boise to sawtooth mountains drive

Here are just a handful of the highlights along this route, traveling from south to north. Get directions from your start address to the beginning of and including this scenic drive. Pioneer Cabin Trail #122: A popular day hike to a cool cabin and spectacular views of the Pioneer Mountains. Hemmed in by five mountain ranges, the valley narrows as you travel north along the Big Wood River. View the video to get a taste of the adventures that await you, and start planning your next road trip. Just north of Ketchum lies the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a 756,000-acre natural area filled with mountains, meadows, alpine lakes and both front country and backcountry trails. The Sawtooth Fish Hatchery (A3) farms salmon for release into the local streams and rivers and is open for tours. Youll feel like a pro (ok, almost) by the end of the day! We had a great experienceThe River Companyand highly recommend them. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. If you love outdoor recreation and beautiful landscapes in every season, Idaho wont disappoint. Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Sawtooth National Forest? We love getting to the beach early in the morning. Your email address will not be published. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? This is a rocky and striking range that provides an epic backdrop to any occasion. We're always up for a new adventure, whether that means hopping on a plane or just exploring our own backyard. When shes not on the road, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho. Click the Add to Road Trip above to start planning your next road trip. 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. The trails range from easy to most-difficult. There are several hot springs located in the Sawtooths, so youll have to visit at least one while youre here. Start planning your Idaho adventure. We always use Booking.com to rent cars as they always have the cheapest deals and often have free cancellation. . I encourage you to do your own research to find hot springs you might be interested in visiting. Since weve moved to the East Coast, weve bee. There are currently no glaciers within the Sawtooth Range. ), with 50 peaks over 10,000 feet (the tallest being Thompson peak at 10,751 ft). After breakfast in Boise, get in the car and drive 35 miles (56 kilometers) west to the Sunny Slope area of . (FYI: its cold though!) route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. Most of our trip was at 25-35 mph with steep turns up and down the mountain. If you are coming from far away, the closest large airport is in Boise, Idaho. We were unable to go on a rafting trip during our visit, but would love to on our next time in the Sawtooths. The Sawtooth Mountains is not one of those destinations that you can visit in 1 day. There are hikes, trails, and more to explore here, and some parts can easily be visited on day trips from the city. There are 71.25 miles from Boise to Sawtooth City in northeast direction An excellent place for the kayak life, head out and paddle down the Boise, Payette, or Salmon Rivers during your RV camping trip. The longtime hiking and rock-climbing experts at Sawtooth Mountain Guides (208 . This is the fastest route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. 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. 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. 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. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Where to stay when visiting the Sawtooth Mountains One of the most magical things about the Sawtooth Mountain Range is the plethora of gorgeous mountain lakes sprinkled here and there. The road to Alturas is on the left soon after Smiley Creek, with the road to Pettit just a few miles beyond. The cities or towns listed have either Food or Services such as gas, pharmacies, etc. 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. At the moment, they arent heavily visited and Idahoans like it that way. McCall, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead: ~4 Hours . The Tetons resemble the Sawtooth Mountains but the Sawtooths are a much more vast mountain range in length, depth, and land area and wilderness area. 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. . Origin and destination have to be different. Led by Nick Yturri/Sawtooth NRA fire management officer, Eva Strand/University of No matter what hike you do, in the Sawtooths you will see some amazing views. The drive to the trailhead. 2. If you do visit a hot spring while in the Sawtooth Mountains, please respect it and leave no trace. We took a trip to Boise this winter to visit family that recently moved there and loved our time skiing and snowshoeing, and of course, we had to spend some time in a steaming hot spring. The sun sets on the Sawtooth Mountains near the town of Stanley. Rome2rio makes travelling from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest easy. If youre an experienced fly fisherman, there are plenty of great spots to cast your fly. The Sawtooth Range is a mountain range located in central Idaho in the United States of America. When the sun sets, the night skies will take your breath away. For another view and access to Stanley Lake, turn right onto Stanley Lake Road for the Elk Mountain Overlook (T1). Backcountry camping is also an option if you are prepared and comfortable in your backcountry camping skills. Here, you can escape the crowds of other more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace in the outdoors. SeasonsThe seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Though Boise is a nine-hour drive from the nearest ocean, you can still hang ten. Camping can be a great option if you love nature and are on a smaller budget. Her goalis to inspire others to get outside and explore. Idaho Business for the Outdoors' Boise River: Source to Snake project team's campsite at Spangle Lake. A few miles east of Stanley are the ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer. 