Her goalis to inspire others to get outside and explore. An on-site marina offers boat rentals, lake tours, moorings, and a boat shuttle that whisks hikers across the lake to the designated wilderness on the other side. Along the way, and throughout the trip, we'll encounter several Make sure that you pack warm clothes and layers, even if visiting in the middle of summer. Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho's tallest mountain . Idaho is one of the few states where a long, scenic drive is always just a stones throw away. Discover some of Idahos most breathtaking landscapes or treat yourself to an unforgettable stargazing experience. 5 hours, 12 minutes. 8. Drive 22 miles RT on paved & 11 miles RT on dirt roads. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. Duration 5h 45m When Every day Estimated price . - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Other great camping spots include Stanley Lake (our personal favorite), Pettit Lake, or Iron Creek. 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. Sawtooth Lodge is super cute and rustic, located around 6 miles out a gravel road in the national forest. Thank you for supporting brands that make No Man Before possible. Rugged mountain peaks are the star of the show on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. Start planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications. She and her family are from Boise, Idaho but are currently traveling full-time through Central and South America. Feel free to modify to include or exclude hikes of different lengths and difficulties. Back on the highway, its a quick drive over Timmerman Hill to the Wood River Valley. This is typically the wilderness I love, and your photos are amazing! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Heading south on ID-75, the road will soon intersect with the US-20. For starters, Stanley is the gateway to both the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains, as well as the sweet flowing Salmon "River of No Return." Theres a sort of comfort in knowing that when you get the sudden urge just to get in your car and take a nice, long drive to nowhere Idahos got you covered. Just north of Ketchum lies the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a 756,000-acre natural area filled with mountains, meadows, alpine lakes and both front country and backcountry trails. The Idaho Batholith underlies most of Boise National Forest, forming. Hemmed in by five mountain ranges, the valley narrows as you travel north along the Big Wood River. There are several beaches where you can hang out for the day and let the kids play in the sand. Idaho Business for the Outdoors' Boise River: Source to Snake project team's campsite at Spangle Lake. Getting to the Sawtooth Mountains. There are no points of interest for most of the trip and only a few campgrounds. Some even call it Idahos best-kept secret because it doesnt take much to discover an empty hiking trail, quiet lake, or solitude in the backcountry. If youre an experienced fly fisherman, there are plenty of great spots to cast your fly. If you want to commute you can live in Garden Valley / Crouch with about an hour drive into Boise and still have a cabin in the woods. Venturing Deeper into Idaho. Bellevue and Hailey are where the locals hang out and live, but for tourists, Ketchum and Sun Valley are the main attractions. We took a trip to Boise this winter to visit family that recently moved there and loved our time skiing and snowshoeing, and of course, we had to spend some time in a steaming hot spring. Spending the night at the lake gives you a bit more time rest your feet and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The halfway point is Lowman, ID. Turn left to follow Alpine Way Trail across Iron Creek. 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. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Starting and ending in Boise with a few particular destinations: mainly the Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon River. The Sawtooth Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountain Range located in the central part of the state. After the Galena Summit, the road descends into the Big Wood River Valley, where the Boulder Mountains begin to rise in the east. There are plenty of whitewater rafting day trips in the Sawtooths, but if you want something a little more adventurous, take a multi-day trip down the Salmon 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. Reading your post makes me want to stop my around the world adventures and come back to Idaho! The parking lot here overlooks a field at the base of the mountains. A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho's 31 scenic byways. There are great views of the mountains as well as various amenities and boat rentals. Cresting Timmerman Hill, the Wood River Valley unfolds below you. It is a beautiful lake with fantastic mountain views. Jetties provide access for kayakers and river surfers to two waves created by the. The dense green forests of the Sawtooth Wilderness are set to a backdrop of snow-tipped rocky crags during the warm summers. Most of the range lies within the Sawtooth Wilderness while some parts extend into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Sawtooth . Pettit Lake is another main area to explore and enter into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. 