This is a gentle, yet scenic hike through a beautiful valley, culminating in stunning views of many Sawtooth peaks from a peaceful meadow. The range is home to hundreds of gorgeous alpine lakes and jagged peaks (they look like a saw! Do Ultrasonic Devices Work?, FAQs, American Mosquito Control Association, accessed March 6, 2021, https://www.mosquito.org/page/FAQ?#Do%20Ultrasonic%20devices%20work?. Located in Central Idaho, the Sawtooth Mountains are home to hundreds of gorgeous alpine lakes and jagged peaks (they look like a saw! Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It is considered the "crown jewel" of the Gem State. With windy roads and mountain views, its a super scenic almost 3 hour trek. 2 (June 2002): 91-6, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12083361/#:~:text=Our%20study%20demonstrated%20that%20percent,drinking%20alcohol%20stimulates%20mosquito%20attraction. Does anyone know if that is too early for them? This added another mile to the hike each way. Swimming Pools: Prevent Mosquito Breeding, Warren County Mosquito Commission, Oxford Township, NJ, accessed March 8, 2021, https://www.oxfordtwpnj.org/detail.php?ID=270. Look for a bunch of old rustic fences on the right side of the road near a turnout. I must say that in 30 years of backpacking and avid hiking, i have never seen a ticki remember the bumper sticker that said,"visit Idaho , the Rocky Mountain Tick State", that was , abviously to deter the masses of visitors.I am not sure, but at the elevation of the Sawtooths, there may not be any ticksthe poisionous snakes do not live at that elevation and the fleas do not as well. It's all within a short distance of beautiful Stanley, Idaho. There's so much to explore in Idaho, but where should you begin? 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. Also hidden within its boundaries are deep, secluded valleys covered with enormous stands of trees. connected to the .gov website. An official website of the Learn more. For a great sunset destination, head north up Basin Butte Road from Hwy 21. Also be on the lookout for willows. Outdoor recreational pursuits include camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photography and bicycling. To get the shot on the right, I had to get very low to the ground and use a telephoto lens to get the mountains in their proper perspective. 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. 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. With a full backpack on, it was pretty tough getting back out. Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. While in Stanley, it's a MUST to stop at Stanley Baking Company for breakfast pastries and the Redfish Lodge lounge a little outside of town for a post-adventure cocktail. Technical climbing (.5.0-5.6) can be attempted on Sawtooth's south face but Gerry Roach notes that the 600 vertical ft. of rock might be too looses and bad for climbing. The Wilderness is comprised of hundeds of jagged peaks,50 over 10,000 feet in height, with nearly 400 high alpine lakes dotting the predominantly rocky terrain. For the shot on the left, I used a telephoto lens to give proper perspective to Mt Heyburn in the background. Anyone that has fallen in love with Central Idaho will say that there is no bad time to visit. The bony pinnacles of the Sawtooths, which reach a height of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), may seem remote, but trails put you into their heart. JavaScript is disabled. is just under two miles and gains a little over 600 feet in elevation each way. Bundle up to enjoy the winter wonderland Central Idaho turns into. We dozed by the creek, battled mosquitoes and generally enjoyed the idle nature of a wilderness rest day. The feeling of leaving a busy shoreline on boat heading towards towering mountains and certain adventure makes for one exciting moment. The Bench Lakes are comprised of five alpine lakes, each of which is surrounded by myriad wildflowers during the warmer months. There's three consecutive spots starting from the Hwy. This rugged wilderness boasts hundreds of trails and an uncountable number of jagged mountain peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, and flowing snowmelt creeks. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! (Sa. ), 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. Have you decided when the best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains is? And finally, there arent many people yet and youll find plenty of space at the campgrounds. But once the snow melts, hikers are in for sublime solitude and a magical display of flowers. Rocky, sharp peaks are our favorite and there is no shortage of them here.And while the Sawtooth Mountains are likely popular among Idaho locals, they still feel like a bit of a secret to the rest of the US. We also have a significant amount of snow we get fresh powder six to nine times a month! Learn more. The lake was so still that I got really good reflections of stars in the water. If it is, you can drive right up to the lake and camp next to the lakeshore. Nick, the Sawtooths are like any other range meaning that there will probably be some areas open then. Across town is the southern terminus of the Wood River Trail, a paved, 20-plus-mile paved bike and walking path that stretches to Ketchum. 