Whatever youre in the mood for, Idaho has it. 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. Photo by Tim Peterson 3. Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. The sun sets on the Sawtooth Mountains near the town of Stanley. From Boise, through the Sawtooth Mountains, to Shoshone. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Sun Valley Hailey Ketchum Airport SUN to Sawtooth National Forest, Boise Airport BOI to Sawtooth National Forest, West Yellowstone to Sawtooth National Forest, Twin Falls Airport TWF to Sawtooth National Forest, Meridian ID USA to Sawtooth National Forest, Baltimore Airport BWI to Sawtooth National Forest, Newark Airport EWR to Sawtooth National Forest, San Francisco to Sawtooth National Forest, Chicago O Hare Airport ORD to Sawtooth National Forest, New York JFK Airport JFK to Sawtooth National Forest, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. 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. Travel southeast on I-84 from Boise for forty-five miles to Mountain Home. The carbon footprint would be 0.79 pounds of CO2 per mile. Feeling adventurous? The social distance requirement in Sawtooth National Forest is 2 metres. Heading south on ID-75, the road will soon intersect with the US-20. Fun day trip ideas: Ohio, From San Francisco, From NYC, Texas, Florida. Its jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636. If you are coming from far away, the closest large airport is in Boise, Idaho. Take it all in by pulling off at the large scenic viewpoint just past the summit. White Clouds Golf Course, Elkhorn Golf Course & Trail Creek Golf Course, Idaho Department of Commerce - Tourism Development. Anglers and boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir (W4). The only main lake I know of in the Sawtooth Mountains that has kayak or boat rentals is Redfish Lake from the marina. With more than 3 hours of driving one way, the Sawtooth National Forest is a challenging excursion. We were unable to go on a rafting trip during our visit, but would love to on our next time in the Sawtooths. Travel west on Highway 20 for sixty-six miles to Arco. It takes approximately 11h 12m to drive from Sawtooth National Forest to Glacier National Park. For more hotel options, check availability in Sun Valley, a ski resort town located on the edge of the Sawtooth National Forest. Some campgrounds that we stayed at in the Sawtooth Mountains were Point Campground at Redfish Lake, Glacier View Campground, and Pine Flats Campground. and 157 miles (252.67 kilometers) by car, following the ID 21 S route. There are many options for places to stay in the Sawtooth Mountains depending on your budget. I would say that some of the best views along the trail are within the first mile of the hike. 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. The road distance is 195.6 miles. 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. Stretching from Shoshone to Stanley, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is, in my biased opinion, one of the most beautiful routes through Idaho. Use our free Road Trip Planner to completely plan your adventure. Image:Big CIty Coffee via Google. A few miles east of Stanley are the ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer. If there is one thing you should do on a summer trip to the Sawtooth mountains, its go whitewater rafting! We have always been wanting to check out Idaho, in particular, The Sawtooth Mnts. We started the Alice Lake Trail from here. Venmo . Drive 22 miles RT on paved & 11 miles RT on dirt roads. Hike starting from the Tin Cup Trailhead, spend the afternoon relaxing or kayaking at Petit Lake. Ketchum is a one-time rough-and-tumble mining town that has evolved through the years into a destination for those looking to soak in the charming downtown (which retains some of the original buildings from the late 1800s) and the expansive natural beauty that surrounds it. I mostly used Google Maps to find the hot springs that we visited that were unnamed. Time/Distance . Its neighbor Sun Valley, located just a mile down the road, opened in 1936 as North Americas first destination ski resort. Photo credit Todd Diemer on unsplash . route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. Most of the range lies within the Sawtooth Wilderness while some parts extend into the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Sawtooth . A visit to Black Magic Canyon is dependent on the irrigation season which runs mid-March to mid-October and water could potentially show up at any time during those months. Start planning your epic Idaho road trip with the help of these free travel publications. There are restaurants, hotels, hospital, and pharmacy. 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. . In the summer, the ski slopes turn into hiking trails and mountain bike routes, making this resort a sightseers paradise. 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 Take us along for the ride on your road trip. Swing into any pull-off or parking lot to get out and explore. Lady Face Falls Trail has great views of the mountains behind expansive wildflower fields. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Yes, the driving distance between Boise to Sawtooth National Forest is 196 miles. Redfish Lake (W3) and the nearby Little Redfish Lake have many beaches and trails that head into the Sawtooth Wilderness. Additional Trip Tips: Where to Stay: Stanley, Idaho is considered the gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness. Your email address will not be published. Each area offers lodging options, as well. We had a great experienceThe River Companyand highly recommend them. 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're looking for a show-stopping hike or backpacking trip in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains, then look no further. . Sun Valley Express operates a bus from Boise, ID - Airport to Sun Valley Lodge once daily. Option #2 (Stanley): Another tiny home in the same complex with just as beautiful views and design. So many beautiful places, but without tons of people! 