The small town of Stanley (population 68) serves as the gateway to the Sawtooths. You cant come to Idaho without fly fishing. Down on the valley floor, stop in at Smiley Creek Lodge for a huckleberry ice cream or a sit-down meal. My favorite place in Stanley is Perks & Peaks Coffee, which I promptly visited every morning before our hikes. There is a book from Falcon Guides about Pacific Northwest Hot Springs (which includes Idaho), but we didnt end up buying it. Our free Road Trip Planner will reverse the route and include the places of interests. Distance from Boise: 108.3 miles (2 hours and 14 minutes) Payette Lake Near McCall, Idaho McCall is known as an Idaho destination that can be an excellent choice for the ones who love wild outdoor adventures. It's part of the largest contiguous tract of national forest land in the lower 48 US states, a 30 million-acre (12 million ha) area of federally protected land that covers over 60 percent of Idaho. 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. 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. Boat Box Hot Spring. On the eastern side of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Redfish Lake Lodge is probably the most popular place to stay. Road trips don't have to stop in the winter, even in the Gem State; these scenic byways across Idaho make for an . If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com. The day-use area at Pettit Lake has lake front access and beautiful views of the mountains across the lake. Ill let her take it from here! There are three main areas to eat in the Sawtooth ValleySmiley Creek, Redfish Lake Lodge and Stanley. Average USA gas price used for calculation is $3.39 per gallon of regular gas. 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. 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. 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. Tickets cost $90 and the journey takes 3h. Best Bay Area Beaches for Tidepooling one of o, Im convinced that sunrise is the best time to e, Im not sure if Im ready to give up summer, b, There are so many waterfalls in the Smoky Mountain, In the DRS zone #formula1 Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. For instance, there are 31 unique scenic byways in Idaho that are jam-packed with picturesque mountain ranges, rolling hills, and nature-filled landscapes! Airbnbs. Various campgrounds surround the Redfish Lake and there are several day-use areas. To access the Sawtooths from Boise, drive to Stanley, Idaho. What we thought would be warm weather camping turned into us bundled in our warmest clothes at night as the temperatures dipped into the low 30s. These are possibly the most popular hot springs in the state due to their proximity to Boise (a little under two hours) and the nearby campground, but there are quite a few pools to accommodate anyone looking for a relaxing soak after a long hike. Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? This Mountain Lodge In Idaho Offers A Dining Experience Like No Other, Dont Let These Stunning Views Fool You, Adams Gulch In Idaho Is Actually An Easy Hike, This 450-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Idaho, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is, The Incredible Breakfast Buffet In Idaho Complete With An Omelet And Crepe Bar, Take These 9 Country Roads In Idaho For An Unforgettable Scenic Drive, This Remote Waterfront Highway In Idaho Is Breathtaking And Youll Want To Drive Down It, The 10 Best Backroads In Idaho For A Long Scenic Drive, Take This Road To Nowhere In Idaho To Get Away From It All, Pacific Fishery Management Council/Flickr, The One Iconic Road Trip In Idaho Everyone Should Take In Their Lifetime. Led by Nick Yturri/Sawtooth NRA fire management officer, Eva Strand/University of They are good friends of ours and traveled with us on our 2-week trip to Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and the Sawtooth Mountains. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Accessing Black Magic can be a challenge but exploring the unique Shoshone Ice Cave is not. For more information on specific hikes to do, see my post of best hikes to do in the Sawtooth Mountains. To return to Boise, head north on I-84. The halfway point is Lowman, ID. The time it takes to travel the entire distance depends on . The Sawtooth mountains rival many of the more popular mountain ranges in the U.S. in both size and beauty, but outside of Idaho, theyre still relatively unknown. Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the Sawtooths. Food and lodging abound in the Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way north to Galena Lodge. On the western side of the Sawtooth Mountains, we stayed in the Sawtooth Lodge. Some of the best shorter day hikes include, If you want something more challenging with epic scenery as the reward, dont miss. Turn left to follow Alpine Way Trail across Iron Creek. Find all the transport options for your trip from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest right here. There are hikes, trails, and more to explore here, and some parts can easily be visited on day trips from the city. Bellevue and Hailey are where the locals hang out and live, but for tourists, Ketchum and Sun Valley are the main attractions. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. 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. Ketchum and Hailey are a little over an hour south of Stanley, Idaho. But no worries, I only include links to products that we have tried or truly recommend! You can also fly into the smaller airport in Hailey, which is just outside Sun Valley, Idaho and only an hour from the Sawtooths. For a showing please text our leasing agent at . After dinner go to Redfish Lake Lodge for ice cream while watching the sunset. Sawtooth National Forest 3 hours 20 minutes from Boise, Idaho Some day trips from Boise are longer than the others. I encourage you to do your own research to find hot springs you might be interested in visiting. Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. Bonanza has been left as is, a town of 600 reduced to a few rotting, boarded up cabins and hermit homes. Sawtooth Lodge is super cute and rustic, located around 6 miles out a gravel road in the national forest. At the moment, they arent heavily visited and Idahoans like it that way. Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. There is a beach area and a dock. Catch rainbow trout in one of the many lakes or 3,000 miles of . Spending the night at the lake gives you a bit more time rest your feet and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The best way to get from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest without a car is to bus which takes 5h 5m and costs $130-$150. We recommend. Unfortunately there are no kayak rentals here, so you must bring your own kayak or SUP if you plan on taking to the water. I have a whole post on Stanley, Idaho and things to do in and around the town. Option #2 (Stanley): Another tiny home in the same complex with just as beautiful views and design. Grab a bite to eat at the Shoshone Snack Bar, a quintessential roadside eatery serving hamburgers, fried dinners and huge helpings of ice cream. Pettit Lake is another main area to explore and enter into the Sawtooth Wilderness. ****Note: This post may include affiliate links to products I recommend. In Ketchum, take a short walk to Knob Hill for a panoramic view of the town and mountains beyond, then enjoy downtowns wide variety of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes. She and her family are from Boise, Idaho but are currently traveling full-time through Central and South America. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. There are also plenty of camping options if youre more adventurous and want a taste of some of the most coveted and beautiful camping sites in the state. 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. Hot springs in the Sawtooth Mountains were one of my very favorite things in Idaho. The project included a backpacking trip through the Sawtooths, testing the Boise River's. Along the way, there are several interpretive signs. I asked Christina to share her favorite things to do in Idahos Sawtooth mountains in the summer. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Each has a day-use area for beachgoers, along with a boat ramp, hiking trails and stunning views. #f1 #aventon #aven, We like the beach, we like camping, so beach campi, The colors of an east coast sunset hit a little di, 11 Best Barefoot Winter Boots: Waterproof, Warm, and Zero Drop, 9 Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids (durable + comfortable), 11 Casual Barefoot Shoes (that are Stylish and Comfortable), Best Athletic Barefoot Shoes: Exercise Shoes with Wide Toe Box. Travel west on Highway 20 for sixty-six miles to Arco. Please type your origin and destination and pick one of the options. Rome2rio makes travelling from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest easy. Duration 5h 45m When Every day Estimated price . From desert to mountain, this is the perfect drive for just cruising and taking it all in. 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. Reading your post makes me want to stop my around the world adventures and come back to Idaho! Rugged mountain peaks are the star of the show on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. 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. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. 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. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). The road from Ketchum to Stanley is absolutely gorgeous and has many pull-offs along the road to soak in the views (and some even have informational panels with info on what youre looking at). Byway Map Additional Area Attractions Sawtooth National Recreation Area Redfish Lake 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. 