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. Start planning your Idaho adventure. Hop in the car, ditch the crowds, grab your camera we'll see you in Stanley, Idaho for these must-do mountain excursions. Its neighbor Sun Valley, located just a mile down the road, opened in 1936 as North Americas first destination ski resort. The area is a lot less crowded than during the summer months, so you truly get to enjoy the peace and quiet. I'm thinking of working up there Wed, Thur, Fri and then maybe backpack Sat, Sun and maybe Mon. living on the road in our. For example,the American Mosquito Control Association found that at least 10 studies in the past 15 years have unanimously denounced ultrasonic devices as having no repellency value whatsoever. Stanley Lake is another great place to visit on the North Side of the Sawtooths. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It's a can't miss destination on your trip to Idaho. 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! This region is definitely more of a hidden gem than some of the other popular alpine destinations like Glacier and Grand Teton, but no less spectacular. 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. Consider bringing along a checklist for a 28-mile backpacking loop through the White Cloud Mountains, where youll likely see a dozen or more flower species. The hiking season is short. Bundle up to enjoy the winter wonderland Central Idaho turns into. LockA locked padlock Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. (Youll also want to keep an eye out for mountain bikers who ride through the meadow as part of a larger loop.) living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! 50 Years of Excellence. Copyright 2023, Best Bee Brothers, LLC. Take it all in by pulling off at the large scenic viewpoint just past the summit. A trip to the Sawtooth Valley is one you won't soon forget. Hmmm You must log in or register to reply here. Sara Sheehy seeks adventure in the mountains of Idaho and beyond. I'm heading up to the Boise area in early June to do some photo shoots for work. A post shared by Marianne Lymn (@altapeak). Vacation is more than just scenery; its about making lifelong memories. Indeed, at first glance, Stanley doesnt seem like the sort of place youd find anything delicate. If you're looking to quickly experience the mountains in all of their glory, check out this mini photography adventure. Grab a coffee to go and drink it at beautiful Pioneer Park to wrap up your journey on this most scenic of byways. 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. I ended up postholing all the way up to the lake (i.e. I might be able to push it into late June. Mosquito Hero: Powered by Weed Man Weed Man Lawn Care. Go over your options to find the perfect fit for you, then book your stay. Embark on hikes such as. This hike will bring you up close and personal with some of the most dramatic peaks. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Mosquitoes can be very resourceful and they arent overly particular. But an 18-mile loop through an area frequented by other people might be just the ticket for a solo trip since solo isn't really my cup o' tea. As in all areas of the park, it is best to carry water, as the purity of the lakes and streams along the . Beyond that, we recommend going back to the basics. Explore our perfect 5-day travel itinerary to plan your own epic adventure. Works with Alexa. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. While some mosquitoes lay their eggs and simply die off in the cold weather, others take a long cozy sleep through the winter months. , Redfish Lake is lovely for a day visit, but to get the whole experience, book a campsite and stay the night. The Sawtooth Range is a mountain range of the Rocky Mountains in central Idaho reaching a maximum elevation of 10,751 feet at the summit of Thompson Peak. All of the raods leading to the west side of the Wilderness are narrow, winding, two-track and more difficult. So why would you want to go in the Spring? One of the spots we slept at that we really liked was Stanley Lake Dispersed. Third, the weather is quite temperate. While the sheer number of mosquito-killing and insect-repelling products available may at first baffle the mind, its important to remember some of the false promises and exaggerated claims surrounding the industry. Early June is going to be iffy. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area hasmany miles of groomed cross country ski, backcountry skiing, snowshoe trails and snowmobile trails. Each of our properties has access to all the activities and. 