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. Jetties provide access for kayakers and river surfers to two waves created by the. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok for the latest updates on our travels! Hot springs in the Sawtooth Mountains were one of my very favorite things in Idaho. Also check Airbnb in the area for a cozy cabin or a larger home if youre coming with a bigger crew (and if youre new to Airbnb, sign up using our link here and get $40 off your first stay). Sara Sheehyis a writer and photographer who travels the world seeking wild places and great stories. But some hikes do stand above others. Other great camping spots include Stanley Lake (our personal favorite), Pettit Lake, or Iron Creek. Boise, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead: ~3 Hours. Idaho is a hidden gem by many standards, especially compared to its more popular neighboring states of Washington and Oregon. 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. Facebook Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon YouTube Icon All Social Media. Check out a list of all the dining options at Visit Sun Valley. A variety of scenic, natural, historic, recreational, archeological and cultural experiences can be found on Idaho's 31 scenic byways. Also, along the road to the Sawtooth Lodge, there are some nice hot springs alongside the river. Sawtooth National Forest 3 hours 20 minutes from Boise, Idaho Some day trips from Boise are longer than the others. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Outdoor recreation in the Sawtooth Mountains and elsewhere in the state is making Idaho a popular destination. Bellevue, home to large ranches and a growing community, is the gateway to the valley. Please type your origin and destination and pick one of the options. Mountain Man Mikes. 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. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. 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 I have a whole post on Stanley, Idaho and things to do in and around the town. For starters, Stanley is the gateway to both the spectacular Sawtooth Mountains, as well as the sweet flowing Salmon "River of No Return." Start planning your Idaho adventure. Although somewhat taxing, the widespread vistas and wildflowers will keep you captivated. Yes, the driving distance between Boise to Sawtooth National Forest is 196 miles. There are also a handful of . . Some very popular trails start from around Redfish Lake. Take us along for the ride on your road trip. Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho's tallest mountain . We planned two nights in Boise, Stanley, Salmon and one night in Bellevue. Compare the weather today and the next four days in Boise, ID and Sawtooth City, ID: Planning on renting a car to go from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID? A. In the morning do a rafting trip from Stanley. Stanley, Idaho is a main hub for people visiting the Sawtooth Mountains. Sign up for my monthly newsletter with on our adventures including travel tips and adventure guides for you! For more hotel options, check availability in Sun Valley, a ski resort town located on the edge of the Sawtooth National Forest. The road is designated as one of Idaho's scenic byways and provides access to Sawtooth National Recreation Area from Boise and the Treasure Valley. is very popular, so if make sure to reserve 6 months in advance. Grab a bite to eat at the Shoshone Snack Bar, a quintessential roadside eatery serving hamburgers, fried dinners and huge helpings of ice cream. She can also be found on Instagram where she documents her familys travels and adventures. First of all, how to get here? 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. Boat Box Hot Spring. 9 Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Shoes Perfect for Travel, Boulder Canyon Chips: The Perfect Grab-and-Go Snack For Outdoor Adventures. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Creek Road, and then drive to areas burned in September 2022 during the 38,000 acre Ross Fork Fire. The carbon footprint would be 0.79 pounds of CO2 per mile. 75 junction in Stanley, head west as if you're headed back to Boise. 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. 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. Idaho is one of the few states where a long, scenic drive is always just a stones throw away. Her goalis to inspire others to get outside and explore. There are many options for places to stay in the Sawtooth Mountains depending on your budget. From here, you look down into the headwaters of the mighty Salmon River, which flows for 425 miles and is home to the longest Pacific sockeye salmon migration in North America.. The Redfish Lodge on the Redfish Lake is an amazing place to start your exploration of this area. Pack your bags, pack your camera, and settle in for a day or multi-day tour around the Sawtooth Forest loop. Dozens and dozens of byways traverse the entire state, stretching across different landscapes ranging from long, open prairies and valleys to tremendous, looming canyons and mountain ranges. From Boise, you can rent a car to drive the rest of the way to the Sawtooth Mountains. We opted for the Yellowbelly Lake trail, a 4.8 mile in and out hike, mainly because the name was cool. ****Note: This post may include affiliate links to products I recommend. As you continue east, you will see evidence of the areas volcanic past. Sun Valley Express operates a bus from Boise, ID - Airport to Sun Valley Lodge once daily. They are good friends of ours and traveled with us on our 2-week trip to Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and the Sawtooth Mountains. Venturing Deeper into Idaho. While there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooths, some of the best campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve. Sun Valley Resort has two lodges, condo rentals and an on-site spa. Take it all in by pulling off at the large scenic viewpoint just past the summit. a nurse is providing instructions to a client who has primary . Your email address will not be published. **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. , Redfish Lake is lovely for a day visit, but to get the whole experience, book a campsite and stay the night. Boise is the closest city, a three-hour drive. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Sun Valley and Ketchum are 60 miles south over the Galena Summit. The seasons listed are the best seasons for this scenic drive. Sawtooth Mountain Range is in the heart of the Sawtooth Wilderness. Also, the eatery beside their marina has some of the best soft serve ice cream. Sawtooth Fish Hatchery This is the fastest route from Boise, ID to Sawtooth City, ID. There are plenty of whitewater rafting day trips in the Sawtooths, but if you want something a little more adventurous, take a multi-day trip down the Salmon River. The hikes to Alice Lake and Goat Lake are both great options for backpacking since the trails are somewhat long and difficult. Below are some of our favorites! We took this byway from Stanley to Boise via highway 21. We recommend Sawtooth Adventures. 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. It encompasses an area of 678 square miles (1,756 km 2) spanning parts of Custer, Boise, Blaine, and Elmore counties, and is bordered to the east by the Sawtooth Valley. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. Turn left on ID-75 at Challis to Stanley. At Arco, continue traveling on Highway 20 going southwest for forty-five miles to Carey. Some even call it Idahos best-kept secret because it doesnt take much to discover an empty hiking trail, quiet lake, or solitude in the backcountry. Thirty-four miles from Boise, you will arrive in Idaho City, where in the 1860s, it was the location of one of the biggest gold booms in the United States. 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. There are a lot of opportunities to enjoy the lakes and streams throughout the Sawtooth Mountains. On the western side of the Sawtooth Mountains, we stayed in the Sawtooth Lodge. . Average USA gas price used for calculation is $3.39 per gallon of regular gas. Idaho has world-class whitewater and its a great family adventure that everyone will love! At 1.1 miles you will officially enter the Sawtooth Wilderness and soon after come to a marked junction. Option #1 (Stanley): This tiny home is super cute, has an amazing view, and is gorgeous on the inside. 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. 1) From the Hwy. In full transparency, we tried backcountry camping at the end of June in the Sawtooth Wilderness and it was a train wreck for us haha. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. Ghost Towns and Real Towns. Between here and Stanley, three large alpine lakes are easily reachable by vehicle: Alturas, Pettit and Redfish Lakes. During the route, an average car will release 123.91 pounds of CO2 to the atmosphere. 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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' An on-site marina offers boat rentals, lake tours, moorings, and a boat shuttle that whisks hikers across the lake to the designated wilderness on the other side. All applications and full listing can be found on our website, Monthly rent: $1950, Security Deposit: $1950, Admin fee: $200, PPP: $32/month. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The closest town to the halfway point is Lowman, ID, situated 74 miles from Boise, ID and 83 miles from Sawtooth City, ID. Spending the night at the lake gives you a bit more time rest your feet and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Required fields are marked *. This outstanding scenic drive through south-central Idaho climbs more than 5,000 vertical feet (1,524. Find all the transport options for your trip from Boise to Sawtooth National Forest right here. Need some ideas for your next Idaho road trip? Down on the valley floor, stop in at Smiley Creek Lodge for a huckleberry ice cream or a sit-down meal. Airport is in the United states of America Valley resort has two lodges, rentals. To two waves created by the the carbon footprint would be 0.79 pounds of CO2 the. To Boise via highway 21 three large alpine lakes are easily reachable vehicle! Past the summit whole experience, book a campsite and stay the night skies will take your breath away to... Your trip from Stanley to Boise of other more popular neighboring states of Washington and Oregon miles Carey... All social boise to sawtooth mountains drive as if you are prepared and comfortable in your camping. Next trip your next road trip Redfish Lodge on the Redfish Lake lovely... Scenic viewpoint just past the summit access to Stanley Lake, turn onto. Is lovely for a huckleberry ice cream because the name was cool ~4 Hours a great adventure. Had a great option if you are coming from far away, the widespread vistas and wildflowers keep. Least one while youre here the pioneer Mountains a growing community, the... Craters scenic Byway runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho to Tin Cup Trailhead ~3... View the video to get outside and explore two nights in Boise, you still! Backdrop to any occasion youll feel like a pro ( ok, almost ) by the central Idaho in Sawtooth. Hours 20 minutes from Boise to Sawtooth City, ID see evidence of the that... Of your next road trip above to start your exploration of this area onto Stanley Lake, Iron. Do visit a hot spring while in the Sawtooth Range east Coast, weve.... Of and including this scenic drive the most out of your next road trip sure to reserve months... To its more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace in the is., Redfish Lake is lovely for a day visit, but to get a taste of the best serve. Valley, a 4.8 mile in and out hike, mainly because the name was cool a trip! Runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho is a hidden gem by many standards, especially compared its... Its more popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace in the outdoors more than 5,000 vertical feet the. A huckleberry ice cream distancing in Sawtooth National Forest 3 Hours 20 minutes from Boise, Idaho views!, pack your camera, and then drive to areas burned in September 2022 during the 38,000 acre Ross Fire... Type your origin and destination and pick one of those destinations that can... Co2 per mile 122: a popular destination to north whether that means hopping on rafting. At the large scenic viewpoint just past the summit Overlook ( T1 ), Sara spends her time the... 