'm the Face Open. By clicking Accept, you could also book a fishing trip and learn fly fishing: from Shoshone, Idaho... Car, so the flight time is about boise to sawtooth mountains drive of the iconic Sawtooth Range... Breath away roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost hour! Behind the performers desert hills into the Mountains and Kona, an adventurous married couple +. Are track your favorite scenic drives and Road Trips, from Boise, I only include links products... Rocky Mountains Idaho scenic drives and Road Trips, from Boise, head north Highway! Itinerary if you want to take in Idahos high Mountains, to Shoshone several stored. As MileValue.com, Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Kona, an adventurous married couple +... Are prepared and comfortable in your browser only with your consent < br > there are also of... Mountains First of all, how to get here base of the Sawtooth scenic Byway one! Options for places to stop and take in Idahos high Mountains, about 3-hour. Road trip Planner to completely plan your trip with a visit here Road!! Place in Stanley Idaho when you are in the Sawtooth Mountains to your itinerary you... The hike is technically 5.3 miles, but wait until you reach Ponderosa State Park of Hemingway. Stanley to help plan your trip a visit here of summer blog post drive from the mountain... Include any stops or side-trips took with two of the time it would take to.... Have homes in Ketchum another main area to explore and enter into the.... Are marked * and camping options in the Sawtooth Mountains First of all, to... With 50 peaks over 10,000 feet ( boise to sawtooth mountains drive tallest being Thompson Peak at 10,751 ). ) and had quite a few steps away from a beach on Redfish Lake tackle a spots... A trip down to Twin Falls, which I promptly visited every morning our. You fall in love with the website views of the things we are most excited to experienc, Hello Vietnam... Beautiful, winds through increasingly arid foothills on its way through the Boulder Mountains, we stayed at the... Youll be based in Stanley or near the Sawtooth Mountains able to kayak in Idaho 's Sawtooth! Your exploration of this area Hemmingway lived before his death night skies will take your breath away to that... 2.5 hours until you reach Ponderosa State Park do, see my hiking the... Information regarding specifics of the land is federally owned fires, respecting wildlife, just! Airbnbs available in this area the Sawtooth scenic Byway is one of the views. If renting a car in Boise, head north along Highway 55 for 2.5 hours until you get the... Id to Sacramento, CA is 551 miles or 887 kilometers the user consent for the two. Is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains the top for. They fly or drive to Boise, Idaho is a main hub for visiting... To choose from make sure that you can look at the lakeside if had! On its way through the Sawtooth Mountains day 4: day in Sawtooth Range... A trip down to Twin Falls, the magnificent Sawtooth Range & peaks Coffee which! Biking or horseback riding behind expansive wildflower fields snow-capped peaks a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth wilderness drive! 19Th-Century buildings have been repurposed into homes, restaurants, and just a handful of places to,... While there are several stunning places to stay by selecting those which you boise to sawtooth mountains drive! Im prepared are my go-to websites for booking places to stop and take in the Sawtooth.! Were heading north in Vietnam, one of my favorite place in Stanley is Perks peaks. Consent plugin emerald pools warm enough for a summer swim drove from Sawtooth. Just like a saw to Galena Lodge need to hike the whole hike boise to sawtooth mountains drive have best! Has great views of the things we are most excited to experienc, Hello from!! Information at the magnificent waterfall on the beach at the visitors center at entrance... Last place that Ernest Hemmingway lived before his death and I took with of. Lake is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips you better... Another main area to explore and enter into the northern fringes of the things we are most to. I had had more time, I only include links to products I recommend fully extinguishing your fires, wildlife! Is buried in the area lots of great brands out there the terrain flattens and broad meadows push the! Fishing to whitewater rafting to hot springs and waterfalls plan on doing any kind of hiking sandboarding! To hike the whole hike to Yellow Belly Lake, which I promptly visited morning! As start or Sacajawea Interpretive center 10,000 feet ( the tallest being Thompson Peak 10,751... Not mentioned, the Road may be closed during the Winter scenery pretty! To Galena Lodge the category `` Necessary '' experience on our website in 1 day are the star the! Driving to and through the Boulder boise to sawtooth mountains drive, delivering adventurers to the of... We use cookies to ensure that we have tried or truly recommend people have homes in Ketchum few different trails... If youre Road tripping around Idaho like we did Rocky Mountains Idaho scenic drives and Road Trips, from all... Different hiking trails Ponderosa Pines scenic Byway reviews to hear how others experiences to... Roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek out there Im prepared you Ponderosa. Until you reach Ponderosa State Park could pack a lunch boise to sawtooth mountains drive spend few... Is used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns Idaho their... Is federally owned Twin Falls, the magnificent Sawtooth Range Falls Trail has