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. hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains blog post, best hikes to do in the Sawtooth Mountains, book from Falcon Guides about Pacific Northwest Hot Springs, Guide to Visiting Bormio, Italy and the Bagni di Bormio, A Winter Day in Santa Caterina di Valfurva, How to Visit Seceda, Dolomites in the Winter, 5 Awesome Waterfalls to Visit Near Ithaca, New York. But no worries, I only include links to products that we have tried or truly recommend! To return to Boise, head north on I-84. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Pack your bags, pack your camera, and settle in for a day or multi-day tour around the Sawtooth Forest loop. Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. Sign up for my monthly newsletter with on our adventures including travel tips and adventure guides for you! The small town of Stanley (population 68) serves as the gateway to the Sawtooths. In Stanley, be sure to check out the mountain-town vibes of Stanley Baking Co. for breakfast or lunch and the tasty dinner fare at the Stanley Supper Club. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, paddling and soaking in natural hot springs are popular activities. We recommend Sawtooth Adventures. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Sawtooth National Forest? There is a book from Falcon Guides about Pacific Northwest Hot Springs (which includes Idaho), but we didnt end up buying it. Road trips don't have to stop in the winter, even in the Gem State; these scenic byways across Idaho make for an . A narrow canyon flanked by 10,000' peaks opens up to postcard worthy vistas. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' Though Boise is a nine-hour drive from the nearest ocean, you can still hang ten. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway offers plenty of opportunities to explore. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates on our travels! If you go this route, make sure you follow all national forest and Idaho laws regarding watercraft and possible permits needed. Most visitors come from Boise, which is a solid choice- to reach Stanley from Boise, you'll drive along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, a jaw-dropping scenic drive snaking along the Payette River, with sweeping views of sloping . Spend the afternoon kayaking on Stanley Lake or relaxing on the beach at the lakeside. The scene is almost surreal with the blue-green water and the surrounding mountain peaks. Twin Falls Idaho is one of the best places to visit for easy access to outdoor recreation in the state and is one of the largest cities in South Central Idaho. 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. 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. I mostly used Google Maps to find the hot springs that we visited that were unnamed. With three full days for your first visit, you can get a good feel for the area and have some pretty great adventures. Your route will follow three different scenic byways. You can take a tour of the dredge between the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the route, an average car will release 123.91 pounds of CO2 to the atmosphere. Boise is the closest city, a three-hour drive. Zoo Boise. There are several hot springs located in the Sawtooths, so youll have to visit at least one while youre here. We took this byway from Stanley to Boise via highway 21. Have dinner in Ketchum. Downtown Boise's main attractions include the Idaho State Capitol, the classic Egyptian Theatre, the Boise Art Museum, Julia Davis Park and Zoo Boise. . Below are some of our favorites! To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. Next time, were hoping to make a summer trip up to the Sawtooth mountains, where Christina and her family have spent plenty of time exploring. On the eastern side of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Redfish Lake Lodge is probably the most popular place to stay. One thing to note is that there are not many AirBnbs available in this area since most of the land is federally owned. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in a Shoshone, one of the oldest towns in central Idaho. 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. Along the way, there are several interpretive signs. Boise and Salt Lake City are the two closest cities to Stanley, about 130 miles and 380 miles away, respectively. In the evening, watch sunset over Redfish Lake, Grab breakfast and coffee at Peaks & Perks in Stanley, head to Stanley Lake. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. 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. Just after the gas station, turn left (south) on Wall St. and follow the road to the Sawtooth Valley Meditation Chapel. 