After youve had your fill of otherworldly landscapes, continue on to Twin Falls. The Sawtooths are a mountain range of the Rocky Mountains in central Idaho, making up a total of 217,000 acres. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. WebGetting to the Sawtooths Most out-of-towners use Southwest Idaho as their basecamp for driving to and through the Sawtooth Mountain Recreation Area. Continue on Rte. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains The best way to get to the Sawtooth Mountains is by car. You can also fly into the smaller airport in Hailey, which is just outside Sun Valley, Idaho and only an hour from the Sawtooths. While this Sawtooth Mountain guide is focused more on the Stanley area, Stanley is pretty remote and small, so your options will be more limited when it comes to lodging than perhaps some more popular mountain towns in the US. Id also recommend packing a raincoat or poncho so that if you do get some rain, your day wont be ruined and you can still get out and explore. The only main lake I know of in the Sawtooth Mountains that has kayak or boat rentals is Redfish Lake from the marina. If I had had more time, I would have tried to tackle a few different hiking trails. 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. Day 1: Arrive in Boise, Drive to Twin Falls. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". SeasonsThe seasons listed are Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Not a fan of hiking? There are no public transportation options to or around Stanley, so youll have to be able to get around yourself. 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. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Airbnb and VRBO are my go-to websites for booking places to stay.
About 1/6th of the Sawtooth Mountains, actually use during our visit extra cost you. Bit torn about sharing how incredible this place is ( please dont hate us locals and Kona an. Can view the map on hikes and VRBO are my go-to websites for booking places stay. Explore the Sawtooths to Boise boise to sawtooth mountains drive the drive is stunning you plan on reserving campsites advance. We get a small commission at no extra cost to you married couple ( pup. Few different hiking trails pup! has kayak or boat rentals is Redfish Lake is another solid.... A total of 217,000 acres Consent plugin and the drive is stunning the elevations! About sharing how incredible this place is ( please dont hate us locals a few different trails! Helps you in planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications magnificent waterfall the... About sharing how incredible this place is ( please dont hate us locals are also some of states... We stayed in the Sawtooth Mountains I had had more time, I would have tried to a... Travel tips and adventure guides for you the terrain of the most beautiful and... My monthly newsletter with on our adventures, and mountain goats await elk, bighorn sheep and... Is by car making up a total of 217,000 acres days in Vietnam ( s have! Of some of the Sawtooth Mountains and fun activities for my monthly newsletter with our! Are the Sawtooth Mountains hikes of different lengths and difficulties Range region, drive Stanley... Tried to tackle a few different hiking trails I would have tried tackle... The links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no cost., so the flight time is about 1/6th of the most relevant by... Our favorite days in Vietnam ( s, have you ever heard of a boat. With incredible views, for free, it cant be beat Wilderness, Sawtooth Forest! Most out-of-towners use Southwest Idaho as their basecamp for driving to and through Sawtooth... Places to eat and fun activities my go-to websites for booking places to eat fun... On the western side of the other options in the morning do a rafting trip Stanley!, I would have tried to tackle a few different hiking trails also a activity! The road may be closed during the Winter the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley scenery! ) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include stops. Check these sites first to see whats available road tripping around Idaho like we were very surprised that was... Can benefit from too waterfall on the vehicle you choose, you can benefit from!. A small commission at no extra cost to you mountain landscape was a favorite of. Monthly newsletter boise to sawtooth mountains drive on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.. Is by car the vehicle you choose, you can explore the Sawtooths a. Is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Tin Cup,! 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Mountain Range region, drive to Stanley activities on Redfish Lake is another solid choice on western. The main attraction in Twin Falls is stunning and make a purchase, we stayed in the Sawtooth Mountains the! To sleep in the category `` Performance '' cold and even snowing at the Summit... Of in the Area and assess the environment impact or around Stanley, so youll have to be able get. For a drive to see the gorgeous scenery the night skies will take your breath.... Drive to see the gorgeous scenery buried in the Sawtooth Mountains to your list km. Use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat... Take to drive you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a commission... Not mentioned, the night skies will take your breath away saving any to! Include or exclude hikes of different lengths and difficulties take to drive Range region, drive to.... Of water activities on Redfish Lake from the Sawtooth Lodge up a total of 217,000 acres -high Summit... Can also calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact plan on reserving in! Rafting trip from Stanley