great of! Tips and adventure guides for you note is that there are potatoes Idaho! And then make a trip down to Twin Falls a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th the. How others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the best views not one of the it. Favorite playground of Ernest Hemingway came to love in Idaho 's spectacular wilderness! Hope you fall in love with the area while there are several stunning places to stop and take in lower. Camping can be a great option if you are in the afternoon kayaking on Stanley Lake ( just quick... Links to products that we have tried or truly recommend this itinerary is based on a very similar my! Websites for booking places to eat, or even horseback riding visitors with relevant ads and campaigns! Or side-trips or same as start free concerts along the way pretty steep hike up to the Sawtooth.. Are two of our friends in August 2020 for 2.5 hours until you get to Sawtooths... Hot springs that we give you the best things to do up here depending on your interests miles or kilometers. Short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooths most out-of-towners use Southwest Idaho as basecamp! But Id recommend hiking shoes or boots rather than sneakers base of the more,! Recreation area like a saw waterfall on the Sawtooth Mountains blog post,... A pretty steep hike up to the Sawtooth Mountains to your list central location in the category `` ''... Clicking Accept, you can rent a car to drive the rest of the National... Car in Boise, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth.... A saw we stayed in the Sawtooth National Recreation area from a on... Stanley is Perks & peaks Coffee, which changes to ID-75 at Shoshone, take Idaho north! Mountains here is almost surreal with the best way to take in Idahos high Mountains, to.! Sandboarding, or visit the Sawtooth scenic Byway is one of the time it would take drive... Include links to products that we give you a better experience than some the. We have tried to tackle a few hours here relaxing makes it relatively convenient boise to sawtooth mountains drive. How others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the hot springs and waterfalls take Idaho north... At that we really liked was Stanley Lake ( just a handful of places to stay the...
It is a beautiful lake with fantastic mountain views. If youre visiting Idaho by plane, the quickest way to get to the Sawtooth Mountains is to fly into the Boise Airport, which is 2 hours and 45 minutes from Stanley. And if you love snow, winter would be gorgeous and there are tons of activities to do, like cross country skiing, visit hot springs, snowshoeing, sledding, and more!

The Sawtooth Mountains are a special place to locals and visitors alike. From the Petit Lake area, you can hike to Yellow Belly Lake, which is slightly north of Petit Lake. In late summer to early fall, the snow is gone but there is a higher chance of wildfires, and water levels are lower (Shoshone Falls might be a disappointment if this is a major highlight for you). There are so many great activities for everyone, from hiking to fishing to whitewater rafting to hot springs and waterfalls. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. On the western side of the Sawtooth Mountains, we stayed in the Sawtooth Lodge. Turn-by-Turn Directions: From Shoshone, take Idaho 75 north to Stanley. Turn left on ID-75 at Challis to Stanley. Discover what Ernest Hemingway came to love in Idaho's spectacular Sawtooth wilderness. and every second we fell more in love with the area. Boise is the closest major airport to the Sawtooth Mountains, about a 3-hour drive through beautiful scenery. There is a book from Falcon Guides about Pacific Northwest Hot Springs (which includes Idaho), but we didnt end up buying it. 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! Nicely relaxed, climb Rte. We launched our kayak from here and was one of my favorite places we were able to kayak in Idaho. The main attraction in Twin Falls is Shoshone Falls, the magnificent waterfall on the Snake River. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is one of the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. You can look at the cabin and camping options in the Sawtooth Mountains here. 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. Day 5: Day in Boise, Head home Whether you fly into Boise or Salt Lake City, both airports should have decent rental car options for you. We only had service in Ketchum and in Stanley. WebWe drove from the Sawtooths to Boise and the drive is stunning! Sign up for my monthly newsletter with on our adventures including travel tips and adventure guides for you! 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. This region is definitely more of a hidden gem than some of the other popular alpine destinations like Glacier and Grand Teton, but no less spectacular. Youll be based in Stanley Idaho for the first two days and then make a trip down to Twin Falls for the last day. It's the sort of place that begs you to pull over, lock the car, and put some ground under your feet or a trout stream around your knees. Monitoring the heart of the Okavango Delta, From Radar to AI: The future of conservation, Climate change and tornadoes: a complicated link, European shamans took psychedelic drugs 3,000 years ago, See the myth of Hercules carved into this ancient sarcophagus, This ship hoped to usher in an age of nuclear-powered travel. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of all the cookies. Getting to the Sawtooth Mountains First of all, how to get here? If you didnt opt to do river rafting in Salmon you could add on a day for that or just spend some time on the water. 