17 Incredible Things to do in Stanley Idaho + Sawtooth Mountains
In this guide we’re sharing the best things to do in Stanley, Idaho including epic mountain hikes, relaxing natural hot springs, beautiful alpine lakes, and more!
It’s no secret that Stanley is one of Idaho’s most iconic mountain destinations, but we really do think it lives up to the hype. Located in central Idaho, Stanley is a tiny mountain town that sits at 6,253 feet in elevation at the base of the Sawtooth Range. Because of where it’s located, the views of the mountains are absolutely gorgeous!
We have visited this stunning mountain town twice now, and every time we come back, we find even more to love. From hanging out at Redfish Lake with the Sawtooth Mountains towering in the background, to soaking in a riverside hot spring after a long day on the trail, Stanley truly has it all. Add in hiking through pristine wilderness areas and delicious local eateries, it’s easy to see why so many fall in love with this corner of Idaho.
In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Stanley based on our personal experiences. We’ve also included helpful tips on where to stay, when to visit, what to bring, and everything else you need to plan your own epic summer getaway!
1. Soak in Boat Box Hot Springs
If you are looking for one of the most unique hot spring experiences in all of Idaho, you absolutely have to check out Boat Box Hot Springs! Located just a few minutes north of downtown Stanley right off Highway 75, this spot features a small metal cauldron right along the edge of the Salmon River where hot geothermal water is piped directly into the tub through a plastic tube!
The mineral water flowing into the cauldron is a piping hot 110°F to 136°F, so you definitely want to test the water before jumping in. If it’s a bit too hot, there is a plastic bucket tethered to the tub that you can use to scoop up cold river water from the Salmon River to mix in.
- Cost: Free!
Location: Right off Highway 75 (about 3.5 miles north of Stanley)
Parking: Extremely limited. There is only a small pull-out on the side of the road that can tightly fit about 2–3 cars.
Tips for visiting Boat Box Hot Springs:
Expect a wait (and keep it brief!): Because the cauldron is tiny and only fits 2-3 people at a time, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If someone is already soaking when you arrive, it’s polite to wait in your car or hang out by the riverbank. As a general rule of thumb, limit your soak to around 30 minutes if others are waiting!
Go at sunrise: To increase your chances of getting the cauldron all to yourself, we highly recommend going early in the morning.
Keep it clean: There are zero facilities or trash cans here, and the spot is entirely community-maintained. Please practice Leave No Trace and pack out absolutely everything you bring with you!
2. Boat at Redfish Lake
There is no better place to go for a day of boating than Redfish Lake. This scenic Sawtooth Mountain lake is nestled right outside of town and allows motorized boat use. The boat ramp is located at Sandy beach and is the only boat access point for Redfish lake.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing lake activity, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Sawtooth Adventure Company and spend the day on the this gorgeous alpine lake with some friends.
3. Hike to Sawtooth Lake
If you are considering day hikes in Stanley Idaho, Sawtooth Lake is the ideal destination for a scenic summer Stanley Idaho hike.
Now this is a day hike you won’t want to miss! The 10 mile trek has moderate difficulty and offers breathtaking views of mountains along with plenty see on your way up.
After climbing nearly 1,800 feet you’ll find that the overall difficulty level will be moderate and you will be rewarded with unforgettable views of Sawtooth Lake and get to check the best hike in Stanley Idaho off your list.
4. Soak in Mountain Village Resort Hot Spring
The hot spring at Mountain Village Resort is easily one of the most iconic places to soak in the entire state! What makes it so special is that the pool is housed inside a rustic log cabin sitting on the banks of Valley Creek! The front of the cabin features massive wooden barn doors that perfectly frame unobstructed views of the Sawtooth Mountains. We absolutely loved soaking here!
Because it is located on the private property of the Mountain Village Resort, it does require a bit of pre-planning to access, but we promise it is worth it.
Cost: Free if you are staying as a guest at the lodge! If you are just passing through town, non-guests can rent out a 1-hour time slot for $30 (for the first two people, plus $5 for each additional guest).
