Sawtooth Scenic Byway: Jagged Peaks, Mountain Meadows and Dazzling Alpine Lakes!

Sawtooth Scenic Byway is without a doubt one of the most scenic drives in Idaho. Not only is this drive scenic but action packed too! The road trip begins in Southern Idaho and travels into the heart of The Gem State where jagged mountain peaks domintate the skyline. It’s a surreal world filled with mountain meadows and dazzling alpine lakes.

Sawtooth Scenic Byway is up there as one of the most scenic drives in America! This drive offers unparalleled beauty that can only be seen on few other byways such as Going-To-The-Sun Road in Montana or Beartooth Scenic Byway in Wyoming.

On this road trip, rugged mountain ranges and meadows studded with dazzling alpine lakes are stars of the show. The entire drive offers jaw-dropping beauty and limitless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

The route begins in Shoshone and travels across Southern Idaho’s high desert landscape into the Wood River Valley where big mountains and forests first make their appearance. Here you can visit the resort towns of Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley.

Highway 75 continues on the valley floor alongside the Pioneer Mountain Range and Boulder Mountains Range before going over the top of Galena Summit. At Galena Summit is an overlook that provides magnificent views of the Sawtooth Valley.

The Sawtooth Valley is bordered by the iconic Sawtooth Mountain Range to the west and White Cloud Mountains to the east. This valley is home to the headwaters of the fabled Salmon River.

Heading north into and across the Sawtooth Valley you’ll be awestruck by the abundant rivers, streams and sub-alpine lakes. The road trip ends in Stanley, a charming mountain village where you’ll no doubt be lost for words when you see the scenery from downtown.

Here’s a guide to all of the best stops between Shoshone and Stanley on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

Best Stops on Sawtooth Scenic Byway

Shoshone Ice Caves

First stop on this Sawtooth Scenic Byway road trip is Shoshone Ice Caves. This is one of the largest lava caves in Idaho! It is over 1,000 feet long and was formed by underground volcanoe eruptions. Inside the cave is a frozen lake which keeps temperatures in the cavern very chilly.

You can take a journey into the cave and walk across the frozen lake on a catwalk that spans over the top of the ice. Guided tours of the ice cave begin by descending 100-feet under lava rocks to the cave’s icy floor. On the way down your tour guide will explain the fascinating historical and geologic background of this remarkable landform. You’ll definitely want to bring a warm jacket on the tour because the caves are freezing cold!

Tours can be scheduled ahead of time or onsite. Tours depart every hour on the hour between 9am and 6pm (the last tour of the day leaves at 5pm). Shoshone Ice Caves is open seven days a week starting Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend (May 1st to September 30th).

Ketchum and Sun Valley

Ketchum and Sun Valley are both mountain resort towns located in the heart of the picturesque Wood Valley. They are both famed for being premier ski destinations but there is so much outdoor adventure to be had in the summer here too.

Some of the top outdoor pursuits you can enjoy include hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and golfing. The fabled Big Wood River offers fly-fisherman the opportunity to experience the same beauty and serenity as the likes of Earnest Hemingway, who was known to fish these waters with fond enthusiasm.

If you want to enjoy a day out on some of the best fly-fishing waters in the lower 48 but didn’t pack your fishing gear don’t despair, you can rent equipment from Sun Valley Outfitters. And if you’re a complete beginner but want to give angling a shot this is the perfect place to arrange a guided fly-fishing trip.

All that said, you don’t have to be an outdoor enthusiast to enjoy a visit to Ketchum and Sun Valley. Downtown Ketchum has some beautiful historic buildings and both destinations offer fantastic shopping where you can find everything from vintage and second-hand stores to high end fashion.

There are also great restaurants and a host of boutique hotels so if you’re looking for somewhere to break up your drive consider staying overnight in Ketchum or Sun Valley.

Galena Summit Overlook

Galena Summit, located in the Boulder Mountains Range, marks the divide between the Big Wood River Valley and Sawtooth Valley. The summit sits at 8,701 feet above sea level and is the highest summit of any highway in the Northwest.

About one mile from the actual summit is the Galena Summit Overlook where you can see breathtaking views of the entire Sawtooth Valley. Looking to the west is the Sawtooth Mountain Range and the headwaters of the Salmon River.

The overlook is a great spot to take a break and stretch your legs. It’s also a good place to take some photos as there aren’t any other high points on this drive.

Pettit Lake

Pettit Lake is a pristine glacial lake that sits at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. It is the third largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and a must see on this Sawtooth Scenic Byway road trip.