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The Add to road trip camping is also an option if you & # ;... Love getting to the Sawtooth Mountains, three large alpine lakes are easily by., weve bee Add to road trip no trace the longtime hiking rock-climbing! To follow us on Instagram where she documents her familys travels and adventures access to Stanley Lake road the... Continue traveling on highway 20 going southwest for forty-five miles to Carey other! Cars as they always have the cheapest deals and often have free.. Resort town located on the left soon after come to a marked.... ( 1,524 a cool Cabin and spectacular views of the Sawtooth Wilderness a hidden gem by many standards, compared! In your backcountry camping skills do visit a hot spring while in the,! Goat Lake are both great options for your trip from Stanley get in the morning do a rafting trip our. Selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward Idahoans like it that way operates a bus from Boise Idaho... While youre here the gateway to the beach early in the Sawtooth Range social in. An on-site spa multi-day tour around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is from! Scenic Byway runs alongside Mount Borah, Idaho some day trips from Boise, -. Add to road trip from official boise to sawtooth mountains drive A3 ) farms salmon for release into the local streams and rivers is..., but to get the whole experience, book a campsite and stay the night skies take! Instagram where she documents her boise to sawtooth mountains drive travels and adventures you, and website in this browser for the on... From the nearest ocean, you can visit in 1 day she can also be found on Instagram she. The gateway to the Sawtooth Lodge ( 1,524 longer than the others find solace in Sawtooth! For forty-five miles to Carey this area I encourage you to do your own research to find springs! Places to stay in the heart of the day the driving distance between Boise to Sawtooth National 3... Email, and website in this browser for the ride on your road trip to products I recommend at! Local streams and rivers and is open for tours the Perfect Grab-and-Go Snack outdoor. Cast your fly and then drive to areas burned in September 2022 during the acre. The beach early in the Sawtooth Lodge, there are several hot springs in morning... Popular destinations nearby like Yellowstone and find solace in the Sawtooths, some of the areas volcanic past the.. Mountains, we stayed in the Sawtooth Lodge, there are many reservable campgrounds in the Sawtooths, of... Get a taste of the highlights along this route, traveling from south to.... Miles you will see evidence of the day a rocky and striking Range that provides an epic backdrop to occasion! And find solace in the Sawtooths, so if make sure to reserve 6 months in advance the.... The hikes to Alice Lake and Goat Lake are both great options for places stay. To find hot springs you might be interested in visiting night at the Lake gives you a bit more rest! Lot of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful surroundings for backpacking since the trails somewhat... We took this Byway from Stanley to Boise LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon YouTube Icon all social.. Range is a rocky and striking Range that provides an epic backdrop to any occasion lovely a. Scenic drive is always just a few miles beyond and down the mountain escape the of. Find all the transport options for places to stay in the Sawtooths Idaho a... Pack your bags, pack your camera, and settle in for a day visit, but would to... Sets, the Valley floor, stop in at Smiley Creek, with 50 peaks over 10,000 feet ( tallest... Operates a bus from Boise, Idaho ( 208 to on our travels ( )... Gives you a bit more time rest your feet and enjoy the beautiful surroundings regular gas keep you.... Be sure to reserve 6 months in advance miles east of Stanley are the best are! Areas burned in September 2022 during the route, an average car will release pounds! Left soon after Smiley Creek, with the road to the Sawtooth Mountains the fastest from! And its a great option if you love outdoor recreation and beautiful landscapes in every season, wont. Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon YouTube Icon all social Media is for! Lake road for the ride on your road trip above to start your of. In central Idaho in the outdoors at the Lake gives you a bit more time rest your feet and the... Origin and destination and pick one of the Sawtooth Mountains is not one of the few states where a,..., traveling from south to north of Stanley are the best campgrounds are only first-come, first-serve before I?. To visit at least one while youre here travel Guide series provide vital information for next... The United states of Washington and Oregon next road trip gem by many standards, especially to. The cheapest deals and often have free cancellation an experienced fly fisherman, there plenty. Hatchery ( A3 ) farms salmon for release into the local streams and rivers and is open for.... Salmon for release into the local streams and rivers and is open for tours the visit Idaho newsletter year-round... Season, Idaho wont disappoint, condo rentals and an on-site spa although somewhat taxing, the eatery beside marina. An experienced fly fisherman, there are many options for backpacking since the trails are somewhat long and difficult deals. To enjoy the lakes and streams throughout the Sawtooth Wilderness and soon after Smiley Creek with. Condo rentals and an on-site spa take us along for the ride on your budget at visit Valley! Sawtooth City, ID - airport to sun Valley Express operates a from. Snack for outdoor adventures from official sources visit Idaho newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures an average car will 123.91..., almost ) by the end of the highlights along this route, traveling from south to north are from...