The area is a huge skiing destination and is popular at all times of year. Thanks for your photos and stories. Sawtooth Mountain Range is in the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness. Facebook Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon YouTube Icon All Social Media. Other trails traverse ambling rivers with postcard-worthy scenery much of the way. For starters, Stanley is the gateway to both the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains, as well as the sweet flowing Salmon "River of No Return." Here, you can escape the crowds of other more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace in the outdoors. It would take 1 hour 50 mins to go from Boise to Lowman and 2 hours 9 mins to go from Sawtooth City to Lowman. Now in its second iteration, the Sawtooth Festival for Arts, Crafts, and Food is a nonprofit, two-day event established in 2021 to promote the business and nonprofit community in Stanley, Idaho - but Sawtooth Festival is more than just a craft fair. The valley stretches north as far as your eye can see, while to the west, the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains reach toward the sky. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 50 h 40 min to complete. Stop at the North Fork Visitor Center for trail maps, books, brochures and a small natural history museum. We planned our trip to the Sawtooth Mountains in late June, thinking it would be prime summer weather. It's about time your bike got some exercise. It takes approximately 4h 8m to drive from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest. Thirty-four miles from Boise, you will arrive in Idaho City, where in the 1860s, it was the location of one of the biggest gold booms in the United States. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Sun Valley Express operates a bus from Boise, ID - Airport to Sun Valley Lodge once daily. I tried to cover everything possible, but please let me know if there are any questions you have after reading this or if I missed anything! 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. The small town of Stanley (population 68) serves as the gateway to the Sawtooths. 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No matter how high the thermometer goes outside, the ice-filled cave stays a refreshing 23 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. This itinerary can be tailored to the type of activities you want to do. 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. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. The road is designated as one of Idaho's scenic byways and provides access to Sawtooth National Recreation Area from Boise and the Treasure Valley. Discover some of Idahos most breathtaking landscapes or treat yourself to an unforgettable stargazing experience. Read further to see all that you need to know to visit the Sawtooth Mountains. Boise and Sawtooth City are 3 hours 59 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . The Sawtooth Mountains were the centerpiece of our trip to Idaho and we were sad to leave even after a week there. Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. The best season for these activities is from July through to September. Do you have where to stay when you arrive to Sawtooth City, ID? Spending the night at the lake gives you a bit more time rest your feet and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We share both our love for exploring and photography by creating helpful travel and gear guides. Day 3, MON 7/20: beautiful mountain scenery. For more information regarding specifics of the Tin Cup Trail or Alice Trail, see my hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains blog post. Start planning your Idaho adventure. Additional Trip Tips: Where to Stay: Stanley, Idaho is considered the gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness. You cant come to Idaho without fly fishing. This is the fastest route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. They are definitely the closest bigger towns close to Stanley. In my opinion, this is the best way to get around the lake and take in the beauty of the majestic mountains around you. With three full days for your first visit, you can get a good feel for the area and have some pretty great adventures. No matter what hike you do, in the Sawtooths you will see some amazing views. After the Galena Summit, the road descends into the Big Wood River Valley, where the Boulder Mountains begin to rise in the east. The small town of Stanley (population 68) serves as the gateway to the Sawtooths. Contact us online for more information and rates or call us: 208.869.6049. While we often like staying in AirBnbs, this wasnt really an option in the Sawtooth Mountains. Time/Distance . In the summer there are free concerts along the lake with views of the mountains behind the performers. The time it takes to travel the entire distance depends on . Whatever youre in the mood for, Idaho has it. Standard text messaging rates apply. Image:Big CIty Coffee via Google. For hotels in Stanley, Idaho we recommend. There are many options for places to stay in the Sawtooth Mountains depending on your budget. The trail system consists of 6 major trails spread over a mountainous high-desert setting. 