Motorized boats are not permitted on this lake which means it’s an especially peaceful and serene place. You can still however bring your own kayaks or paddleboards to enjoy on the water.

Besides lake activities, Pettit Lake is a jumping off point for backpacking trips into the Sawtooth Wilderness. The Tin Cup Trailhead found at the end of Pettit Lake Road marks the start of two popular hiking trails that lead to Alice Lake and Toxaway Lake.

>>Read: Best Lakes in Idaho To Enjoy Summer Vacation

Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is another stunning lake — except this one is the largest lake in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is comprised almost entirely of snowmelt and has very little sediment which makes it extremely clear.

A sandy beach hugs the lake’s shoreline and is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing lakeside. There is also a full-service marina where you can rent pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

The Bench Lakes Trail skirts around the western edge of Redfish Lake and leads to four pretty alpine lakes. Another fun hike you can do here is the hike to Fishhook Creek. It is a family-friendly trail that will take you through wildflower filled meadows to a location where you can see Thompson Peak, the tallest peak in the Sawtooth Mountains.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Redfish Lodge where you can refuel on local Idaho fare like salmon, trout, and other wild game. Then pop into the Rustic Lounge to unwind over a drink. The lodge is located directly in front of Redfish Lake.

Stanley

Stanley, Idaho is heaven on earth! This small mountain town is situated at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains, one of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in America.

Stanley is the “Gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness” and home to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, one of the largest and most scenic national recreation areas in the USA. It is home to four mountain ranges, impressive jagged peaks, beautiful meadows, and countless dazzling alpine lakes.

It’s a mecca for outdoor lovers and a destination filled with endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, and world-class fishing in summer. In winter you can go cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

If your goal on this road trip is to relax and take it easy, there are few things more relaxing than soaking in a geothermal hot spring. Especially in the forest under a canopy of stars! Luckily there are multiple hot springs in the vicinity of Stanley for you to soak in the serenity.

Mountain Village Lodge has its own hot spring with views of the Sawtooth Mountains but only guests of the lodge are allowed to use it. The resort which is located at the center of town offers affordable motel-style rooms and has its own campground.

>>Read: 21 Adventurous Things To Do in Stanley, Idaho.

Best hotels in Ketchum, Sun Valley, & Stanley, Idaho

Lodging is available in Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley and Stanley. See below for hotel recommendations listed from south to north.

Best Western Tyrolean Lodge: The Tyrolean Lodge in Ketchum is a beautiful Austrian style hotel overlooking majestic Bald Mountain. This 52-room inn is located in a quiet residential neighborhood. Rooms are spacious and all stays include a hot buffet breakfast.

Limelight Hotel: This is a four star property in Ketchum featuring spacious rooms that have contemporary granite and marble finishes. All rooms feature mountain views and come with complimentary full breakfast. There is an onsite restaurant, bar, outdoor pool and hot tub.

Sun Valley Resort: This premier resort in Sun Valley features stylish rooms with granite detail and upscale furnishings. It has all the amenities including onsite restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness and yoga studio.

Mountain Village Lodge: This property is situated in the heart of Stanley and offers affordable motel-style rooms. The lodge is adjacent to a restaurant and saloon.

Best RV Parks and Campgrounds on Highway 75

While private campgrounds are limited along Highway 75, there are tons of primitive campsites on BLM land between Ketchum and Stanley. See below for recommended RV Park campgrounds.

The Meadows RV Park: This RV park is located four miles south of downtown Ketchum just off Highway 75. It is located walking distance to Big Wood River and offers sites with full hookups as well as dry camping.

Redfish Lake Lodge: Redfish Lake has multiple campgrounds near Redfish Lake which include RV, campervan and tent sites. While none of the campgrounds have full hook ups, all have running water and pit toilets. 

Mountain Village RV Park: Mountain Village Lodge has a small RV park right in the heart of Stanley and within walking distance to restaurants and entertainment. There are only six RV site and ten tent camping spots so get in quick!

When is the best time to visit Central Idaho?

If you’re looking forward to outdoor adventure, summer is the best time of year to visit Central Idaho due to longer daylight hours and less chance of rain. Spring and autumn can be a good time to visit too if you prefer to avoid peak tourist season but keep in mind there is greater chance of snowfall in May, June, and October.

Winter in Central Idaho can be brutal but still beautiful. Highway 75 remains open year-round but be prepared for severe snow conditions on Galena Summit. Also note Highway 21 closes seasonally therefore you cannot drive Sawtooth Scenic Byway from north to south in winter unless you are coming from Missoula.