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. Just after the gas station, turn left (south) on Wall St. and follow the road to the Sawtooth Valley Meditation Chapel. **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. The hikes to Alice Lake and Goat Lake are both great options for backpacking since the trails are somewhat long and difficult. The Park Creek Overlook (V1) offers a chance to gaze at the magnificent Sawtooth Range. White Clouds Golf Course, Elkhorn Golf Course & Trail Creek Golf Course, Idaho Department of Commerce - Tourism Development. Once in Stanley, the drive merges onto ID-75. Boise, ID and Sawtooth City, ID are in the same time zone (MDT). Fun day trip ideas: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida. Nestled amidst Idaho's snowcapped Rocky Mountain peaks and the meandering Salmon River, the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch has flourished as a western ranch vacation retreat for eighty years. Alternate Route: Take I-15 North to US-26 West at Blackfoot, then US-93 North at Arco to Challis. . Thank you! Getting to the Sawtooths Most out-of-towners use Southwest Idaho as their basecamp for driving to and through the Sawtooth Mountain Recreation Area. Along the way, and throughout the trip, we'll encounter several It is a beautiful lake with fantastic mountain views. Boise, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead: ~3 Hours. Yes, the driving distance between Boise to Sawtooth National Forest is 196 miles. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. As you continue east, you will see evidence of the areas volcanic past. Youll feel like a pro (ok, almost) by the end of the day! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 50 h 40 min to complete. Outdoor recreation in the Sawtooth Mountains and elsewhere in the state is making Idaho a popular destination. drive south on Highway 75 4 miles and turn right on to the marked road for Redfish Lake . 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. 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. The estimated cost of gas to go from Boise to Sawtooth City is $21.44. Discover some of Idahos most breathtaking landscapes or treat yourself to an unforgettable stargazing experience. We had a great experienceThe River Companyand highly recommend them. Drive back to Boise Airport (~3 hours). Trails and Trailheads The Sawtooth Wilderness is home to 23 trailheads with over 40 maintained trails totaling about 350 miles within the wilderness that can be used for backpacking, day hiking and horseback riding, and approaches for mountain climbing opportunities. Download map or text a link to your phone. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. During the route, an average car will release 123.91 pounds of CO2 to the atmosphere. Current time in both locations is 4:51 pm. Boise National ForestSawtooth National Forest, it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as five units: the Cascade, Emmett, Idaho City, Lowman, and Mountain Home ranger districts.. . Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. My favorite campground we stayed at was the Point Campground which is only a few steps away from a beach on Redfish Lake. 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. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Twin Falls. They are definitely the closest bigger towns close to Stanley. A few miles east of Stanley are the ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer. No matter where you are in town, there are spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. The town boasts an extra-wide Main Street, which accommodates four lanes for vehicle traffic and four sets of railroad tracks. There are currently no glaciers within the Sawtooth Range. Driving north along Highway 75, youre surrounded by public land, except for a few well-marked private inholdings. I hope that this guide helps you in planning your trip to the Sawtooth Mountains. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. Required fields are marked *. It is a town of population 63, but has a few accommodations: Mountain Village Resort, Triangle C Cabins and Redfish Riverside Inn are a few good options. The Sawtooth Mountains feature about 400 . For majestic views of the Sawtooth Range and Sawtooth Valley, look no further than Bethine and Frank Church Overlook (Galena Overlook), near the Galena Summit. 2. Some of the famous mountains in Hailey are Carbonate, Red Devil Peak, and Della. After breakfast in Boise, get in the car and drive 35 miles (56 kilometers) west to the Sunny Slope area of . After Lowman, you arrive at the Kirkham Hot Springs (W2), where the South Fork Payette River has multiple natural hot waterfalls that create warm pools. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Stanley Lake is located west of Stanley. If starting from the Tin Cup Trailhead, you are about 1 mile from the edge of the Sawtooth Wilderness. From Boise, you can rent a car to drive the rest of the way to the Sawtooth Mountains. Option #1 (Stanley): This tiny home is super cute, has an amazing view, and is gorgeous on the inside. If you have flexibility in your trip, first-come, first-serve may be your best bet. From Salt Lake City: Take 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. 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