How long is the Idaho Sawtooths and Sun Valley Loop from Boise route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Boise to Boise in Idaho, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is Late June to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip.

Idaho Sawtooths and Sun Valley Loop from Boise

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Boise

2 nights

Idaho's capital and the natural start, where the foothills meet the high desert. Spend two nights: walk the Boise River Greenbelt, explore the downtown and the historic Basque Block, and stock up before the mountains. The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Highway 21) climbs north from here into the pines.Idaho's capital and the natural start, where the foothills meet the high desert. Spend two nights: walk the Boise River Greenbelt, explore the downtown and the historic Basque Block, and stock up before the mountains. The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Highway 21) climbs north from here into the pines.

Recommendations

41m · 49 km drive to Idaho City

Idaho City

1 night

A small 1860s gold-rush town on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, once the largest settlement in the Northwest. Stretch your legs among the wooden boardwalks and weathered timber buildings, visit the pioneer cemetery, then continue north over Mores Creek Summit toward the Sawtooths.A small 1860s gold-rush town on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, once the largest settlement in the Northwest. Stretch your legs among the wooden boardwalks and weathered timber buildings, visit the pioneer cemetery, then continue north over Mores Creek Summit toward the Sawtooths.

Recommendations

1h 31m · 109 km drive to Stanley & Redfish Lake

Stanley & Redfish Lake

2 nights

The route's wild heart, a tiny town under the jagged Sawtooth peaks. Use two nights as a base: swim or paddle at Redfish Lake, soak in free riverside hot springs such as Sunbeam, hike Fishhook Creek, and watch the Milky Way over the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.The route's wild heart, a tiny town under the jagged Sawtooth peaks. Use two nights as a base: swim or paddle at Redfish Lake, soak in free riverside hot springs such as Sunbeam, hike Fishhook Creek, and watch the Milky Way over the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.

Recommendations

1h 22m · 98 km drive to Ketchum & Sun Valley

Ketchum & Sun Valley

2 nights

Reached over Galena Summit and its grand overlook of the Salmon River headwaters. Ketchum is a walkable former mining town beside Sun Valley, North America's first destination ski resort. Ride the Bald Mountain lift, cycle the paved valley trails along the Big Wood River, or visit Hemingway's grave.Reached over Galena Summit and its grand overlook of the Salmon River headwaters. Ketchum is a walkable former mining town beside Sun Valley, North America's first destination ski resort. Ride the Bald Mountain lift, cycle the paved valley trails along the Big Wood River, or visit Hemingway's grave.

Recommendations

1h 15m · 90 km drive to Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument

1 night

An hour east of Ketchum, a startling sea of black lava, cinder cones and lava tubes from eruptions along the Great Rift. Drive the seven-mile Loop Road, walk the Devil's Orchard trail, climb Inferno Cone for the view, and explore the caves. It is a designated International Dark Sky Park.An hour east of Ketchum, a startling sea of black lava, cinder cones and lava tubes from eruptions along the Great Rift. Drive the seven-mile Loop Road, walk the Devil's Orchard trail, climb Inferno Cone for the view, and explore the caves. It is a designated International Dark Sky Park.

Recommendations

On the way

Boise
3h 52m · 278 km
Close the loop with the run west from Craters of the Moon back to Boise on Highways 20 and 26, across the Camas Prairie and down to the Snake River plain. Drop the car, or enjoy a final evening in the city before flying out.Close the loop with the run west from Craters of the Moon back to Boise on Highways 20 and 26, across the Camas Prairie and down to the Snake River plain. Drop the car, or enjoy a final evening in the city before flying out.
Recommendations

Idaho Sawtooths and Sun Valley Loop from Boise