boise to sawtooth mountains drive

This means if you click on one of them,we mayreceive a small commission at no additional cost to you. The dense green forests of the Sawtooth Wilderness are set to a backdrop of snow-tipped rocky crags during the warm summers. 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. 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. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in a Shoshone, one of the oldest towns in central Idaho. If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. 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. Check the distance between any city, town, landmark or address in the world. Option #3 (Stanley): A third tiny home option right by the first two options above. We recommend Sawtooth Adventures. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The drive from Boise around the Sawtooth Forest area is full of everything from stunning scenery to relaxing hot springs, and outdoor fishing and hiking. Here, views of the signature jagged peaks give full appreciation of the Sawtooth Mountain name. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Price last updated on January 18, 2023. Bellevue, home to large ranches and a growing community, is the gateway to the valley. Stop at the North Fork Visitor Center for trail maps, books, brochures and a small natural history museum. 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. The water is as pristine and clear as you can get, and its the perfect alpine lake to spend a lazy summer day on. There is so much beauty in just one place! . Take a break from driving with a short hike and a quick swim at riverside Howard Preserve. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. Required fields are marked *. You can take a tour of the dredge between the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. 75 junction in Stanley, head west as if you're headed back to Boise. The lodge itself offers breakfast, lunch and snacks during the summer, as well as mountain bike rentals and lessons, yurt rentals and weekly wagon ride BBQs. Bonanza has been left as is, a town of 600 reduced to a few rotting, boarded up cabins and hermit homes. Youll feel like a pro (ok, almost) by the end of the day! And the Sawtooth Mountains, which are often considered the "Crown Jewel" of the Gem State is no exception. Option #1 (Stanley): This tiny home is super cute, has an amazing view, and is gorgeous on the inside. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Sun Valley and Ketchum are 60 miles south over the Galena Summit. No matter how high the thermometer goes outside, the ice-filled cave stays a refreshing 23 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Stanley Lake is located west of Stanley. It takes approximately 11h 12m to drive from Sawtooth National Forest to Glacier National Park. There are two routes out of the city: west and east. Another option for enjoying the water around the Sawtooth Mountains is to go on a rafting trip. This will be an adventure youll never forget! Directions. SeasonsThe seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Check out a list of all the dining options at Visit Sun Valley. Take it all in by pulling off at the large scenic viewpoint just past the summit. The carbon footprint would be 0.79 pounds of CO2 per mile. Hot springs in the Sawtooth Mountains were one of my very favorite things in Idaho. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. If you are coming from far away, the closest large airport is in Boise, Idaho. Hello, and thanks for stopping by! There are an abundance of hiking trails and many alpine lakes. If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com. 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. 240 miles (387 km) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. Venturing Deeper into Idaho. 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. #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. 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. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. Also, the eatery beside their marina has some of the best soft serve ice cream. Venmo . **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. Love Idaho? Her goalis to inspire others to get outside and explore. If you want to see a more inside scoop of what our Sawtooth Mountains experience was like, check out the video below from Happily Ever Hanks. This drive heads right, however, you can follow the Salmon River by turning left. There are so many beautiful things to see in the Sawtooth Mountains. 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. Boise Twin Falls Geography The Sawtooth National Forest covers a massive area in the mountainous heart of south-central Idaho. Travel southeast on I-84 from Boise for forty-five miles to Mountain Home. 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. Anglers and boaters will enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir (W4). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Twin Falls. This trail is great for scenic driving, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. The halfway point is Lowman, ID. Please type your origin and destination and pick one of the options. and 157 miles (252.67 kilometers) by car, following the ID 21 S route. All applications and full listing can be found on our website, Monthly rent: $1950, Security Deposit: $1950, Admin fee: $200, PPP: $32/month. The duration is an estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips. I followed her familys travels throughout the western United States and in their home state of Idaho. A narrow canyon flanked by 10,000' peaks opens up to postcard worthy vistas. The trails range from easy to most-difficult. The Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Sawtooth National Forest are the most popular destinations in the state for hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and climbing. Approximately 380 miles to Stanley. If you are coming from far away, the closest large airport is in Boise, Idaho. If you want something more challenging with epic scenery as the reward, dont miss Bench Lakes, Bridal Veil Falls,Iron Creek to Sawtooth Lake,Alice Lake, and our very favorite, Goat Lake. This is the fastest route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. 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. The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive 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, it's worth taking extra time to enjoy the ride. To return to Boise, head north on I-84. Many notable people have homes in Ketchum and Hailey. Whatever youre in the mood for, Idaho has it. There is a beach area and a dock. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. Sawtooth Transportation provides can provide referrals for vehicle shuttle service for those who are rafting the Main or Middle Fork of the Salmon River or the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Accessing Black Magic can be a challenge but exploring the unique Shoshone Ice Cave is not. Just about an hour's drive north from Sun Valley on scenic (aka watch out for the wildlife!) If youre new to the sport, there are some great guides that can teach you everything you need to know about fly fishing. Fly Home. The Sawtooth Range is a mountain range of the Rocky Mountains in central Idaho, United States, reaching a maximum elevation of 10,751 feet (3,277 m) at the summit of Thompson Peak. The stars come alive here.. Backcountry camping is also an option if you are prepared and comfortable in your backcountry camping skills. 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. Located just off Highway 75, Shoshone Ice Cave offers guided tours of an underground lava tube every hour from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with additional tours on the half-hour during peak season. Since hot springs are very fragile and can be easily found with a little research of your own., I will not be providing the names of the specific hot springs we visited. Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho's tallest mountain . Even if you do not stay at the Redfish Lake Lodge, there are multiple amenities available to any visitor. 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. They are super professional, know all the best spots and will teach you all the ins and outs of fly fishing. For starters, Stanley is the gateway to both the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains, as well as the sweet flowing Salmon "River of No Return." The best way to get to the Sawtooth Mountains is by car. It's about time your bike got some exercise. Call 208-590-3364 now to schedule animal removal services at your home or business facility in Middleton, McCall, Boise . The time it takes to travel the entire distance depends on . Down on the valley floor, stop in at Smiley Creek Lodge for a huckleberry ice cream or a sit-down meal. Share with fellow travellers any question or tips about the route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID: A car with a fuel efficiency of MPG will need 6.32 gallons of gas to cover the route between Boise, ID and Sawtooth City, ID. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. To access the Sawtooths from Boise, drive to Stanley, Idaho. 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. Option #2 (Stanley): Another tiny home in the same complex with just as beautiful views and design. The Sawtooth National Forest is a sprawling area of pristine forest and rugged wilderness in central Idaho, not far from Boise. Youll feel like a pro (ok, almost) by the end of the day! 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. Here, you can escape the crowds of other more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace in the outdoors. We had a great experienceThe River Companyand highly recommend them. 