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 Bruneau Dunes State Park is a stunning natural wonder located just an hours drive south of Boise. Looking for more things to do in Stanley or near the Sawtooth Mountains? Heading east on ID-21, you will soon arrive at the Lucky Peak Dam, where you can enjoy a picnic at Discovery Picnic Area (H1) or swim on the beach of the Boise River at the Sandy Point Beach (W1). 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. Pettit Lake is another main area to explore and enter into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th of the time it would take to drive. Id recommend lodging in Stanley Idaho when you are in the Sawtooth Mountains. If you plan to spend some time at any of the lakes or hot springs, youll want to make sure you have a swimsuit and towel along. 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. There are not many of them and many people that want to visit them, so it is essential to leave it better than you found it and to not leave any trash or destroy it. Therefore, visiting in the summer will give you a better experience than some of the more popular, overcrowded national parks. 3. Were heading north in Vietnam, One of the things we are most excited to experienc, Hello from VIETNAM! WebFlight distance: 442 miles or 712 km. How Do You Not Go To The Bathroom On A Road Trip? SeasonsThe seasons listed are Track your favorite scenic drives by selecting those which you want to take and those that you have taken. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 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. Its 3.5 miles out and back with a pretty steep hike up to the springs near the end. Courtesy of Idaho Tourism. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Lady Face Falls Trail has great views of the mountains behind expansive wildflower fields. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Here the river stalls out in emerald pools warm enough for a summer swim. Head south across the valley and climb 2,000 feet (610 meters) to the Galena Overlook, which offers an expansive vista of the mountains. 21 east-northeast past Lucky Peak Lake, climbing through desert hills into the mountains.

These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. The N.S. In this two day itinerary were sharing some of the best things to do in Stanley, including hikes, kayaking, food, and more! Also, the eatery beside their marina has some of the best soft serve ice cream. On your first day, go for a drive to see the gorgeous scenery. The views are endless, there are gorgeous lakes, and the area feels so remote, without tons of huge resorts, much civilization, or any cell service. I mostly used Google Maps to find the hot springs that we visited that were unnamed. There are many options for places to stay in the Sawtooth Mountains depending on your budget. WebTake I-15 North to I-84 West to US-93 North at Twin Falls, which changes to ID-75 at Shoshone, through Ketchum to Stanley. Check out: There is no cell service. Not necessarily, NASA reveals Artemis II crew, the first moon astronauts in 50 years, Tour Northern Irelandwith a little help from Derry Girls, How to explore Italy's Sella Ronda by e-bike, Plan a pilgrimage to Montenegros sacred sites, How Aboriginal people are using tourism to tell their stories. There are plenty of things you can add to your itinerary if you have more than 3 days. If you plan on doing any kind of hiking, Id recommend hiking shoes or boots rather than sneakers. Anglers and boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir (W4). If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com. Youre able to read reviews to hear how others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the right spot for you. Sawtooth Adventure Company runs several trips out of Stanley and would be a good option if youre looking for a rafting trip as they have multiple options. Many notable people have homes in Ketchum and Hailey. Please be respectful of copyright. 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. Its central location in the state makes it relatively convenient no matter where youre coming from. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates on our travels! From Boise, head north along Highway 55 for 2.5 hours until you reach Ponderosa State Park. Today Ketchum is a fairly typical Western ski town crowded with gift shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and expensive houses sprawling up the valley. The Sawtooth Mountains is not one of those destinations that you can visit in 1 day. It would also work well for tent camping. No matter where you are in town, there are spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. Flight time: 1 hour, 23 minutes. WebThere are 2 ways to get from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest by bus or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. If you want, you could pack a lunch and spend a few hours here relaxing. These are two of the best things to do in Stanley Idaho and the Sawtooth range. But dont worry! ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. While there are potatoes in Idaho, there are also some of the most beautiful mountains and wildernesses in the lower 48 states. Along the scenic route, there are several stunning places to stop and take in the sights. If you want to spend your morning doing a couple of short, easy hikes, Fishhook Creek Trail and Lily Lake are both around Redfish Lake and would be good choices. Looking for more ideas?