Location: Mountain Village Resort (right at the junction of Highways 21 and 75 in town)
5. Explore Stanley Lake
While Redfish Lake gets a lot of the spotlight (and for good reason!), Stanley Lake is another absolutely spectacular alpine lake that you cannot miss! Located just about 15 minutes west of town right off Highway 21, it is a bit smaller and significantly quieter than Redfish, making it the perfect place to escape the crowds.
The backdrop here is one of our absolute favorites in the entire area. McGown Peak towers a massive 9,860 feet right behind the water, and it is GORGEOUS! We highly recommend making the drive out here just after sunrise if you can swing it.
There is also a day-use beach area where you can set up some camp chairs, go for a swim, or launch a paddleboard or kayak (no motorized boat rentals here).
If you love hiking, the Stanley Lake Trailhead starts here and can take you into the wilderness up to gorgeous spots like Lady Face Falls and Bridal Veil Falls!
If you are traveling in a van or an RV, Stanley Lake has three Forest Service campgrounds: Stanley Lake Campground, Inlet Campground, and Lakeview Campground. Some sites are reservable on Recreation.gov, while others are strictly first-come, first-served.
6. Hike to Lady Face Falls
If you are looking for a relatively easy hike that pairs perfectly with a morning at Stanley Lake, you absolutely have to hit the trail to Lady Face Falls! The entire round trip is right around 5.6 miles.
The trailhead starts from the Stanley Lake campground area. The trail follows the Stanley Lake Creek trail, winding you through beautiful pine forests and open meadows that offer incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
The main thing to watch out for is the turnoff for the falls itself. It isn’t clearly marked with an official forest service sign, so you will want to keep your eyes peeled for a well-worn social trail heading down toward the canyon, about 2.5 miles into the hike. We highly recommend downloading an offline map on AllTrails Plus before you head out so you don’t accidentally hike right past it!
Once you make the short scrambly descent down to the creek, you are treated to an awesome view of Lady Face Falls rushing through a narrow granite canyon!
7. Cove Creek Hot Springs
If you want to experience a unique and intimate natural hot springs pool, look no further than Cove Hot Springs.
Cove Hot Springs is another local hot spring option located along the Salmon River in the sawtooth National Recreation area.
What we love about hot springs that are on the river, is that you can move around the river rock to let in more cold water if the pool gets too hot.
8. Cast a Line on the Salmon River
The Salmon River is a popular destination for anglers. Salmon are the main game fish in this area, but you might also reel in some trout and steelhead.
Fly fishing can be a complicated hobby, but luckily there are guides in Stanley who know where all the good spots are on the Salmon River. Places like Headwaters Fly-Fishing Guides and Salmon River Anglers offer half day trips as well as full days of fly fishing experience.
9. Sunbeam Hot Springs
Sunbeam Hot Springs Stanley Idaho are among the list of most famous thermal hot springs in the area.
The soothing, healing waters of Sunbeam Hot Springs are must for those wishing to soak in the Salmon River and Sawtooth Mountain scenery.
There are a few different pools to soak in with the option to adjust the temperature based on your desired soaking preferences.
Other Nearby Hot Springs
- Valley Creek Hot Springs
- Kirkham Hot Springs
- Goldbug Hot Springs
- Frenchman’s Hot Springs
10. Check Out the Stanley Historical Museum
The first settlers of the Sawtooth Valley were hard-working people who traveled from all over. They carried with them their hopes and dreams for a better life, but they soon found themselves in an unforgiving landscape that offered little to no sustenance or resources.
But through great adversity comes great creativity. This group created some incredible art pieces. These artifacts can be seen today at Stanley Historical Museum.
With its special permit from the Forest Service, in 1972 Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association was able to open up a museum on site where they showcase these incredible artifacts.
If you’re looking for things to do in Stanley Idaho that teach you about the history of the area, the Stanley Museum is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, daily.
11. Ride a Single Track
If you want to take on the challenge of riding a single track in Stanley, Id then don’t miss this opportunity to hit one of the many dirt bike trails in the area.