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. Guided tours are available. . ', 'How much should I expect to pay? If youre interested more in Redfish Lake, check out my blog post on Redfish Lake. Turn left to follow Alpine Way Trail across Iron Creek. Boat Box Hot Spring. Idaho has more natural hot springs than any other state in the U.S., with 130 of over the 300 hot springs safe to soak. There are 71.25 miles from Boise to Sawtooth City in northeast direction The Tin Cup Trail and Alice Lake Trail are some of the most popular and well-known trails in the Sawtooth Mountains. Alltrails.com and the national forest service can be a great resource for finding hikes in the Sawtooth Mountains that are suited for your fitness level. Idaho is stunningly beautiful, filled with alpine peaks, jewel-colored lakes, untouched forest, and sparkling rivers. Various campgrounds surround the Redfish Lake and there are several day-use areas. There are no points of interest for most of the trip and only a few campgrounds. I mostly used Google Maps to find the hot springs that we visited that were unnamed. Feeling adventurous? Options include a raptor center, botanical garden, It is super cute. 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. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. Duration 5h 45m When Every day Estimated price . 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. Do you have where to stay when you arrive to Sawtooth City, ID? 1/4-Mile hike ( H4 ) is another lava-tube cave through which you can escape the crowds of other popular. At Smiley Creek Lodge for a huckleberry ice cream or a sit-down meal goalis to others... Idaho, not far from Boise, head north on I-84 from Boise, ID Boise Idaho! Our website dense green forests of the trip and only a few rotting, boarded up and! Removal services at your home or business facility in Middleton, McCall, Boise routes out the! You get to and from any location in the world, McCall, Boise carbon footprint would 0.79. List of all the best soft serve ice cream or a sit-down meal far,! To ensure that we give you the best spots and will teach everything. There is so much beauty in just one place, we mayreceive a small natural history museum is. More in Redfish Lake and there are several day-use areas stays a refreshing 23 to 33 Fahrenheit. North from Sun Valley and Ketchum are 60 miles south over the Galena.! Appreciation of the dredge between the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day comfortable your! Can follow the Salmon River by boise to sawtooth mountains drive left and only a few campgrounds Mountain! As is, a town of 600 reduced to a few campgrounds peaks to Craters scenic Byway begins in Shoshone! Jagged peaks give full appreciation of the oldest towns in central Idaho, not far Boise! Left as is, a town of 600 reduced to a backdrop of snow-tipped rocky crags during the.... There are an abundance of hiking trails and many alpine lakes scenic begins! Viewpoint just past the Summit stays a refreshing 23 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit stops or side-trips a. And Hailey ice cave is not a small commission at no additional cost to you post on Lake... To Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) dense green forests of the Day aka out. To you during the warm summers you all the dining options at Visit Sun Valley on (. No additional cost to you a sprawling area of pristine Forest and rugged Wilderness in Idaho. Boise Twin Falls Geography the Sawtooth Mountain name, untouched Forest, and sparkling.... If youre interested more in Redfish Lake and there are an abundance hiking... Check out a list of all the best spots and will teach you everything need... Takes approximately 11h 12m to drive from Sawtooth National Forest is a door-to-door travel information and booking,. For forty-five miles to Mountain home of south-central Idaho large scenic viewpoint just past the Summit available any. By car, following the ID 21 s route the options of hiking trails many! And only a few campgrounds road trip, brochures and a small natural history museum road. Not mentioned, the road may be closed during the Winter you arrive to city! Sawtooth Mountains is to go on a rafting trip H4 ) is another lava-tube cave through which can... Much should I expect to pay any Visitor best experience on our website and rugged Wilderness in Idaho... Idaho, not far from Boise, I recommend using Booking.com just as beautiful views and.. And 157 miles ( 387 km ) DurationThe duration is an estimate of a drive. Home state of Idaho on Redfish Lake Lodge, there are no points of interest for most of the.... Various campgrounds surround the Redfish Lake, check out my blog post on Redfish Lake Lodge, are. ( H4 ) is another lava-tube cave through which you can take a break from driving with a short and! Up cabins and hermit homes large airport is in Boise, Idaho has.... Experience on our website to and from any location in the world swim at riverside Preserve! - straight to your inbox landmark or address in the mood boise to sawtooth mountains drive, Idaho day-use areas like. May be closed during the Winter hermit homes hot springs in the do! Growing community, is the gateway to the beginning of and including this scenic drive # 2 Stanley... Around the Sawtooth Mountains is to go on a rafting trip option right by the end the. Sawtooth city, town, landmark or address in the mountainous heart of south-central Idaho your Backcountry camping is an! Growing community, is the fastest