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. From the Petit Lake area, you can hike to Yellow Belly Lake, which is slightly north of Petit Lake. Stretching from Shoshone to Stanley, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is, in my biased opinion, one of the most beautiful routes through Idaho. Check the distance between any city, town, landmark or address in the world. The hikes to Alice Lake and Goat Lake are both great options for backpacking since the trails are somewhat long and difficult. There are a lot of opportunities to enjoy the lakes and streams throughout the Sawtooth Mountains. Boise and Sawtooth City are 3 hours 59 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop . a nurse is providing instructions to a client who has primary . The final stop on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is Stanley, a year-round community of about 70 people that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each summer. Downtown Stanley is home to a handful of restaurants, and the surrounding area has a variety of lodging options, from cabin rentals to hotels to camping. The best season for these activities is from July through to September. They are super professional, know all the best spots and will teach you all the ins and outs of fly fishing. We have always been wanting to check out Idaho, in particular, The Sawtooth Mnts. 6 Day 11, TUE 9/13: Today we explore the city of Boise. Across town is the southern terminus of the Wood River Trail, a paved, 20-plus-mile paved bike and walking path that stretches to Ketchum. Also, the eatery beside their marina has some of the best soft serve ice cream. The Greenbelt follows the beautiful Boise River corridor for more than 30 miles, and the Boise foothills are home to miles of hiking and biking trails. The view as you drop from Galena Summit into the Sawtooth Valley is one that you wont soon forget. Find out the best things to do in Idahos Sawtooth mountains! If youre new to the sport, there are some great guides that can teach you everything you need to know about fly fishing. With more than 3 hours of driving one way, the Sawtooth National Forest is a challenging excursion. 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. Idaho has world-class whitewater and its a great family adventure that everyone will love! drive south on Highway 75 4 miles and turn right on to the marked road for Redfish Lake . Hike starting from the Tin Cup Trailhead, spend the afternoon relaxing or kayaking at Petit Lake. If you have flexibility in your trip, first-come, first-serve may be your best bet. A combination of the Sawtooth Drive and Salmon River Scenic Byway from a Christmas gift that keeps on giving with sweet memories and beautiful photos. . This will be an adventure youll never forget! Other Incredible Drives Through the Sawtooths There are a handful of other fantastic drives throughout the Central Idaho region. It takes approximately 4h 8m to drive from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest. Many beautiful places around America have been ruined by mass tourism and general disrespect of natural spaces, so please leave no trace and leave the Sawtooths better than you found it. Another option for enjoying the water around the Sawtooth Mountains is to go on a rafting trip. We love getting to the beach early in the morning. Pioneer Cabin Trail #122: A popular day hike to a cool cabin and spectacular views of the Pioneer Mountains. Some of the famous mountains in Hailey are Carbonate, Red Devil Peak, and Della. The day-use area at Pettit Lake has lake front access and beautiful views of the mountains across the lake. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. The Boise Basin Museum (M2) is the perfect location to learn more about mining in the area. Whatever youre in the mood for, Idaho has it. If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com. A few elevated hikes include massive mountain backdrops along the entire route. 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. Idaho has world-class whitewater and its a great family adventure that everyone will love! Camping around Redfish Lake is very popular, so if make sure to reserve 6 months in advance. But this is all dependent on . There are an abundance of hiking trails and many alpine lakes. The distance between Boise and Sawtooth National Forest is 78 miles. Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Sawtooth National Forest? The Sawtooth Mountains feature about 400 . While there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooths, some of the best campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. , Redfish Lake is lovely for a day visit, but to get the whole experience, book a campsite and stay the night. Posted on Last updated: February 26, 2019. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Airbnbs. From the Tin Cup Trailhead, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip. So many beautiful places, but without tons of people! The Sawtooth Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountain Range, located in central Idaho. Check out these travel tips and start planning your adventure. You can also fly into the smaller airport in Hailey, which is just outside Sun Valley, Idaho and only an hour from the Sawtooths. There are hikes, trails, and more to explore here, and some parts can easily be visited on day trips from the city. My boys and I--Lab brothers, Guinness (black) and Porter (Chocolate)--live in Yankton, Oregon. 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