Idaho is a diverse and beautiful state with various landscapes. You really can’t go wrong anywhere you decide to explore in this great state. It has a little something for everyone.But the true gem, in our humble opinion, is the vast amount of outdoor recreation areas to adventure and explore.
Nestled at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains and along the Salmon River in central Idaho is our favorite place…Stanley and the surrounding Sawtooth Wilderness. Here are the top 7 reasons you need visit this beautiful mountain town.
1. Explore Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains
Stanley is surrounded by the stunning Sawtooth Mountains. With jagged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and endless trails, this mountain range offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Prepare to explore to your heart’s content thanks to the numerous hiking, horseback riding, and motorized trails that wind their way through valleys and forests. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just enjoy easy walks, you can find a trail that is perfect for you. Expanding out into Sawtooth National Forest provides you with over 2,000 miles of trails to choose from.
Some popular hikes include:
- Alice Lake: 12 miles out and back w/ 1600 ft. elevation gain.
- Sawtooth Lake at Iron Lake Trailhead: 9.6 miles out and back w/ 1758 ft. elevation gain.
- Fishhook Meadow: 4.2 miles out and back w/300 ft. elevation gain.
Popular mountain bike trails include:
- Elk Mountain: a rocky beginning that can be a bit technical but beginner friendly after that. Just over 11 mile loop with 1,000 ft. elevation gain.
- Fisher Creek Loop: approximately 17 miles with a 2,000 ft. elevation gain. Makes for some fun downhill riding!
Insider Tip: ATV trail – While there are PLENTY of trails to ride your side-by-sides on, a beautiful 34 mile out and back area to explore near Stanley starts just outside of Beaver Creek Campground (#008/Seafoam Rd) and takes you to Josephus Lake near the border of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
Looking to get a bit more elevation? Start at the same road outside of Beaver Creek Campground and head to Pinyon Peak which is just under 10k feet. This is a 42 mile round trip and has views for days!
2. Go Play in the Water
The nearby Salmon River is famous for its whitewater rafting opportunities with Stanley being a jumping off point. Whether you want a relaxing float or you prefer to take on the Class IV whitewater, you have many choices. Take a guided tour or rent equipment to experience the exhilaration of navigating through the river’s rapids and enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way. You can choose from half day trips to 6-day adventures.
If you would prefer to relax on the lakes, Stanley has you covered! A short drive from Stanley will take you to Redfish Lake, a stunning alpine lake with crystal-clear water and picturesque views. This happens to be the largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
You can go swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and soak in the serene surroundings. Looking for a less crowded option? We always enjoy Sawtooth Lake or Pettit Lake which is a short drive past Redfish. No matter which you choose, you can’t beat the epic views!
Insider Tips: Stanley Lake and Redfish Lake have boat launches and allow motorized and personal watercraft. Other boating options include Alturas and Pettit Lakes which also have boat launches that allow motorized watercraft (no personal watercraft are allowed). If you’re looking for non-motorized options, check out Little Redfish Lake.
3. Stargazing
Stanley is known for its dark skies, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. It is a part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve with little to no light pollution so the stars and planets POP! Grab a blanket or simply look up when you’re walking to your campsite at night and prepare to be dazzled as you marvel at the beauty of the sky. You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye and you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights on rare occasions. Bring along a telescope or binoculars to get a closer view of the stars. Bonus points if you arrive during a new moon for an even more brilliant experience.
4. Hot Springs Soaking
You can’t miss out on the opportunities to soak in the numerous natural hot springs when you’re in Idaho and there are several to enjoy in the Stanley area. Especially after a day of outdoor activities, you’ll appreciate unwinding in one of the nearby hot springs. The minerals are perfect for soaking tired and sore muscles. This is one of our favorite pastimes and we never miss an opportunity to soak. And you can’t beat the views especially since many are located next to scenic rivers.
Some of our favorites include:
- Snake Pit
- Sunbeam
- Boat Box
- For a semi-indoor experience make a reservation at the Mountain Village Resort’s hot spring!
Please remember these beautiful areas are fragile and we are all responsible for caring for them. Avoid bringing glass, pack out all your trash, stick to the trails, and avoid using soaps of any kind.
5. Camping
If you love dispersed camping, this area is for you. Pitch your tent near a picturesque lake or find a spot amidst the towering pine trees. Fall asleep to the soothing sound of nature and wake up to stunning mountain views. It’s important that you follow the Leave No Trace Principles including camping on durable surfaces and packing all your trash out with you.
Prefer campsites? No worries! There are several campgrounds in and around the Stanley area.
While camping around Redfish Lake is very popular, we prefer to camp around Sawtooth Lake or head up around Pettit or Alturas Lake. The US Forest Service is a great resource if you’re looking for more information and want to reserve a site at Stanley Lake, Elk Creek, Sheep Trail, or Trap Creek.
If you are brave enough, you can even camp during the winter. There’s nothing like waking up to a blanket of snow, snowshoeing to a hot springs, and basking in the quiet that envelopes the winter nights.
Check out our post about our fun winter camping experience in Stanley here!
Insider Tip: There is a 10-day dispersed camping limit so keep that in mind as you are planning your trip.
6. Grab a Bite to Eat
When you’re exploring this vast area, you’re going to work up an appetite. Stanley has you covered with several options to choose from! Whether you want comfort food, fresh fish, delicious steak, or pizza, you’ll find it at the various spots in the area. Don’t skip out on breakfast either!
Here are some of our favorite spots to eat:
- Stanley Baking Co. is a popular breakfast spot so plan to get there early. The food is well worth it!
- Sawtooth Luce’s is dog friendly, has a patio, and great food.
- Papa Brunee’s is the place to go for yummy pizzas and subs.
- Mountain Village Restaurant has comfort food and a saloon next door.
- Stanley Supper Club has unique offerings and even a picnic lunch option.
7. Scenic Drive on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway
This is a gorgeous route that takes you through historic towns (including Stanley and Idaho City) and stunning scenery. This 131 mile drive takes you by a portion of the beautiful Payette River, numerous hot springs, pine tree filled forests, and breathtaking valleys. You’ll likely see many deer, elk, and even mountain goats so keep your eyes peeled and drive the winding roads with care. This can be a fun day-trip that gives you a peak into the beauty that surrounds this area of Idaho.
Stanley and the surrounding wilderness really are the crown jewels in this gem state. Visit once and you’ll be back. There is no shortage of things to see and experience regardless of the season you choose to visit. So grab your camera and get ready to make some memories you won’t soon forget!
See you out there!
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