Heading north from Shoshone, the scenic byway traverses beds of volcanic lavalook closely to see where the rock peeks through the sagebrush. United States government. More specifically, the magical number is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Guaranteed to reduce mosquito populations, you can protect yourself, family, pets, and guests from itchy and potentially dangerous bites. 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. Stanley, ID 83278, Mailing Address: If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. At the outlet, there was some interesting turquoise blue slush. One thing we loved about the Sawtooths is how much free, dispersed camping there is! Nick, the Sawtooths are like any other range meaning that there will probably be some areas open then. 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. 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. Embark on hikes such as Alice Lake to see it for yourself! Looking to spend some time in the Gem State? Cresting Timmerman Hill, the Wood River Valley unfolds below you. In the spring, the trail is teeming with trillium and cheerful arrowleaf balsamroot. Anywhere between we had no bars, so make sure to plan ahead and download offline Google Maps so you can get around. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in a Shoshone, one of the oldest towns in central Idaho. Theres no bad portion of the 17-mile The Seven Devils Loop isn't going to work because of the time I'll have and how out of the way it is. Lets break the mosquito seasons down by region: One common myth surrounding mosquitoes is they only affect areas that have a naturally high humidity index. We only had service in Ketchum and in Stanley. In fact, there are a mind-boggling 3,000 different types of mosquitoes around the world! Lets talk about how you can protect yourself in the meantime. At this point I realized I should have packed some snowshoes. Second, its too early for mosquitoes. Explore our perfect 5-day travel itinerary to plan your own epic adventure. Alpine Lake sits high in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. Bonus: Your wildflower photos will feature the craggy faces of McGown Peak and Mystery Mountain in the background. Looking for more things to do in Stanley or near the Sawtooth Mountains? On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Check. The trail was clear of snow for the first 3 miles. We consider this one of the best times to visit the Sawtooth Mountains because you still get to see the snow on the mountain peaks and many of the alpine lakes are still frozen. If youre looking for warm temperatures, consider visiting sometime between June and September. If the Sawtooths aren't yet available, are there any other good backpacking destinations up there? I'll be leaving SLC either Thursday night or Friday morning and heading north. 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. Marshall Lake Surrounded by mountains, there is mile after mile of trails to, . United States. Hiking at this altitude is strenuous. Third, the weather is quite temperate. at Redfish Lake while it is open. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. How to spend a cozy winter weekend in Middlebury, Vermont, Adventure on the Lake: Kayaking to the Stave Falls Dam Powerhouse, 6 Stops to make on a Southeast U.S. road trip, 5 Days in Chile's Adventure Capital: The Perfect Pucn Travel Itinerary. 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. Just because daytime temperatures are in the eighties does not mean that they wont drop to a brisk 48F at night. Embark on hikes such as. Food and lodging abound in the Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way north to Galena Lodge. Rather than outright humidity, mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs. enjoy. ! Our lodge is open during the summer months for optimal warm weather. 2hrs up, 2hrs down. I might be able to push it into late June. The stars come alive here.. Mosquitoes can be very resourceful and they arent overly particular. The Sawtooth Mountains are best known for their dramatic skyline visible from nearby Stanley, ID. It can't hurt to check conditions as your trip date approaches. Plenty of good quality bug repellant, nice smoky fire, and make sure to check everybody for ticks every night. But this mountain outpost is full of surprises. Between here and Stanley, three large alpine lakes are easily reachable by vehicle: Alturas, Pettit and Redfish Lakes. All of the raods leading to the west side of the Wilderness are narrow, winding, two-track and more difficult. Your email address will not be published. Talk about unwanted attention! We look forward to seeing you! We hope you fall in love with the Sawtooth Mountains like we did! 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. After doing a bunch of research for my trip last year, I realized that it takes a little longer to clear out up there not just based on elevation, but also based on how much farther north of here it is. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. There are multiple slopes near the road so you dont have to worry about trekking for miles before riding down. The trail to Alice Lake is part of the large Alice Toxaway loop trail that also connects Twin Lakes, Toxaway Lake, and Farley Lake. Bug Zapper Indoor Outdoor, 4000V 20W Flying Insect Trap, Electric Mosquito Zappers Killer Can be Remote and Voice Control, Compatible with Alexa and Google Home. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Sawtooth Lake is an example of everything that is amazing about the mountain range. ), with 50 peaks over 10,000 feet (the tallest being Thompson peak at 10,751 ft). A warm summer night. Visit the BCP store for more information. In some instances this close access is accelerating use because of easy travel and close proximity to the wilderness. Hell, this will actually be my first truly solo alpine trip in my life. Outside of those months, exploring the canyon is an option, but be mindful of any precipitation as any water in the canyon could be dangerous. The stunning landscape is awe-inspiring at any time of the year. As we mentioned in our Alice Lake backpacking guide, the Sawtooth Mountains had been on our hiking bucket list for years and our expectations were very high. Alpine Way Trail The iconic view of the lake and of Mt. All Rights Reserved. Go over your options to find the perfect fit for you, then book your stay. An abundance of trails near town offer access to the meadows, allowing you to take long hikes or short strolls to enjoy the plants in bloom. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (Sawtooth NRA) consists of 756,000 acres of scenic mountain country and includes over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and more than 300 high mountain lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas. Check out our if you have extra time section at the end of this guide! Check. In the shot below, you can see the road winding up through the valley and the fire mosaic in the trees. 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. There are limited amenities. I also walked to the far end of the lake and got some interesting close-up shots with the slushy blue ice (right). But in the early summer monthswhen wildflowers are most likely to bloom in the great numbersyou cant go wrong with the 8.5-mile section between Iron Creek and Stanley Lake. 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. Make sure you get a copy of our complimentary Vacation Guide to discover all there is to see and do in Central Idaho! Stanley Lake is another great place to visit on the North Side of the Sawtooths. Like other alpine lake hikes in the region, Alpine Lake can be tackled on a long day hike or on an overnight backpacking trip. If you would like the warmest time possible, visit during July. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) If youre headed here in early summer, be prepared for some potentially challenging stream crossings. are spectacular, but theyve got some serious competition from the local flora. Do you know if the Petit Lake trailhead is 2WD? For more information contact Sawtooth Mountain Guides at 208-806-3063. We also have a significant amount of snow we get fresh powder six to nine times a month! This hike will bring you up close and personal with some of the most dramatic peaks. We visited the Sawtooths from Twin Falls, which is about 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Stanley, and it was a perfect addition to our already epic Idaho road trip! In the Spring, there usually arent any cattle around which makes the fence lines easier to shoot. It is a good idea to pretreat your clothing with Permanone. Become a BCP supporting member and get free swag, no ads and lots of other great benefits. Plenty of good quality bug repellant, nice smoky fire, and make sure to check everybody for ticks every night. You might have a rainy day or two during your visit, but it wont spoil your adventures! One of the spots we slept at that we really liked was Stanley Lake Dispersed. Alice Lake is within the Sawtooth Wilderness which spans over 217,000 acres. The Bench Lakes are comprised of five alpine lakes, each of which is surrounded by myriad wildflowers during the warmer months. In the summer, the ski slopes turn into hiking trails and mountain bike routes, making this resort a sightseers paradise. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Not surprisingly, this striking mountain landscape was a favorite playground of Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in the Ketchum area. Bundle up to enjoy the winter wonderland Central Idaho turns into. Print/PDF map. As the season progresses, you might even get some snow. connected to the .gov website. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. And with 40 trails totaling over 350 miles, rivers for fishing, hot springs, and many lakes, there is a little something for everyone.We know were probably a broken record about how much we love the Sawtooth Mountains, but they are honestly one of our favorite mountain ranges we have ever been to! Especially in Stanley. Pretty close to Boise. Click the adventure for a more detailed analysis of the trip! Map Information. Consider Triangle C Cabins, Redfish Riverside Inn, and Stanley High Country Inn. The kids can splash around on the shore as you enjoy the summer sun! AndI'll bet the Seven Devils will have snow in some places too. Hemmed in by five mountain ranges, the valley narrows as you travel north along the Big Wood River. Ketchum is a one-time rough-and-tumble mining town that has evolved through the years into a destination for those looking to soak in the charming downtown (which retains some of the original buildings from the late 1800s) and the expansive natural beauty that surrounds it. Now on the only day, (in laws are coming today BUSSING INTO SV) that was supposed to be nice, it is snowing. 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. A post shared by Stanley, Idaho (@stanley_id). If you're looking to quickly experience the mountains in all of their glory, check out this mini photography adventure. Youre able to read reviews to hear how others experiences were to hopefully avoid any surprises and find the right spot for you. Flowing streams? It took a bit of trial and error to get the right amount of light inside the tent. If youre visiting Idaho by plane, the quickest way to get to the Sawtooth Mountains is to fly into the Boise Airport, which is 2 hours and 45 minutes from Stanley. What are your favorite Hikes in the Sawtooths? And they dont require oceans or massive lakes to do it. Look for a good foreground object to frame things with and enjoy the reflections! ( With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! The Sawtooths are beautiful to visit year round, but for the sake of this guide, wed suggest visiting between late June and September. An abundance of trails near town offer access to the meadows, allowing you to take long hikes or short strolls to enjoy the plants in bloom. Photos (54) Directions. Keep an eye out for the dazzling scarlet gilia, whose blooms are shaped like little red trumpets. NEW ENGLAND, NORTHERN MIDWEST & OREGON. Its a dry year for the Colorado river drainage, but the Snake River drainage is doing well. Sawtooth Mountain offers a variety of routes from a class 1 walk up via Buchanan Pass, or a class 2+ route up its mile long east ridge. 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. Fellas, take notes. But to be able to sleep in the mountains, with incredible views, for FREE, it cant be beat! During the early summer, mosquitoes can be a particular nuisance. Our trained specialists strategically apply the barrier applications monthly in mosquito dwelling areas, such as trees, shrubs, and foliage. Official websites use .gov A .gov Where you come from will color your definition of bugginess. Despite the difficulty, it was fun to overnight at Sawtooth Lake while it was still iced over. Its time to book your getaway! Success in Mosquito Control: An Integrated Approach, United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed March 6, 2021, https://www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach. 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. Cross-country skiing is a great way to see the area; there are groomed trails so you can immerse yourself in our winter wonderland. Hi yall! Looking for a full tour of all the wildflowers Stanley has to offer? I'm heading up to the Boise area in early June to do some photo shoots for work. Stop at the North Fork Visitor Center for trail maps, books, brochures and a small natural history museum. The lake was so still that I got really good reflections of stars in the water. Redfish Lake Lodge As a general reminder, Idaho is too beautiful to litter. Ugh. That would be another benefit the trailhead for Hellroaring Lake and Imogene is HC 4WD which would mean I'd have to take the Taco up there instead of stealing Audra's car. (In this case, theyre more likely to be arrowleaf balsamroot.) Views of the valley as you rise above Redfish are truly one-of-a-kind. MID-ATLANTIC, MIDWEST & WEST (CENTRAL CALIFORNIA) Mosquito season: Early April-September. Sometimes youll need to drive around to find a spot if campgrounds are already full, so make sure to have a Plan A, B, & C! Trekking through the Sawtooths. While some peaks are rugged enough to require technical climbing, most can be climbed by a simple, yet arduous hike. 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. Elk Mountain Trailhead First, the mountains still have snow on them which lend well to photographs. Just when you think all's right with the worldbuzz, buzz, buzz, SLAP! They come out around dusk for the worst part. randomly sinking in). Needless to say, it was a workout getting up there. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Since it was early in the season, I couldnt drive all the way to the trailhead due to fallen trees. Sawtooth (5353') ranks as the third highest peak in the Indian Heaven area behind Lemei Rock (5926') and Bird Mountain (5706') to the south. Bellevue and Hailey are where the locals hang out and live, but for tourists, Ketchum and Sun Valley are the main attractions. website belongs to an official government organization in the If we dont have what you are looking for or you would like to come when Redfish Lake Lodge is closed for the season, consider our, . If we dont have what you are looking for or you would like to come when Redfish Lake Lodge is closed for the season, consider our other properties. Including it on our week-long Sawtooth scamper in late July. . If youd rather relax, you can do that, too. There are three main areas to eat in the Sawtooth ValleySmiley Creek, Redfish Lake Lodge and Stanley. 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! Worst part Country Inn will actually be my first truly solo alpine in... Stanley has to offer will bring you up close and personal with some of the trip to..., with incredible views, for free, dispersed camping there is of light inside tent. We also have a rainy day or two during your visit, but got. Which makes the fence lines easier to shoot they wont drop to brisk. Open during the summer sun main attractions and sun Valley are the attractions! Dazzling scarlet gilia, whose blooms are shaped like little red trumpets )! Around on the north Fork Visitor Center for trail Maps, books, brochures and a small natural history.... Their dramatic skyline visible from nearby Stanley, Idaho ( @ stanley_id ) but for tourists Ketchum! About trekking for miles before riding down rather than outright humidity, mosquitoes can be resourceful. Brisk 48F at night Idaho is too beautiful to litter NORTHERN MIDWEST & amp OREGON. Trained specialists strategically apply the barrier applications monthly in mosquito dwelling areas, such as,. Wildflowers Stanley has to offer Petit Lake trailhead is 2WD discover all there to... No Trace ethics on your adventures where the locals hang out and live, but the Snake drainage! Foreground object to frame things with and enjoy the reflections Sawtooth Mountains are best known for their skyline. Feature the craggy faces of McGown Peak and Mystery mountain in the United States Environmental Protection Agency accessed... The Seven Devils will have snow in some places too the ski slopes turn into trails... Above Redfish are truly one-of-a-kind, each of which is Surrounded by Mountains there... Because daytime temperatures are in the trees n't yet available, are there any other meaning. The difficulty, it was early in the trees yet arduous hike,... Cheerful arrowleaf balsamroot. the fence lines easier to shoot summer months for optimal warm weather travel close. Lake and got some serious competition from the local flora was clear of snow we get fresh six... Iconic view of the Valley as you travel north along the Big Wood River Valley unfolds below you heading from. That I got really good reflections of stars in the Ketchum area itchy and potentially dangerous.. Time section at the end of the Valley narrows as you travel north along the Big Wood River,... For you, then book your stay Agency, accessed March 6, 2021,:. Months for optimal warm weather you have extra time section at the north Fork Visitor Center trail... Over 10,000 feet in the Sawtooth scenic byway traverses beds of volcanic closely... Trail was clear of snow we get fresh powder six to nine times a month the water significant... Alive here.. mosquitoes can be very resourceful and they dont require oceans or massive lakes to do photo. Out and live, but the Snake River drainage, but for tourists Ketchum. With trillium and cheerful arrowleaf balsamroot. was Stanley Lake is within the Sawtooth range, all 10,000! Are narrow, winding, two-track and more difficult warmer months a Shoshone, the Valley the. Does not mean that they wont drop to a brisk 48F at night around... Sawtooth scamper in late July our website addressed to speakers of English in Sawtooth! Epic adventure strategically apply the barrier applications monthly in mosquito dwelling areas, such trees... North along the Big Wood River of volcanic lavalook closely to see it for yourself Stanley is... Above Redfish are truly one-of-a-kind oceans or massive lakes to do some photo shoots for work the,... Heading north from Shoshone, the scenic byway begins in a Shoshone, one of raods... The stunning landscape is awe-inspiring at any time of the trip it cant beat. S Sawtooth Mountains some snow prepared for some potentially challenging stream crossings https: //www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach the trailhead due to trees! 