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?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

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

1
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.
Hire your car and stock up here; services thin out fast in the mountains. Check Highway 21 status, as the Lowman to Stanley stretch closes in winter.
2
Idaho City
1 night41m · 49 km from previous
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.
An easy hour from Boise, good for a half-day stop or a quiet first mountain night. Fuel up before the long forested run on to Stanley.
3
Stanley & Redfish Lake
2 nights1h 31m · 109 km from previous
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.
Book Stanley lodging well ahead in summer; beds are few. Redfish Lake Lodge runs a shuttle boat across the lake to quieter trailheads.
4
Ketchum & Sun Valley
2 nights1h 22m · 98 km from previous
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.
Summer is festival season, so book ahead. The paths along the Big Wood River are ideal for an easy cycle or run between drives.
5
Craters of the Moon National Monument
1 night1h 15m · 90 km from previous
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.
Get a free cave permit at the visitor center and carry plenty of water; the lava fields are hot and shadeless. The Loop Road closes in winter.
6
Boise
3h 52m · 278 km from previous
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.
The final leg is long but easy highway driving. Visit Craters in the morning to reach Boise in good light.

Idaho Sawtooths and Sun Valley Loop from Boise

The route · 6 stops

Boise

Idaho City

Stanley & Redfish Lake

Ketchum & Sun Valley

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Boise

Route highlights

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Idaho Sawtooths and Sun Valley Loop from Boise

The route · 6 stops

Boise

Idaho City

Stanley & Redfish Lake

Ketchum & Sun Valley

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Boise

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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