Per usual, our time in the Sawtooth Mountains was way too short. 208-423-7500 Even if it's just a quick stop on your way by, Stanley Lake is one fiercely cool spot to snap some new Instagram pics. If you would like the warmest time possible, visit during July. Sawtooth Areas That Are Accessible In Winter, Top 12 Reasons To Visit Redfish Lake in June, 4 of the Best Stanley, Idaho, Hot Springs and Others in the Sawtooth Mountains, Your Complete Guide to the Weather at Redfish Lake, 4 of the Best Idaho Whitewater Rafting Experiences. . As the season progresses, you might even get some snow. I quickly ran back and got the shot before it fizzled. Why hike to Alice Lake? It features a campground with various amenities that makes it fun for the whole family. I ended up postholing all the way up to the lake (i.e. Look for a good foreground object to frame things with and enjoy the reflections! Keep hiking for another mile to reach Washington Lake, or set up camp in this scenic alpine valley. Sawtooth Lake is an example of everything that is amazing about the mountain range. The Sawtooth Wilderness is exceptional in scenic beauty and is characterized by high granite peaks and narrow glacial valleys. At times, there are so many flowers in bloom that you can actually smell them as you walk along nearby trails. Go over your options to find the perfect fit for you, then book your stay. I usually find them before they sink their little chops in. The trail to Alice Lake is part of the large Alice Toxaway loop trail that also connects Twin Lakes, Toxaway Lake, and Farley Lake. Why Hike It? There are a number of good lookout spots on the way. 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. Or, you can enjoy the calm parts of the Salmon River when you go on a, As the season progresses, you might even get some snow. All Rights Reserved. Pin this guide with the best things to do in Stanley to help plan your trip! Have a fire, use repellent, not too bad. 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. Natural hot springs in the area are a great way to warm up, and you can always go for a scenic drive if youd like to see the beauty of the area from the comfort of the car. Not sure how to plan a visit to the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho? At Redfish Lake, youll find seasonal Forest Service campgrounds, a full-service lodge and restaurant, public beaches and a visitor center. Perhaps the most popular trail in the Sawtooths is the Iron Creek Trail to Sawtooth Lake. Mosquito season: May-September. When shes not on the road, Sara spends her time exploring the mountains around her home base of Sun Valley, Idaho. The politicians wanted to know what form of protection Idahoans preferred for the Sawtooth Mountains: a national park or a national recreation area. This will give you the best chance of having warmer days and no snow, which will make all of the items on this itinerary accessible.Were sharing the average weather for Stanley above, but keep in mind that the hikes in the mountains will be a lot cooler, since they are higher elevation than the town of Stanley.The fall can also be a gorgeous time as the leaves change to beautiful red, orange, and yellow, but you run the risk of a surprise snow storm or freezing temperatures. It took a bit of trial and error to get the right amount of light inside the tent. And before you ask, I have not done that route and have only heard from others and seen pics.but that is where I would go. 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. I second Charley's advice. And if you love snow, winter would be gorgeous and there are tons of activities to do, like cross country skiing, visit hot springs, snowshoeing, sledding, and more! I must look into that. I'd love to answer any questions about the area and my experiences in the Sawtooths. Alpine wildflowers bring the high meadows alive with color in the months of July and August. Note that the USGS maps (and Topozone) do not display the current route of the PCT which actually traverses along the west side of Sawtooth ~4600. No matter when you decide to visit, it is always important to keep an eye on the weather and pack layers for the changes in temperature. United States. The Seven Devils Loop isn't going to work because of the time I'll have and how out of the way it is. Hell, this will actually be my first truly solo alpine trip in my life. 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. Sign up for the Visit Idaho Newsletter for year-round Idaho adventures. I had already packed up my stuff and was heading back to the car when I happened to look back over my shoulder and saw this great color developing. We hope you fall in love with the Sawtooth Mountains like we did! However, we highly recommend avalanche training and going with a guide since these slopes are unpredictable. The hike to All of the raods leading to the west side of the Wilderness are narrow, winding, two-track and more difficult. Thoughts? A sludge-filled pond, a pothole in the road, even the top of a metal container that collected last nights rainwater will suffice. These mountains hold the headwaters of the North Fork and Middle Fork of the Boise River, the South Fork of the Payette River and contributes significantly to the headwaters of the Salmon River. In this guide we are sharing a 2 day itinerary for the Sawtooth Mountains including where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in Stanley, Idaho!From the second we arrived in the Sawtooth Mountains, we felt at home. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. These campgrounds often do not have any amenities, like bathrooms or even trash cans, so depending on if youre in a van, like us, or tent camping, youll need to be prepared to pack out everything you bring. Go over your options to find the perfect fit for you, then book your stay. The views are endless, there are gorgeous lakes, and the area feels so remote, without tons of huge resorts, much civilization, or any cell service. But once the snow melts, hikers are in for sublime solitude and a magical display of flowers. Home to beautiful species like mountain shooting star, yarrow, and slender paintbrush, Elk Meadow offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays youll find anywhere, especially in late June. With a combination of Airbnbs, lodges, campgrounds (free and paid) both in Stanley, as well as in nearby Ketchum (about an hour away), you can definitely find a great home away from home.Below are some great options to check out! Shoshone was once a bustling stop on the Union Pacific Oregon Shortline railroadits depot was the transfer point for the Ketchum Branch. A total of 57 summits top 10,000 feet in the Sawtooth Mountains, and nearly 400 trout-filled alpine lakes, many sitting well over 8,000 feet, shimmer in high bowls sculpted by long-ago glaciers. The Sawtooth Wilderness is exceptional in scenic beauty and is characterized by high granite peaks and narrow glacial valleys. The unit emits not only a blue light to attract insects, but also emits a CO2 scent, which is irresistible to mosquitoes. With a clap, your timing and aim don't have to be . Outdoor recreational pursuits include camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photography and bicycling. Learn more. Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits. Share sensitive information only As long as the snow permits, the Alice-Toxaway loop would take care of your loop desire. Stanleys natural surroundings are often described as rugged. It is a good idea to pretreat your clothing with Permanone. enjoy. Does anyone know if that is too early for them? You might have a rainy day or two during your visit, but it wont spoil your adventures! Second, it's too early for mosquitoes. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about specials, upcoming events, and local happenings. Its neighbor Sun Valley, located just a mile down the road, opened in 1936 as North Americas first destination ski resort. June would most likely be too early even though it's been a dry year. A post shared by Stanley, Idaho (@stanley_id). Click here for more info. An official website of the Just because daytime temperatures are in the eighties does not mean that they wont drop to a brisk 48F at night. Third, the weather is quite temperate. And the craggy Sawtooth Mountains are visible from the town, which sits more than 6,200 feet above sea level. I'll keep a lookout for what's open by then - the forest service will put out a report around memorial day as far as what's available. In some instances this close access is accelerating use because of easy travel and close proximity to the wilderness. If you think the best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains is when there is snow on the ground, winter weather is for you. Click the adventure for a more detailed analysis of the trip! With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, fast-flowing rivers, and over 400 alpine lakes, there are countless adventures for those who want to explore. Many travel to our area for backcountry skiing. Once you arrive in the meadow itself, keep your wits about youthe trail disappears entirely before leaving the meadow for Elizabeth Lake. A few miles north in Hailey, swing into the Visitors Welcome Center for an information desk, maps and brochures. Guaranteed to reduce mosquito populations, you can protect yourself, family, pets, and guests from itchy and potentially dangerous bites. There are 17 trailheads with the most popular trailheads being on the east side of the wilderness. The Bench Lakes are comprised of five alpine lakes, each of which is surrounded by myriad wildflowers during the warmer months. If you would like to experience our lodge, browse our accommodations to start planning your stay. Because this path is less popular than other nearby trails, youre far more likely to be the only one stopping to smell the proverbial roses. Head out on this 7.4-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Hughes, California. No matter how high the thermometer goes outside, the ice-filled cave stays a refreshing 23 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The Sawtooth Mountain Range is part of the Rocky Mountains, covering 217,000 acres in central Idaho. We have everything from cabins to hotel rooms! September 13, 2022. If I can get time away from work I'll meet you some place. Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. Redfish Lake Lodge is open for the summer season. If you are having any sort of carpenter bee, mosquito, or even no see em issues, check out our guaranteed all-natural products to help keep your home pest free! If youre road tripping around Idaho like we were, definitely add the Sawtooth Mountains to your list! There is so much to do in the area, from hiking, outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing, to hot springs. The leg odometer passes 11 miles roundtrip, and that doesn't account for the steep switchbacks encountered on the latter-half of the hike. Do you know if the Petit Lake trailhead is 2WD? Hiking at this altitude is strenuous. The kids can splash around on the shore as you enjoy the summer sun! ), as we loved how much less crowded it is compared to Washington, but we think Idaho doesnt get enough love and we want to get others excited about responsibly exploring this beautiful area. $3999$41.99. Most people know that mosquitoes prefer warm, wet areas. An abundant population of wildlife thrives upon the lush, grassy meadows and many species of fish make their home in the thousands of streams that feed the headwaters of four major rivers. The road to Alturas is on the left soon after Smiley Creek, with the road to Pettit just a few miles beyond. To put you on the right path, weve highlighted some top spots to see these brilliant displays of color in the Sawtooths. Happy exploring! Needless to say, it was a workout getting up there. Downtown Stanley is home to a handful of restaurants, and the surrounding area has a variety of lodging options, from cabin rentals to hotels to camping. Bed Bug Bites 100% satisfaction guarantee - or your money back! As in all areas of the park, it is best to carry water, as the purity of the lakes and streams along the . Official websites use .gov A .gov Youll know youre getting close to your destination when youre greeted by countless purple penstemons. We're new to Idaho and want to take some friends to the Sawtooths camping in late June. First, the mountains still have snow on them which lend well to photographs. I'll be leaving SLC either Thursday night or Friday morning and heading north. I've done a fair amount of solo stuff with a dog but never without in the mountains. It's a can't miss destination on your trip to Idaho. Wooly sunflowers and beautiful Western columbines dot the landscape along the trail. Yet, consumers flock in droves to hardware stores to purchase these contraptions3.. Learn more. Many travel to our area for backcountry skiing. But this mountain outpost is full of surprises. 2) Head 6.8 miles west (hiker's left) on Trail 7096, climbing the drainage of Yellow Belly Creek past Farley Lake to a junction on the north shore of Toxaway Lake. Jerome, ID 83338 Follow signs to Redfish Lake Visitor Center, a rustic. Nestled along the Salmon River, Stanley is known for its gnarly camping opportunities, unrivaled view of the mountain range, legendary hot springs, and its tough, tight-knit community. For a moderate, four-mile hike, park at the I don't know about that particular location, but in general ticks are a concern in Idaho. Far below the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth range, mountain meadows near Stanley burst to life in spring and summer with the arrival of gorgeous wildflowers. PO BOX 9 For many years I've been longing to visit the Sawtooth Range in Idaho, and last week I finally got the chance! The trail was clear of snow for the first 3 miles. We arrived on a Sunday during July and found one in the afternoon. + Save to a List. I also walked to the far end of the lake and got some interesting close-up shots with the slushy blue ice (right). With more than 300 glaciers and countless snowfields, the Park is one of the most rugged and heavily glaciated areas in the United States outside . We love using Campendium and FreeCampsites.net to find free campgrounds. The Sawtooth Range is a mountain range of the Rocky Mountains in central Idahoreaching a maximum elevation of 10,751 feet at the summit of Thompson Peak. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! For the rest of us, mosquitoes come and go with the natural changing of seasons they arrive in early spring and make their exit in the fall. Notable summits include Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, La Plata Peak, Mount of the Holy Cross, and the Collegiate Peaks (Mounts Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Belford, and Oxford ). I was going to suggest that early June would be an excellent time to check out the Craters of the Moon monument. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! is home to one of the most beloved campgrounds in the Sawtooths, so its easy to stay for several days and enjoy abundant opportunities to see wildflowers. It is located pretty close to Stanley Lake (just a quick drive) and had quite a few spots to choose from. Hmmm Have you considered the Owyhee area? Learn more. LockA locked padlock Using its unique technology, the Mosquito Warden is completely irresistible to nearby insects. According to the manufacturer the combination of the permethrin and solvent is what makes it too toxic for skin contact. 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