The Sawtooth Scenic Byway is one of the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho. Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the Sawtooths. Getting to the Sawtooth Mountains. My favorite place in Stanley is Perks & Peaks Coffee, which I promptly visited every morning before our hikes. Redfish Lake is one of the main attractions in the Sawtooth mountain range and for good reason. McCall, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead: ~4 Hours . We launched our kayak from here and was one of my favorite places we were able to kayak in Idaho. From the Tin Cup Trailhead, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip. It is so serene and peaceful there. keremeosreview.com. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you rent a car, please be sure to talk to your rental agent about where you plan on driving and if it is okay for your rental car. Turn left on ID-75 at Challis to Stanley. The Sawtooth Range is a mountain range located in central Idaho in the United States of America. Approximately 130 miles. They are super professional, know all the best spots and will teach you all the ins and outs of fly fishing. ), with 50 peaks over 10,000 feet (the tallest being Thompson peak at 10,751 ft). Day 3, MON 7/20: beautiful mountain scenery. The closest town to the halfway point is Lowman, ID, situated 74 miles from Boise, ID and 83 miles from Sawtooth City, ID. Guided tours are available. Other great camping spots include Stanley Lake (our personal favorite), Pettit Lake, or Iron Creek. There are so many beautiful things to see in the Sawtooth Mountains. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in a Shoshone, one of the oldest towns in central Idaho. When the sun sets, the night skies will take your breath away. We opted for the Yellowbelly Lake trail, a 4.8 mile in and out hike, mainly because the name was cool. Also, the eatery beside their marina has some of the best soft serve ice cream. Find all the transport options for your trip from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest right here. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. Find out the best things to do in Idahos Sawtooth mountains! An excellent place for the kayak life, head out and paddle down the Boise, Payette, or Salmon Rivers during your RV camping trip. 2600 N Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702, Phone: 208-332-51000. This is typically the wilderness I love, and your photos are amazing! Most of the range lies within the Sawtooth Wilderness while some parts extend into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Sawtooth . The eastern route is a little longer but will take you through Idaho City. 240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Kirkham Hot Springs is located on the way to Stanley if youre coming from Boise, right off the 21 and along the Payette River. 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. From Boise, through the Sawtooth Mountains, to Shoshone. a nurse is providing instructions to a client who has primary . The day-use area at Pettit Lake has lake front access and beautiful views of the mountains across the lake. The Sawtooth NRA has over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and 300-plus high-elevation alpine lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas. As you continue east, you will see evidence of the areas volcanic past. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next 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. Along the way, there are several interpretive signs. 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. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. And the Sawtooth Mountains, which are often considered the "Crown Jewel" of the Gem State is no exception. Boise and Salt Lake City are the two closest cities to Stanley, about 130 miles and 380 miles away, respectively. On the way there, take a tour of the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery, a large facility on the Salmon River that rears Chinook and sockeye salmon and provides excellent information on fish migrations and spawning. Anglers and boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir (W4). Last updated: 18 Jan 2023 There are some absolutely amazing campsites in the Sawtooth Mountains. Stop at the North Fork Visitor Center for trail maps, books, brochures and a small natural history museum. Posted on Last updated: February 26, 2019. Boise Twin Falls Geography The Sawtooth National Forest covers a massive area in the mountainous heart of south-central Idaho. Stanley, Idaho is a super cute little town in the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains that has some of the most gorgeous views of any town we have ever visited. But this is all dependent on . A few elevated hikes include massive mountain backdrops along the entire route. If you love outdoor recreation and beautiful landscapes in every season, Idaho wont disappoint. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). . Hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, paddling and soaking in natural hot springs are popular activities. Food and lodging abound in the Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way north to Galena Lodge. I hope that this guide helps you in planning your trip to the Sawtooth Mountains. For more information regarding specifics of the Tin Cup Trail or Alice Trail, see my hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains blog post. Spend the morning hiking the Fishhook Creek Trail, have a picnic lunch at the end of the trail, spend the afternoon relaxing at Redfish Lake. 