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. to start planning your stay. This should be applied to the garment and allowed to thoroughly dry before wearing it. Here are some extra ideas, including places to eat and fun activities! NORTHERNMOST STATES (EAST-WEST), PACFIC NORTHWEST & SOUTHERN ALASKA. The spectacular beauty and solitude of the 217,000 acre Sawtooth Wilderness is experienced by people from all parts of the country. We arrived on a Sunday during July and found one in the afternoon. Third, the weather is quite temperate. In the Spring, there usually arent any cattle around which makes the fence lines easier to shoot. 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. is best saved for later in the season because theres often snow on the trail into July. Mosquito season: March-September. To get there, you have to exercise some creativity since there are a number of creeks and fences in the way. Feeling adventurous? I'd love any suggestions. ), with 50 peaks over 10,000 feet (the tallest being Thompson peak at 10,751 ft). I'd love to answer any questions about the area and my experiences in the Sawtooths. The best part? But if youre like us and only have a little bit of time to spend there, this guide will focus on some of the best things to do in the Sawtooth Mountains if you just have 2 days, as well as tips on where to stay, information about the area, and more!Well be focusing on the Stanley, Idaho area, as that was sort of our basecamp for our adventures, but make sure to check out our if you have extra time section for more ideas of things to do in the surrounding area. We recommend stopping in Ketchum or Boise (depending on where youre coming from) on the way to stock up on food, outdoor gear, etc. The difference between summer and winter varies even more; summer days can be in the eighties while winter can be expected to be below freezing. First, the mountains still have snow on them which lend well to photographs. However, the best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains really depends on what you would like to do here. Greetings from Missouri! However, we highly recommend avalanche training and going with a guide since these slopes are unpredictable. My wife, Penny, hiking Thompson Peak (the summit in upper right of photo), the highest in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. A warm summer night. And they totally exceeded them! There are multiple slopes near the road so you dont have to worry about trekking for miles before riding down. There is only one grocery store, but its pretty small, and just a handful of places to eat. Its central location in the state makes it relatively convenient no matter where youre coming from. Mosquito season: Late April-September. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 30 h 52 min to complete. If the Sawtooths aren't yet available, are there any other good backpacking destinations up there? The road to Alturas is on the left soon after Smiley Creek, with the road to Pettit just a few miles beyond. Learn more. 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! We look forward to seeing you! This north-bound railroad spur was frequented first by miners, then by sheep ranchers, and then by tourists on their way to the ski slopes at Sun Valley Resort. ( Map showing recreational areas. There are 57 peaks with an elevation over 10,000 feet in the Sawtooth Range, all between 10,000 to 10,751 feet in elevation. On a clear day you can see a plethora of other peaks and lakes including Diamond Peak, Three Sisters, Mount Thielsen, Cowhorn Mountain, Summit Lake, Timpanogas Lake, Indigo Lake, June Lake, and Calamut Lake. Sign up to be the first to learn about new products, promotions and more! During the early summer, mosquitoes can be a particular nuisance. Sawtooth Wilderness Area Photos (211) Directions Print/PDF map Length 62.1 miElevation gain 12,463 ftRoute type Loop Enjoy this 62.1-mile loop trail near Lowman, Idaho. 5. Depending on where you live, this might be as early as February and last as long as October or November. Print/PDF map. Even if it's quite a ways from Boise, that's okay. These two lakes have limited amenities, but if a quieter experience is what youre after, youre most likely to find them here. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. Photographing Twilight, Power & Beauty: Photographing Brown Bears. 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. 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! United States government. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about specials, upcoming events, and local happenings. Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits. Four-and-a-half hours after starting out, Penny and I scrambled about 15 feet of steep, blocky rock onto the slanting tabletop that comprises Thompson's summit. We are a bit torn about sharing how incredible this place is (please dont hate us locals! With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! I was going to suggest that early June would be an excellent time to check out the Craters of the Moon monument. 1) Follow Trail 7041 as it switchbacks over a moraine through dense lodgepole pine to an intersection at mile 2. But this mountain outpost is full of surprises. at Redfish Lake while it is open. 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