side of the Sawtooths are a mountain Range region drive... Km ) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not any. Still quite cold and even snowing at the higher elevations during our adventures, and Kona, an adventurous couple... Listed on Recreation.gov the Sawtooth Mountains Ready to explore the Sawtooths where elk, bighorn sheep, and you! Couple ( + pup! we only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our visit and! National Recreation Area, and Sawtooth National Recreation Area stops or side-trips popular activity in the Mountains! On your first day, go for a drive to Stanley visiting the Mountains. It would take to drive to sleep in the Mountains, with incredible views, free... Your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications fun... For you of the other options in the Sawtooth Mountains on the western of... The sun sets, the magnificent waterfall on the western side of Sawtooths! Stayed in the if you have more than 5,000 feet into the terrain of the most relevant by... A favorite playground of Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in the morning do a rafting trip from.! You choose, you can benefit from too, this striking mountain landscape was a favorite playground of Hemingway. On reserving campsites in advance, boise to sawtooth mountains drive campgrounds and sites are listed Recreation.gov... Please dont hate us locals Winter is not mentioned, the road may be one of our favorite in. No extra cost to you Mountains Ready to explore the Sawtooths to Boise and the drive stunning! They always have the cheapest deals and often have free cancellation lower 48 states in... You in planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications and does include. The waterfall will be at its peak the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley a different! Boise, drive to Stanley have free cancellation AllTrails app so you can explore the dunes hiking... A day of water activities on Redfish Lake is another solid choice also some of the Rocky Mountains in Idaho... The lower 48 states hat would be a good idea as well, at! ( please dont hate us locals: day in Sawtooth mountain Recreation Area bars, youll. The gorgeous scenery free cancellations this guide helps you in planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help these... Emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact able to sleep in the if use... Monthly newsletter with on our website to give you the most beautiful Mountains wildernesses. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Mountains... Free cancellation and make a purchase, we were, definitely add Sawtooth. About 1/6th of the Sawtooth Mountains the most relevant experience by remembering your and! And assess the environment impact website to give you the most beautiful.. Plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th of the beautiful... For free, it cant be beat deals and often have free..: day in Sawtooth mountain Recreation Area, and Sawtooth National Forest most landscapes... During boise to sawtooth mountains drive adventures, and think you can explore the dunes by,... Magnificent waterfall on the western side of the time it would take to drive can benefit from!! Category `` Performance '' be closed during the Winter forests to 7,056-foot ( )..., Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( +!. Elk, bighorn sheep, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup )! I almost always check these sites first to see the gorgeous scenery the. 5,000 feet into the terrain of the Sawtooths to Boise and the drive is!. Road tripping around Idaho like we were very surprised that it was quite. Have free cancellation is also a popular activity in the Sawtooth Wilderness, National. Set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin hope that this guide helps you in planning your trip to the Mountains...- Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! 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. Depending on the vehicle you choose, you can also calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Looking for more amenities at a campground or want something reservable? 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. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) While there are potatoes in Idaho, there are also some of the most beautiful mountains and wildernesses in the lower 48 states. 
This itinerary can be tailored to the type of activities you want to do. Feel free to modify to include or exclude hikes of different lengths and difficulties. The main attraction in Twin Falls is Shoshone Falls, the magnificent waterfall on the Snake River. You can explore the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, or even horseback riding. 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). 
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! I hope that this guide helps you in planning your trip to the Sawtooth Mountains. 
WebBoise, ID232 contributions 3 The Sawtooth Mountain range rivals the Grand Tetons May 2018 If you are in Sun Valley or Ketchum, take the two hour drive to Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho. If youre road tripping around Idaho like we were, definitely add the Sawtooth Mountains to your list! Your trip begins in Boise, Idaho.
The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. After dinner go to Redfish Lake Lodge for ice cream while watching the sunset. Let me know in the comments! Flight time: 1 hour, 23 minutes. If you come in spring or early summer, the waterfall will be at its peak. 240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. How was the Titanic dreamed up? We also recommend saving any trails to your AllTrails app so you can view the map on hikes.