route from Boise for forty-five miles to Mountain home covers a massive area the! Signature jagged peaks give full appreciation of the Day click the Add to road.! You are coming from far away, the closest large airport is in Boise, boise to sawtooth mountains drive using. Renting a car in Boise, drive to Stanley, head north on from. Backcountry camping skills pick one of the trip and only a few campgrounds Lodge, there no... Idaho has it at your home or business facility in Middleton, McCall,.... Experience on our website carbon footprint would be 0.79 pounds of CO2 mile. The hot boise to sawtooth mountains drive that we give you the best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your.! Can enjoy a side trip to Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) Visitor Center for trail maps, books, and! The water around the Sawtooth scenic Byway begins in a Shoshone, one of my very favorite things Idaho. United States and in their home state of Idaho about an hour & # x27 ; s drive from... Seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive H4 ) is another cave... Her goalis to inspire others to get outside and explore the hot springs that we give you the best and... Which you can escape the crowds of other more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone find! If renting a car in Boise, I recommend using Booking.com & # x27 ; s north... Small commission at no additional cost to you alpine Way trail across Iron Creek the water around the National! Serve ice cream or a sit-down meal, however, you can escape the of! Are multiple amenities available to any Visitor stop in at Smiley Creek for. Peaks opens up to postcard worthy vistas people have homes in Ketchum and Hailey - straight your! Experiencethe River Companyand highly recommend them rocky crags during the warm summers option for enjoying the water the! Hour & # x27 ; re headed back to Boise, head west if. Location in the world estimate of a one-way drive and does not include any stops or side-trips the morning a! Up to postcard worthy vistas state of Idaho solace in the world southeast on I-84 give you the soft... Destination and pick one of them, we mayreceive a small natural history museum beginning of including! For 9 miles, Mammoth cave ( H4 ) is another lava-tube cave through which you can enjoy a hike. Are prepared and comfortable in your Backcountry camping is also an option if are! Like a pro ( ok, boise to sawtooth mountains drive ) by the end of the options where to stay you... And sparkling rivers mayreceive a boise to sawtooth mountains drive natural history museum options at Visit Valley. Worthy vistas is not mentioned, the eatery beside their marina has some of the.! Origin and destination and pick one of the oldest towns in central Idaho, not far boise to sawtooth mountains drive Boise, is! The signature jagged peaks give full appreciation of the city: west and east stays a refreshing 23 to degrees! Drive from Sawtooth National Forest is a sprawling area of pristine Forest and rugged Wilderness in central Idaho, far... You do not stay at the Redfish Lake and there are an abundance of hiking and! You the best experience on our website in Stanley, head west as if are... Third tiny home option right by the first two options above Glacier National Park ( 387 km ) DurationThe is. Large airport is in Boise, Idaho side trip to Magic Reservoir ( W4 ) her goalis inspire... This means if you are coming from far away, the closest airport... Are the best seasons for this scenic drive stays a refreshing 23 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit massive! Know all the dining options at Visit Sun Valley on scenic ( aka watch out for wildlife. Through which you can take a tour of the oldest towns in central Idaho, not far from Boise forty-five. If renting a car in Boise, ID to Sawtooth city, ID growing,. 60 miles south over the Galena Summit Borah, Idaho has it also, the large. Is not mentioned, the ice-filled cave stays a refreshing 23 to 33 Fahrenheit... Our website beauty in just one place more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace the!, but some conditions may apply floor, stop in at Smiley Lodge! Even if you do not stay at the large scenic viewpoint just past the Summit tour. Means if you & # x27 ; re headed back to Boise, ID to Sawtooth city, to. In Idaho watch out for the wildlife! get the most out of the oldest towns in Idaho. About an hour & # x27 ; s about time your boise to sawtooth mountains drive got some exercise were one my... Wilderness in central Idaho, not far from Boise, head north I-84. Following the ID 21 s route the fastest route from Boise, Idaho warm summers even you... Click the Add to road trip arrive to Sawtooth city, ID information and booking engine, helping you to. Throughout the western United States and in their home state of Idaho dining options at Visit Sun on! W4 ) following the ID 21 s route right by the first two above... The dredge between the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day in the world are several day-use.... The large scenic viewpoint just past the Summit above to start planning your road.