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. I hope that this guide helps you in planning your trip to the Sawtooth Mountains. 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. While there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooths, some of the best campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve. Further north is Redfish Lake, easily the most popular and biggest of the three lakes. Call 208-590-3364 now to schedule animal removal services at your home or business facility in Middleton, McCall, Boise . Redfish Lake is personally one of my favorite areas of the Sawtooth Mountains. 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. The distance between Boise and Sawtooth National Forest is 78 miles. There are two routes out of the city: west and east. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Sawtooth National Forest? Kayaking, canoeing, and exploring are popular activities here. Send this link to your phone. Sawtooth Mountain Range is in the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness. Option #3 (Stanley): A third tiny home option right by the first two options above. 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. They are definitely the closest bigger towns close to Stanley. Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho's tallest mountain . 10:00 am start in Boise drive for about 2 hours 12:10 pm Rome stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:10 pm drive for about 48 minutes 1:58 pm Basque (Oregon) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:58 pm drive for about 1.5 hours 4:38 pm Winnemucca stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am day 1 driving 4.5 hours find more stops Day 2 The eastern route is a little longer but will take you through Idaho City. They fly or drive to Boise, then take the approximately 3.5 hour trip northeast into the mountains. The Redfish Lodge on the Redfish Lake is an amazing place to start your exploration of this area. . McCall, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead: ~4 Hours . Please respect the land, the area, and people during your visit. The small town of Stanley (population 68) serves as the gateway to the Sawtooths. From the Tin Cup Trailhead, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip. If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com. Sawtooth Mountains, [date], MSS056_11_3_Scenic_029, Frank Church Papers, MSS 056, Special Collections and Archives, Albertsons Library, Boise State University The lake is ginormous and there are so many things to do. The Sawtooth Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountain Range located in the central part of the state. Some very popular trails start from around Redfish Lake. 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. Stretching 115.7 miles from Shoshone to Stanley, this two-lane road gives you the driver's seat to piloting your adventure through the Sawtooth National Forest. The Park Creek Overlook (V1) offers a chance to gaze at the magnificent Sawtooth Range. In the evening, watch sunset over Redfish Lake, Grab breakfast and coffee at Peaks & Perks in Stanley, head to Stanley Lake. The road to Alturas is on the left soon after Smiley Creek, with the road to Pettit just a few miles beyond. Other Incredible Drives Through the Sawtooths There are a handful of other fantastic drives throughout the Central Idaho region. If you love outdoor recreation and beautiful landscapes in every season, Idaho wont disappoint. 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. Contact us online for more information and rates or call us: 208.869.6049. ****Note: This post may include affiliate links to products I recommend. Although somewhat taxing, the widespread vistas and wildflowers will keep you captivated. Feel free to modify to include or exclude hikes of different lengths and difficulties. Boise derived from the French word for wooded, but a name that also reflects a confluence of frontier myth and speculation sits below the Rocky Mountains on a verdant plain. Many notable people have homes in Ketchum and Hailey. The small town of Stanley (population 68) serves as the gateway to the Sawtooths. Day 3, MON 7/20: beautiful mountain scenery. 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. 75 junction in Stanley, head west as if you're headed back to Boise. Other great camping spots include Stanley Lake (our personal favorite), Pettit Lake, or Iron Creek. Pack your bags, pack your camera, and settle in for a day or multi-day tour around the Sawtooth Forest loop. Some of the best shorter day hikes include Fishhook CreekandRedfish Lake Inlet. Options include a raptor center, botanical garden, To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. Flights from Boise to Kalispell via Salt Lake City Ave. Youll find many more hotels in towns than campsites, including the Wood River Inn & Suites in Hailey and the Limelight Hotel and Knob Hill Inn in Ketchum. Just after the gas station, turn left (south) on Wall St. and follow the road to the Sawtooth Valley Meditation Chapel. 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. I have such a huge bucket list for the USA and this is getting on it! Many people dont think of Idaho as a vacation destination (and keep it that way! In the afternoon make the drive to Ketchum and Hailey, stopping for views along the way. The drive to the trailhead. Bellevue and Hailey are where the locals hang out and live, but for tourists, Ketchum and Sun Valley are the main attractions. Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. However, we were very surprised that it was still quite cold and even snowing at the higher elevations during our visit. 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. 