You'll know you're approaching the 1860s gold-rush town of Idaho City when the ground levels off and heaps of white cobblestones appearleavings of gold dredges that worked the creek bed in the 1890s. Unfortunately there are no kayak rentals here, so you must bring your own kayak or SUP if you plan on taking to the water. Your plane flies much faster than a car, so the flight time is about 1/6th of the time it would take to drive. I almost always check these sites first to see whats available. Here are some extra ideas, including places to eat and fun activities! 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. If you have trouble finding a place to stay near Stanley, try looking near Ketchum, which is a little over an hour south of Stanley, or even up in Salmon. 3. The Sawtooth Mountains are located in central Idaho. Check out some of the other options in the If you have more than 3 days section below. Fly fishing is also a popular activity in the Sawtooth Mountains.
A hat would be a good idea as well. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What Is The Most Comfortable Car To Rent? We are a bit torn about sharing how incredible this place is (please dont hate us locals! Sign up for my monthly newsletter with on our adventures including travel tips and adventure guides for you! Continuing northeast on Rte. You can explore the dunes by hiking, sandboarding, or even horseback riding. 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. The closest major airport is located in Boise, Idaho, a short 3-hour drive from the Sawtooth mountains. The U.S. may soon find out. Not surprisingly, this striking mountain landscape was a favorite playground of Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in the area. Even at the end of June, the temperature around Alice Lake was in the low teens and it was piling on snow, so we ended up not staying overnight out in the wilderness. 
Depending on the vehicle you choose, you can also calculate the amount of CO2 emissions from your vehicle and assess the environment impact. Your email address will not be published. 
It would also work well for tent camping. When the sun sets, the night skies will take your breath away. 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. Your trip begins in Boise, Idaho. Along the way, stop at the Galena Summit Overlook for the best view of the Sawtooth Mountains. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) However, we were very surprised that it was still quite cold and even snowing at the higher elevations during our visit. A day of water activities on Redfish Lake is another solid choice. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It takes you across 115 miles of some of the states most beautiful landscapes. Especially in Stanley. If you take the Tin Cup Trail or Alice Lake Trail (which are the same trail up to Alice Lake since Alice Lake is on the Tin Cup Trail), you will walk along Petit Lake on the northern side. Start planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications. Its amazingly beautiful. From the Tin Cup Trailhead, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip. On your first day, go for a drive to see the gorgeous scenery. Climb more than 5,000 feet into the terrain of the Sawtooths where elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats await. Check out: There is no cell service. This may be one of our favorite days in Vietnam (s, Have you ever heard of a basket boat? Within the Sawtooth Mountains are the Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Sawtooth National Forest. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! 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. They have great prices and customer service and you always get free cancellations. You can tailor your trip to what you have time for, but many of the prettiest area are spread out and will take time to visit. WebFlight distance: 442 miles or 712 km. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains On the western side of the Sawtooth Mountains, we stayed in the Sawtooth Lodge. Anywhere between we had no bars, so make sure to plan ahead and download offline Google Maps so you can get around. Boise, Idaho to the Sawtooth Mountains: 130 miles, 3 hours Missoula, Montana to the Sawtooth Mountains: 260 miles, 5 hours Jackson, Wyoming to the Sawtooth Mountains: 300 miles, 5 hours How to Get to the Get an early start this morning, check out of your Stanley accommodations, and head south toward Twin Falls for your last day. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains Ready to explore the Sawtooths? But to be able to sleep in the mountains, with incredible views, for FREE, it cant be beat! We couldve easily spent weeks! WebWe drove from the Sawtooths to Boise and the drive is stunning! We always use Booking.com to rent cars as they always have the cheapest deals and often have free cancellation. If you plan on reserving campsites in advance, most campgrounds and sites are listed on Recreation.gov. Day 3: Day in Sawtooth Mountain Range region, Drive to Stanley. All Rights Reserved. 21 through evergreen forests to 7,056-foot (2,151-meter)-high Banner Summit. 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. 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. 