The Ultimate Sawtooth Mountains Bucket List: 10 Unforgettable Stops
The Sawtooth Mountains Range in central Idaho is one of the most beautiful ranges I have ever been to, and I’ve been too quite a few. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’ve gone back to a simpler time in life. Cell phones don’t always work, and you don’t really care (as long as they still take pictures.) There is so much beauty in every direction, and the outdoor recreational activities are endless!
The Sawtooth Recreational Area (SRA) is a vast wealth of resources and opportunities. With over 700 miles of trail and over 400 lakes there is absolutely something for every level or recreation. High peaks (40 over 10,000 ft.) provide gorgeous framing for recreating down below, or opportunities to climb above the clouds!
Where are the Sawtooth Mountains?
So where exactly are the Sawtooth Mountains? The Sawtooth Mountains are located in Central Idaho, and make up part of the Rocky Mountain Range. They are just South of Stanley Idaho and about 3.5 hours Northeast of Boise.
When to Visit the Sawtooth Mountains:
The best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains is typically between late June to early September. This allows for the warmest weather, giving you access to the most that the mountains have to offer. Its also the safest time to be out on the mountain roads.
We have compiled a list of our top 10 items in the area.
1) Sunbeam Hot Springs
Located along the Salmon River in the mountains between Challis and Stanley, Idaho, the Sunbeam hot springs is a welcome stop. Heated by natural springs that run up to 116 degrees, this stop is a great mix of natural beauty and a little bit of history.
The stone bath house adds to the beauty and feel of this unique roadside attraction. Bring a picnic, your bathing suit, and your camera and relax while you soak in the beauty of nature all around you. It’s rarely ever crowded and you can customize the temperature to your liking by moving rocks around and adding more or less river water.
Make sure to bring plenty of bug spray and some type of water shoes as the rocks are sharp. Also make sure you keep in mind there is only pit toilets here. You can read all about our trip to Sunbeam Hot Springs HERE.
2) Bayhorse Ghost Town
Bayhorse is one of many old mining towns turned ghost towns that you’ll find all over the west. It is located in Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. Much of the original town remains in tact including stores, hotels, and mining buildings.
The stone work, and the weathered wood make a beautiful aesthetic. They are especially neat when placed in the foreground of beautiful mountains and rugged shrubbery.
3) Redfish Lake
Probably one of the most beautiful lakes you’ll ever find, Redfish lake is a MUST! This high alpine lake had crystal blue waters (that aren’t too cold) with a view you wouldn’t believe. If you like to swim, paddleboard or boat you definitely don’t want to miss this stop!
There are multiple campgrounds and a lodge if you’re looking for overnight accommodation. Just make sure to book well ahead of time as these fill up fast.
4) Galena Summit
Galena Pass is a high mountain pass that takes you from Stanley to Ketchum/Sun Valley Idaho. The pass rises up to over 8700 ft. offering vistas as far as the eye can see! All with the added backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains.
There are some great scenic overlooks, campgrounds, and picnic areas along the pass. Wildlife and wildflowers are a common occurrence and you really can’t get a bad view in any direction.
5) Alice Lake Trail/Alice Lake
If you are in the mood for a hike, the Alice Lake Trail is one of the most popular in the area. The pay off at the end (or technically the middle?) is EPIC! Alice Lake is a high mountain lake found surrounded by beautiful peaks on all sides with water as clean and clear as it can be.
The hike itself is moderate, 5.2 miles each way, with an elevation gain of 1700 feet. Most people can make it there and back in about 5 hours (but allow more time if you want to play at the lake for a little while, and trust me, you will want to.
6) Sun Valley Resort
I know a lot of people wouldn’t really think of visiting a ski area in the summer, but this is one resort you really don’t want to miss! As someone who has worked in world class ski resorts most of my career, I can honestly say this is one of the most beautiful I have ever been to. Sun Valley is about an hour outside of Stanley, making it a really easy day trip, and the drive over on Galena Summit is absolutely stunning.
There are flowers EVERYWHERE! I was absolutely blown away! They must have so many landscapers working all hours of the day and night to keep their flowers looking this fantastic. The colors, the smells, it is just magical. The food here is amazing, and the shops are all so neat! Even if you’re just window shopping it is absolutely worth the stop. I would recommend going there for breakfast and stopping at Konditorei in the village area. The pastries there are absolutely amazing. The full menu items are delicious as well, and they have a beautiful outdoor seating area so you can view all of those amazing flowers while you eat.
7) Sawtooth Reindeer Farm
A hidden gem located in Carey, Idaho, the Sawtooth Reindeer Farm is a great place for the whole family to meet a small herd of reindeer. Hosts will teach you all about the basics of reindeer care and basic reindeer biology. After that they cut you loose to interact, play with, and pet the reindeer. If you happen to need a reindeer for your own private event they can help with that too!
Rates on the reindeer experience start at about $120 for a family of 6, and the experience lasts about an hour. Definitely something the family will be talking about for years to come!
8) Sawtooth Botanical Garden
The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens is a great stop for families with kids! It spans over 5 acres and included multiple different themed gardens, including a children’s area. It’s great for adults too, there are a lot of educational and meditational spaces throughout the gardens for your to find peace and recharge. There are also tons of really neat photo opportunities here.
The gardens are open daily from dusk until dawn, and you are welcome to enter even when the visitor center is closed. The gardens are mostly centered around 5 biome based gardens which represent the different biomes found in the surrounding areas. Its definitely worth the stop if for nothing else but to learn about some of the flora around you as you enjoy your hikes and picnics.
9)The Stanley Museum:
The Stanley museum is located in the historic Valley Creek Ranger Station. It’s a collection of old Forest Service buildings that showcase the ways of life from it’s time of service, roughly 1933-1972. There are several homes, an ice house, and a tool shed.
The property itself has amazing views of the Sawtooth Mountains and the surrounding valleys. The outdoor portion of the museum makes for some great photo ops with the old farm and work equipment in the foreground and the mountains in the back.
10)Soak your Bones in Bonneville Hot Springs:
About 45 minutes Southwest of Stanley is another hot springs that is absolutely worth checking out. It’s somewhat of a lesser known hidden gem, and it has a little bit of something for everyone. There are multiple pools and even a private soaking shack complete with bath tub! Water here ranges from about 104′ in the tub to upwards of 180′ depending on the pool so please use caution and enter slowly.
There is a campground onsite that is only about $15/night, but you can also use the day use parking for $5. Bonneville Hot Springs is usually less busy then many of it’s local counterparts making it a great choice for those looking to feel a little more secluded and relaxed.
So Are the Sawtooth Mountains Worth Visiting?
I would have to give a resounding YES! From the breath taking scenery, to the relaxing hot springs, to the beautiful mountain lakes, and everything in between these mountains are a MUST see! There really is something here for everyone and yet for the most part most areas make you feel like you are the only ones around. It’s like having the most beautiful mountains all to yourself.