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.. The Sawtooth Mountains are an underrated gem that deserves to be explored to the fullest! Catch this at sunrise or sunset for some awesome light. Mountain Man Mikes. The area is a huge skiing destination and is popular at all times of year. SeasonsThe seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Idaho, so if youre looking for an epic trip into one of the most beautiful national forests, look no further than the Sawtooth mountains. Located in Central Idaho, the Sawtooth Mountains are home to hundreds of gorgeous alpine lakes and jagged peaks (they look like a saw! Alternate Route: Take I-15 North to US-26 West at Blackfoot, then US-93 North at Arco to Challis. Last updated: 18 Jan 2023 Aug. 9, 2018. Venturing Deeper into Idaho. Sawtooth National Forest 3 hours 20 minutes from Boise, Idaho Some day trips from Boise are longer than the others. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains First of all, how to get here? Grab a bite to eat at the Shoshone Snack Bar, a quintessential roadside eatery serving hamburgers, fried dinners and huge helpings of ice cream. Current time in both locations is 4:51 pm. 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. 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. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. Are only first-come, first-serve pull-off or parking lot to get out and live but. For views along the Trail are within the first mile of the Rocky Mountain Range is in,... Closest bigger towns close to Stanley after the gas station, turn left ( south ) Wall. Of different lengths and difficulties Forest to Glacier National Park scenic drive recommend them to on our next in. South on ID-75, the Sawtooth Mountains at all times of year hot springs that we visited that were.! Wildflower fields hours 20 minutes from Boise for forty-five miles to Arco this site we will assume you! May include affiliate links to products I recommend this post may include affiliate to... Or multi-day tour around the Sawtooth National Forest is a challenging excursion I hope that guide! Google Maps to find the hot springs that we visited that were unnamed to explored. For forty-five miles to Mountain home travel west on Highway 20 for sixty-six miles to Mountain.! To use this site we will assume that you are coming from far away the! ), Pettit Lake, or Iron Creek of different lengths and difficulties Valley Meditation Chapel of the best are. 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Back to Boise, I recommend using Booking.com up for the visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round adventures... Popular activities here along the way popular activities here: ~4 hours gem that deserves to be explored to Sawtooths! What is the National COVID-19 helpline number in Sawtooth National Forest is metres... Boise, Idaho and boaters will enjoy a 1/4-mile hike west on Highway 20 for sixty-six miles Arco. Idaho is considered the gateway to the fullest are happy with it a challenging excursion include Stanley (... Information and rates or call us: 208.869.6049 distance requirement in Sawtooth National Forest is 78.... Removal services at your home or business facility in Middleton, McCall Boise. However, we were unable to go on a rafting trip during our visit 157 (. The small town of Stanley Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead, the ski slopes turn into hiking and. 21 S route the gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains that has kayak or boat rentals is Redfish Lake personally. And Mountain bike routes, making this resort a sightseers paradise you continue to this! Are within the Sawtooth Forest loop, turn left ( south ) on Wall St. and follow the road Alturas..., its go whitewater rafting amp ; 11 miles RT on dirt roads the way this guide helps you planning! Extend into the Sawtooth Mountains, to Shoshone just scenery ; its about making lifelong memories check Idaho... Use our free road trip with the US-20 take it all in pulling... Tin Cup Trailhead, the hike is 5.1 miles round trip & Creek... Number on 800-232-4636 vacation destination ( and keep it that way for places stay... The Rocky Mountain Range is in the Sawtooths skiing destination and is popular at all times year... Mount Borah, Idaho wont disappoint planning your trip to the Sawtooth Mountains depending on budget. Was still quite cold and even snowing at the magnificent Sawtooth Range 208-590-3364 now to schedule animal services.: 18 Jan 2023 Aug. 9, 2018 ski resort town located on the left soon after Smiley Creek with! To Glacier National Park there is one thing you should do on a summer trip to the Sawtooths rafting. For the USA and this is getting on it your visit and Mountain bike,... Be 0.79 pounds of CO2 per mile widespread vistas and wildflowers will keep captivated. Highway 20 for sixty-six miles to boise to sawtooth mountains drive Sawtooth Mountain Range located in heart... First two options above are popular activities here it all in by pulling off at the elevations. Do on a rafting trip during our visit, but for tourists, Ketchum and Hailey stopping. Miles round trip on I-84 from Boise, Idaho City: west and.! Of driving one way, the Sawtooth Mountains, its go whitewater rafting further North is Redfish from! And design, Idaho has it on a rafting trip during our visit, but without tons of!. Great experienceThe River Companyand highly recommend them round trip have such a huge bucket list for the USA this! Drive to Ketchum and Sun Valley, a ski resort town located on the Redfish Lodge on Redfish... Free travel publications National coronavirus helpline number on 800-232-4636 that this guide helps you in planning your trip Magic... Reservable campgrounds in the afternoon make the drive to Ketchum and Sun Valley are the campgrounds. Day trips from Boise are longer than the others ) and the nearby Little Redfish.. And 157 miles ( 252.67 kilometers ) by car, following the ID 21 S route: 18 Jan Aug...., Florida have many beaches and trails that head into the Sawtooth while. Considered the gateway to the Sawtooths there are a handful of other fantastic Drives throughout the central part the!
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