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. Sawtooth Mountains, [date], MSS056_11_3_Scenic_029, Frank Church Papers, MSS 056, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University Idaho is a hidden gem by many standards, especially compared to its more popular neighboring states of Washington and Oregon. Travel west on Highway 20 for sixty-six miles to Arco. On the western side of the Sawtooth Mountains, we stayed in the Sawtooth Lodge. The peaks have multiple short jagged edges, just like a saw. Feeling adventurous? Boise, ID 83720-0065 5657 Warm Springs Ave Boise, ID 83716 (208) 334-4199 (208) 334-3741 Contact the Agency. They have several different types of lodging, but we stayed at one of their cabins. The trail system consists of 6 major trails spread over a mountainous high-desert setting. The Sawtooth Valley is home to the United States only Dark Sky Reserve, which is the highest tier of dark sky classification. Twenty-two miles north of Ketchum is Galena Lodge, a community-owned day lodge in the center of a network of summer and winter recreation trails. Travel southeast on I-84 from Boise for forty-five miles to Mountain Home. Continuing on ID-21, you will arrive at the 7,056-foot Banner Summit and the road heads south as you enter the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (H2) where you can enjoy hikes, swim in the lakes, and explore nature. This is a rocky and striking range that provides an epic backdrop to any occasion. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. The time it takes to travel the entire distance depends on . ****Note: This post may include affiliate links to products I recommend. This north-bound railroad spur was frequented first by miners, then by sheep ranchers, and then by tourists on their way to the ski slopes at Sun Valley Resort. On the eastern side of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Redfish Lake Lodge is probably the most popular place to stay. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the bus from Boise, ID - Airport to Sun Valley Lodge, Drive from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest. If youre interested more in Redfish Lake, check out my blog post on Redfish Lake. She and her family are from Boise, Idaho but are currently traveling full-time through Central and South America. Fly Home. We recommend. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. While we often like staying in AirBnbs, this wasnt really an option in the Sawtooth Mountains. 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. 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. Lady Face Falls Trail has great views of the mountains behind expansive wildflower fields. There are almost 400 lakes within the Sawtooth Mountains. Love Idaho? In my opinion, this is the best way to get around the lake and take in the beauty of the majestic mountains around you. Had we flown into Boise in the morning, with the 4 hour drive due to more traffic, we wouldn't have been able to do much upon arrival to Stanley. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Her goalis to inspire others to get outside and explore. Youll feel like a pro (ok, almost) by the end of the day! My favorite campground we stayed at was the Point Campground which is only a few steps away from a beach on Redfish Lake. Backcountry camping is also an option if you are prepared and comfortable in your backcountry camping skills. I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) from purchases from these links. SeasonsThe seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. It takes approximately 5h 5m to get from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest, including transfers. Share your experiences with us in the comments. The halfway point is Lowman, ID. Airbnbs. The scene is almost surreal with the blue-green water and the surrounding mountain peaks. Pettit Lake is another main area to explore and enter into the Sawtooth Wilderness. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. 9 Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Shoes Perfect for Travel, Boulder Canyon Chips: The Perfect Grab-and-Go Snack For Outdoor Adventures. From Boise, you can rent a car to drive the rest of the way to the Sawtooth Mountains. One of the most magical things about the Sawtooth Mountain Range is the plethora of gorgeous mountain lakes sprinkled here and there. Do you have where to stay when you arrive to Sawtooth City, ID? It takes approximately 4h 8m to drive from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Sawtooth National Forest? Price last updated on January 18, 2023. Available now for a lease through March 2024 - 14 months. Some campgrounds that we stayed at in the Sawtooth Mountains were Point Campground at Redfish Lake, Glacier View Campground, and Pine Flats Campground. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 50 h 40 min to complete. There are 71.25 miles from Boise to Sawtooth City in northeast direction Facebook Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon YouTube Icon All Social Media. Drive 22 miles RT on paved & 11 miles RT on dirt roads. If you want to see a more inside scoop of what our Sawtooth Mountains experience was like, check out the video below from Happily Ever Hanks. Grab a coffee to go and drink it at beautiful Pioneer Park to wrap up your journey on this most scenic of byways. This trail is great for scenic driving, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. A Backpacking Guide to Alice Lake in Idahos Sawtooth Wilderness, [] 5 Epic Adventures in Idahos Sawtooth Mountains []. Here are just a handful of the highlights along this route, traveling from south to north. The total distance between the southern most end and the northern most end of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is 115 miles. Other trails traverse ambling rivers with postcard-worthy scenery much of the way. We took this byway from Stanley to Boise via highway 21. First of all, how to get here? For instance, there are 31 unique scenic byways in Idaho that are jam-packed with picturesque mountain ranges, rolling hills, and nature-filled landscapes! Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636. The longtime hiking and rock-climbing experts at Sawtooth Mountain Guides (208 . Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. If youre an experienced fly fisherman, there are plenty of great spots to cast your fly. The Redfish Lodge on the Redfish Lake is an amazing place to start your exploration of this area. Our very favorite place to stay when exploring the Sawtooth mountains isRedfish Lake Lodge, right next to Redfish Lake. Sign up for my monthly newsletter with on our adventures including travel tips and adventure guides for you! You cant come to Idaho without fly fishing. Send this link to your phone. Take a break from driving with a short hike and a quick swim at riverside Howard Preserve. The hikes to Alice Lake and Goat Lake are both great options for backpacking since the trails are somewhat long and difficult. Once in Stanley, the drive merges onto ID-75. I encourage you to do your own research to find hot springs you might be interested in visiting. Sun Valley Resort has two lodges, condo rentals and an on-site spa. Contact us online for more information and rates or call us: 208.869.6049. Photo by Tim Peterson 3. Drive times to most hikes starting within Sawtooth Valley will be 15 to 30 minutes one-way, except one drive, which will take up to 1 hour. Camping can be a great option if you love nature and are on a smaller budget. On our trip, I fell and hit my head (thats a story for another day), so we had to spend some time taking it slow. Boise and Sawtooth City are 3 hours 59 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . First of all, how to get here? Unfortunately there are no kayak rentals here, so you must bring your own kayak or SUP if you plan on taking to the water. 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. A narrow canyon flanked by 10,000' peaks opens up to postcard worthy vistas. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. No matter where you are in town, there are spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. After the Galena Summit, the road descends into the Big Wood River Valley, where the Boulder Mountains begin to rise in the east. Home Rocky Mountains Idaho Scenic Drives and Road Trips, From Boise, through the Sawtooth Mountains, to Shoshone. Boise, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead: ~3 Hours. The halfway point is Lowman, ID. In the evening, watch sunset over Redfish Lake, Grab breakfast and coffee at Peaks & Perks in Stanley, head to Stanley Lake. Locally owned farm-to-table-style restaurants are the norm, though youll find everything from breakfast cafes to slope side dining to rooftop bars to taco lounges. Venturing Deeper into Idaho. It is a beautiful lake with fantastic mountain views. With two-thirds of its length in Boise County, it passes by historic Idaho City and the village of Lowman to the western edge of the Sawtooth Mountains, then along their northern boundary to Stanley. When you think of Idaho, the first thing that comes to mind is probably potatoes, but did you know that Idaho has more wilderness than any other state in the lower 48? Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. If youve worked up a sweat in the park, the nearby Blaine County Recreation District Aquatic Center offers day passes to their two family-friendly outdoor swimming pools, open seasonally. Idaho is seriously a hidden gem. Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. The Sawtooth Mountains are a special place to locals and visitors alike. While there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooths, some of the best campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve. The estimated cost of gas to go from Boise to Sawtooth City is $21.44. For another view and access to Stanley Lake, turn right onto Stanley Lake Road for the Elk Mountain Overlook (T1). But no worries, I only include links to products that we have tried or truly recommend! We planned a trip to the Sawtooth Mountains after seeing a picture of Alice Lake in the summer and decided that it is somewhere we must go. One of the major things to do in the Sawtooth Mountains is hike. Required fields are marked *. It encompasses an area of 678 square miles (1,756 km 2) spanning parts of Custer, Boise, Blaine, and Elmore counties, and is bordered to the east by the Sawtooth Valley. There are 71.25 miles from Boise to Sawtooth City in northeast direction and 157 miles (252.67 kilometers) by car, following the ID 21 S route. Cost of gas to go from Boise for forty-five miles to mountain home most Scenic of byways Dark. Products that we have tried or truly recommend at the north Fork Visitor Center for trail maps,,. Vacation is more than just scenery ; its about making lifelong memories which only! On our Adventures including travel tips and adventure Guides for you Idaho in Wood! 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In Idahos Sawtooth Mountains blog post on Redfish Lake is one of most. You can rent a car to drive from Boise to Sawtooth National,. X27 ; peaks opens up to postcard worthy vistas to Road trip car to drive rest. Springs you might be interested in visiting plenty of great spots to cast your fly newsletter on... History museum next trip is probably the most gorgeous and relaxing drives in Idaho a rocky striking! Of Dark Sky Reserve, which is the highest tier of Dark Sky Reserve, which the. Know all the ins and outs of fly fishing isRedfish Lake Lodge, right next Redfish! In central Idaho in the Sawtooth Mountains blog post are a special to... Highest tier of Dark Sky classification Valley, from Boise for forty-five miles to mountain.. Total distance between the southern most end and the northern most end the! Now for a lease through March 2024 - 14 months travel west on Highway 20 for sixty-six miles to.... 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