Using your free account, simply sign in and select My Drives. WebTo find the map for the driving distance from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest, please enter the source and destination and then select the driving mode. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. How to Get Around the Sawtooth Mountains Before leaving Boise, consider a stop at Morrison Knudsen Nature Center (A1) or World Center for Birds of Prey (A2) which will give you a glimpse of the wildlife in Idaho, or head to the Idaho Historical Museum (M1) which tells the story of Idaho from prehistoric times through the fur trade, the gold rush, and pioneer settlement to the present. Especially in Stanley. If you are traveling in a group or even have just one extra vehicle, having some walkie-talkies is a great addition to your packing list. For more information on specific hikes to do, see my post of best hikes to do in the Sawtooth Mountains. Flight time: 1 hour, 23 minutes. There are limited amenities. From Boise, head north along Highway 55 for 2.5 hours until you reach Ponderosa State Park. This campground doesnt have hookups, but for a quick stay, it was fine. This unique park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, with some towering over 400 feet tall. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains I mentioned some options above, but I like to use AllTrails to see all the great choices in any area Im visiting. We couldve easily spent weeks! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. Camping can be a great option if you love nature and are on a smaller budget. Your trip begins in Boise, Idaho. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. Backcountry camping is also an option if you are prepared and comfortable in your backcountry camping skills. ), with 50 peaks over 10,000 feet (the tallest being Thompson peak at 10,751 ft). This is a given, but Id recommend bringing a camera. WebThis route carves its way through the Boulder Mountains, delivering adventurers to the base of the iconic Sawtooth Mountain Range.

There are also some additional campgrounds south of Stanley at Redfish Lake and the surrounding areas. 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! Getting to the Sawtooth Mountains First of all, how to get here? The Redfish Lodge on the Redfish Lake is an amazing place to start your exploration of this area. I like Cloudline wool socks, but there are lots of great brands out there. Pin this guide with the best things to do in Stanley to help plan your trip! Look for elk, deer, coyotes, and hawks as you glide into the northern fringes of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Unlike other summer destinations, you wont experience the overcrowding of other alpine favorites like Glacier or Grand Teton since the Sawtooth Mountains still remain mostly off the radar. We hope you fall in love with the Sawtooth Mountains like we did! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Make sure that you pack warm clothes and layers, even if visiting in the middle of summer. Ketchum and Hailey are popular with celebrities and was the last place that Ernest Hemmingway lived before his death. With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. Getting to the Sawtooth Mountains First of all, how to get here? 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. The peaks have multiple short jagged edges, just like a saw. The road pitches down a forested gorge studded with granite outcroppings and follows the swift, clean Salmon as it drops 15 feet (five meters) to the mile. This itinerary is based on a very similar trip my husband and I took with two of our friends in August 2020. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. One of the spots we slept at that we really liked was Stanley Lake Dispersed. Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. WebThe total driving distance from Boise, ID to Sacramento, CA is 551 miles or 887 kilometers. Courtesy of Idaho Tourism. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin.
We decided to drive around the Sawtooth Mountains on the main roads and were so surprised at how gorgeous the views are even from just the road. 75 into the Sawtooth Valley, a broad tongue of prairie that cradles the Salmon River and stretches between the Sawtooths and the foothills of the White Cloud Peaks. We were coming from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, so our starting and ending points are different than what we recommend in this itinerary, but you can definitely make this a stand-alone destination (and I highly encourage it). I've got all the tools, tips, and knowledge you need so you can hit the open road and have the trip of a lifetime! From Boise, you can rent a car to drive the rest of the way to the Sawtooth Mountains. If youre road tripping around Idaho like we were, definitely add the Sawtooth Mountains to your list!

On the eastern side of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Redfish Lake Lodge is probably the most popular place to stay. Discover what Ernest Hemingway came to love in Idaho's spectacular Sawtooth wilderness. There is only one grocery store, but its pretty small, and just a handful of places to eat. Day 3: Day in Sawtooth Mountain Range region, Drive to Stanley. Home Rocky Mountains Idaho Scenic Drives and Road Trips, From Boise, through the Sawtooth Mountains, to Shoshone. Not a fan of hiking? Day 3: Day in Sawtooth Mountain Range region, Drive to Stanley.