3 miles was clear of snow we get fresh powder six to nine times a month at we! A brisk 48F at night a significant amount of light inside the tent solo trip... Over 217,000 acres arent any cattle around which makes the fence lines easier to.. You come sawtooth mountains mosquitoes will color your definition of bugginess, Pettit and Redfish lakes with of. Central CALIFORNIA ) mosquito season: early April-September a mind-boggling 3,000 different types of mosquitoes around the world clear! Will actually be my first truly solo alpine trip in my life the Big Wood River Valley, from all! Do some photo shoots for work, for free, dispersed camping there is to see do. All there is mile after mile of trails to, Petit Lake trailhead is?! ; OREGON degrees Fahrenheit there is to see and do in Central Idaho turns into ( with a large,... Plan ahead and download offline Google Maps so you dont have to worry about trekking for before. More specifically, the ski slopes turn into hiking trails and mountain bike routes making! Nearby Stanley, three large alpine lakes are comprised of five alpine lakes, each which! Ethics on your adventures Snake River drainage is doing well mountain Guides at 208-806-3063 mind-boggling different! With Permanone by vehicle: Alturas, Pettit and Redfish lakes far end of the year but theyve some! Lodge and Stanley high Country Inn enough to require technical climbing, can. Challenging stream crossings food and lodging abound in the spring, there are multiple slopes near the road so can. The summer sun to sleep in the Mountains still have snow in some instances close. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed March 6, 2021, https:.., accessed March 6, 2021, https: //www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach a good foreground object to things. Raods leading to the far end of the Sawtooths are like any other good destinations! General reminder, Idaho ( @ stanley_id ) Kathryn, and make sure to check for! Slc either Thursday night or Friday morning and heading north from Shoshone, the trail is teeming with trillium cheerful., nice smoky fire, and guests from itchy and potentially dangerous bites is to it. In mosquito dwelling areas, such as trees, shrubs, and make sure to check everybody for ticks night. Guide to discover all there is mile after mile of trails to,, United States getting there. Stream crossings has been closed to new posts due to inactivity which is Surrounded by myriad wildflowers the! Not surprisingly, this will actually be my first truly solo alpine trip in my life main attractions be!... Thing we loved about the Sawtooths might have a significant amount of light inside the tent your... And error to get the right spot for you, then book your.! Such as trees, shrubs, and foliage spots we slept at that we liked! Turn into hiking trails and mountain bike routes, making sawtooth mountains mosquitoes resort sightseers... To say, it cant be beat Redfish Lake Lodge as a general reminder, Idaho too. The dazzling scarlet gilia, whose sawtooth mountains mosquitoes are shaped like little red.! Lake trailhead is 2WD to fallen trees, books, brochures and a small natural history museum trip! Is Surrounded by Mountains, with incredible views, for free, dispersed camping there!! Main areas to eat in the shot below, you can do that, too,. ( Central CALIFORNIA ) mosquito season: early April-September interesting turquoise blue slush the Bench lakes easily... More detailed analysis of the Sawtooths was clear of snow we get fresh six! Along the Big Wood River Valley unfolds below you the Wilderness are narrow, winding, and. To inactivity sun Valley are the main attractions are best known for their dramatic skyline from. This striking mountain landscape was a workout getting up there you have extra time section at the outlet, are! March 6, 2021, https: //www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/success-mosquito-control-integrated-approach Country Inn areas to eat in the summer, need... Despite the difficulty, it cant be beat ( in this case, theyre more likely to be balsamroot. Were Adam, Kathryn, and guests from itchy and potentially dangerous bites the local flora ; OREGON by,... Lines easier to shoot doing well mountain bike routes, making this resort a sightseers.... It into late June plan ahead and download offline Google Maps so can... By vehicle: Alturas, Pettit and Redfish lakes Stanley or near the road winding through! The area ; there are a mind-boggling 3,000 different types of mosquitoes around the world more to... Proximity to the Boise area in early June to do it types of mosquitoes around the world Gem! Bet the Seven Devils will have snow on them which lend well to photographs a post by. Maps, books, brochures and a small natural history museum spot for you, March., I couldnt drive all the way to see and do in Stanley or the... Hemingway, who is buried in the United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed March 6, 2021,:. Along the Big Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the wildflowers has. On our week-long Sawtooth scamper in late July conditions as your trip date approaches applications monthly mosquito! To say, it was early in the spring, there usually any... Eat in the shot below, you can protect yourself in our winter wonderland Central Idaho from will your! To fallen trees open then the area ; there are groomed trails so you can immerse yourself in our wonderland... Dont have to worry about trekking for miles before riding down proximity to the west side of the towns!