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. If you have flexibility in your trip, first-come, first-serve may be your best bet. 14. Sunbeam Hot Springs is a bit further up the 75, also along the Salmon River with a few rock pools that catch the hot water. It climbs through more than 23 switchbacks up a forested ridge and across a flower-decorated plateau to . Kayaking, canoeing, and exploring are popular activities here. Hot water is piped into an old mining cauldron, so you and three of your friends can stew in here while enjoying the view of the Salmon River (see photo below). The East Coast offers many scenic routes ripe for a road trip.However, there are other places in the US worth a long drive too. The longtime hiking and rock-climbing experts at Sawtooth Mountain Guides (208 . Hey Randy, I'm sure you'll be right at home in the Sawtooths. While there are potatoes in Idaho, there are also some of the most beautiful mountains and wildernesses in the lower 48 states. Fly Home. We then drive 3 hours to Boise, ID, for our last two nights. If you want to kayak a lot, but dont have a kayak (or are coming via plane and cant bring a giant kayak with you), I recommend getting an inflatable kayak like the one that we have. This is typically the wilderness I love, and your photos are amazing! This outstanding scenic drive through south-central Idaho climbs more than 5,000 vertical feet (1,524. Alternate Route: Take I-15 North to US-26 West at Blackfoot, then US-93 North at Arco to Challis. The dredge started in August of 1940 and ran 24/7 to maximize the uncovering of gold and silver in the area. The Sawtooth Valley is home to the United States only Dark Sky Reserve, which is the highest tier of dark sky classification. The valley stretches north as far as your eye can see, while to the west, the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains reach toward the sky. At 1.1 miles you will officially enter the Sawtooth Wilderness and soon after come to a marked junction. Camping can be a great option if you love nature and are on a smaller budget. One glance at Redfish Lake, and youll instantly want to dive in. While Black Magic Canyon about a two-hour drive south of Triangle C Cabins on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, the hiking and sightseeing make it well worth your time. The town boasts an extra-wide Main Street, which accommodates four lanes for vehicle traffic and four sets of railroad tracks. 2600 N Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702, Phone: 208-332-51000. Feeling adventurous? Along the way, there are several interpretive signs. Also, some will not appear any where on the internet, but you will see steam rising from the side of the river and if there is a pull-off that is a good indication that there is a hot spring there. From Boise, you can rent a car to drive the rest of the way to the Sawtooth Mountains. Make your way to the Sun Valley Village for an Austrian town square vibe, beautifully maintained gardens, a year-round outdoor ice rink, two golf courses and the free symphony at the open-air Sun Valley Pavilion. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Rimmed by the Sawtooth Mountains to the west, the area is filled with scenic wonders to include a multitude of rivers, streams and high mountain lakes. Discover what Ernest Hemingway came to love in Idaho's spectacular Sawtooth wilderness. There are 71.25 miles from Boise to Sawtooth City in northeast direction Yes, the driving distance between Boise to Sawtooth National Forest is 196 miles. In 2012, the city opened a free whitewater park on the Boise River west of downtown. Most of the range lies within the Sawtooth Wilderness while some parts extend into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Sawtooth . My favorite place in Stanley is Perks & Peaks Coffee, which I promptly visited every morning before our hikes. Find all the transport options for your trip from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest right here. Sawtooth Scenic Byway | Road Trips in Central Idaho Length 115.7 miles 186.2 km Time 3 hours Region Central Idaho When to Visit Year-round 31 Byways. The drive to the trailhead. Anglers and boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir (W4). Find all the transport options for your trip from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest right here. To access the Sawtooths from Boise, drive to Stanley, Idaho. Have a great trip! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Guided tours are available. The lodge itself offers breakfast, lunch and snacks during the summer, as well as mountain bike rentals and lessons, yurt rentals and weekly wagon ride BBQs. If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. For more information, readourfull disclosure. Boise and Salt Lake City are the two closest cities to Stanley, about 130 miles and 380 miles away, respectively. For more information on specific hikes to do, see my post of best hikes to do in the Sawtooth Mountains. While Id never been particularly interested in visiting Idaho (Id crossed over into the southern part as a kid, but going back didnt really cross my mind), the way they showcased the state with hikes through beautiful forests, camping and fishing trips to crystal clear lakes, and the occasional soak in a natural hot spring moved Idaho way up on my bucket list. Last updated: 18 Jan 2023 Salt Lake Express Phone +1 208-656-8824 The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive 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, it's worth taking extra time to enjoy the ride. The estimated cost of gas to go from Boise to Sawtooth City is $21.44. We have always been wanting to check out Idaho, in particular, The Sawtooth Mnts. Next door, the world-class Hailey Skate Park, built by Dreamland Skateparks, has concrete features for all levels of skaters, including a 16-foot full pipe for experts. Outside of those months, exploring the canyon is an option, but be mindful of any precipitation as any water in the canyon could be dangerous. Airbnbs. Boise Badgers & Sawtooth Mountains. Other Incredible Drives Through the Sawtooths There are a handful of other fantastic drives throughout the Central Idaho region. If youve got a few days to spend in these mountains, weve got you covered with some of the best outdoor activities you can find in the Sawtooths. Take us along for the ride on your road trip. Each area offers lodging options, as well. Pioneer Cabin Trail #122: A popular day hike to a cool cabin and spectacular views of the Pioneer Mountains. Redfish Lake is personally one of my favorite areas of the Sawtooth Mountains. This route carves its way through the Boulder Mountains, delivering adventurers to the base of the iconic Sawtooth Mountain Range. There are so many beautiful things to see in the Sawtooth Mountains. Unfortunately there are no kayak rentals here, so you must bring your own kayak or SUP if you plan on taking to the water. Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the Sawtooths. They are super professional, know all the best spots and will teach you all the ins and outs of fly fishing. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The road distance is 195.6 miles. Some campgrounds that we stayed at in the Sawtooth Mountains were Point Campground at Redfish Lake, Glacier View Campground, and Pine Flats Campground. It is super cute. Sara Sheehyis a writer and photographer who travels the world seeking wild places and great stories. In 27 miles, you leave the Sawtooth National Forest and arrive in Ketchum, where a short side-trip on Sun Valley Road will bring you to Sun Valley, a historic resort from the 1930s and Hemingway penned For Whom the Bell Tolls. Boise is the closest city, a three-hour drive. As you continue east, you will see evidence of the areas volcanic past. Grab a bite to eat at the Shoshone Snack Bar, a quintessential roadside eatery serving hamburgers, fried dinners and huge helpings of ice cream. But this is all dependent on . route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. The project included a backpacking trip through the Sawtooths, testing the Boise River's. Hello, and thanks for stopping by! Take it all in by pulling off at the large scenic viewpoint just past the summit. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Lady Face Falls Trail has great views of the mountains behind expansive wildflower fields. We were unable to go on a rafting trip during our visit, but would love to on our next time in the Sawtooths. There are a lot of opportunities to enjoy the lakes and streams throughout the Sawtooth Mountains. Once in Stanley, the drive merges onto ID-75. 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. From lava-filled high desert to the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, this scenic byway has sweeping views, creature comforts and access to some truly spectacular outdoor recreation. I would say that some of the best views along the trail are within the first mile of the hike. Below are some of our favorites! Approaching Lowman in 31 miles, you will see 46,000 acres of forest recovering from the 1989 fire caused by lightning. They are super professional, know all the best spots and will teach you all the ins and outs of fly fishing. Pack your bags, pack your camera, and settle in for a day or multi-day tour around the Sawtooth Forest loop. And the Sawtooth Mountains, which are often considered the "Crown Jewel" of the Gem State is no exception. 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At Sawtooth Mountain Range is in the Sawtooths large scenic viewpoint just past summit... Airbnbs, this wasnt really an option in the Sawtooth Mountains depending on your budget for people the... Late June, thinking it would be prime summer weather and across a flower-decorated to. A cool Cabin and spectacular views of the Sawtooth Wilderness making reservations easy and straightforward and City! To September moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 50 40... Would be prime summer weather lot of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings ins and of., respectively Randy, I 'm sure you 'll be right at home in the 48. Major trails spread over a mountainous high-desert setting to maximize the uncovering of and! Id - Airport to sun Valley Lodge once daily 'm sure you 'll be right at home in Sawtooth!
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