There are many trails with varying degrees of difficulty that will challenge even experienced dirt bikers! Some of our favorite single track trails in the Sawtooth Mountains of Stanley Idaho include:
- Little Casino
- Big Casino
- Germania trail head
12. Horseback Riding
Mystic Saddle Ranch features breathtaking views of the sawtooth wilderness from the saddle as you explore some of North America’s most beautiful terrain. You will be accompanied by friendly guides who will share their knowledge about the Stanley area!
Since 1969, Mystic Saddle Ranch has provided unforgettable guided horseback Riding in Stanley Idaho. Schedule a horseback ride and experience the beauty of Idaho from a whole new perspective.
13. Camping Near Stanley Idaho
Camping At Redfish Lake Campgrounds
Pack up your tent and head to one of the three campgrounds at Redfish lake; Sockeye Campground, Redfish Outlet Campground or Glacier View Campground. The campgrounds are often first come, first served. Show up early to get a site or make your reservation online!
Camping At Stanley Lake Campgrounds
Stanley Lake offers a campground with nightly fees that allow you to enjoy camping at its finest. The Campground is composed of 19 campsites at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains with views of McGowan Peak and Stanley Lake. This campsite accepts reservations which can be made by visiting www.recreation.gov
There is no shortage of camping in the Sawtooth National Forest, but did you know that there is also a free dispersed camping Stanley Idaho? We always use Campendium to find all our free camping locations in the US.
Have you ever wanted to RV camp for free, but don’t know where to get started? For tips on how to do it, check out How We Find RV Camping for FREE!
If you want more information about camping without amenities, we have a Complete Guide To RV Boondocking with all sorts of good advice. The guide is very detailed so there’s something in here for everybody no matter what your experience level may be!
14. White Water Rafting Adventure
The Salmon River is a gorgeous, scenic river that winds through the wilderness of Idaho. The Class III rapids on the Upper Salmon can be a safe, perfect whitewater rafting experience for first-time rafters and seasoned river enthusiasts.
Book a scenic float trip with one of these experienced river guide companies. With their experience and expertise white water rafting down the Salmon River, there is no one better to take you down the most scenic part of the Idaho Wilderness.
- White Cloud Rafting Adventures
- Sawtooth Adventure Company
- The River Company
15. Have a Picnic at Pettit Lake
Pack up your favorite picnic supplies, and head to Pettit Lake- a pristine and beautiful glacier-made lake in the Sawtooth National Forest.
Located 17 miles south of Stanley, Idaho it’s surrounded by the majestic Sawtooth Mountains. This lake is a short drive away from Stanley with beautiful scenery waiting to be discovered!
There are a number of other outdoor activities around Pettit lake that you can explore if you want to stay longer.
The lake provides a great place to camp, with many trailheads for day hikes, kayaking opportunities, and even fishing are some of your many options to enjoy when figuring out what to do in Stanley Idaho.
16. Rent A Side-by-Side and Go off-Roading
Rent a side by side from Sawtooth Traxx. With hundreds of miles worth of trails in Sun Valley just waiting for you to explore. Half day rentals start at 3 and a half hours or all-day rentals for 7 hours of fun and excitement! All rentals include helmets and one tank of gas. Check their websites for prices and to book an adventure online.
17. Enjoy a Meal at one of Stanley's Many Restaurants
You don’t have to go far to find amazing Stanley Idaho food. There are so many fantastic eateries in the area!
Experience local flavor and cuisine with some of these delicious Stanley Idaho restaurants that offer locally sourced produce, flavors, and ingredients – there is something that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds while they enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Sawtooth Mountain Range.
Check out some of our favorite places to eat in Stanley Idaho.
Stanley Baking Company – This quaint bakery is the perfect place to sip coffee and enjoy scenic views of the Sawtooth Mountains. With the aroma of freshly baked goods, you’ll have no choice but to stop and enjoy the best breakfast in Stanley Idaho. Their fresh treats to fuel up for a day of adventure.
Papa Brunee’s –Looking for an eatery to satisfy your Italian food desires? Papa Brunee’s is full of authentic pizzas, calzones and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients daily. It’s the best Italian food you’ll find in town!
Sawtooth Luce’s – Burgers and brews are the highlights at Sawtooth Luce’s. Sit out on their deck to enjoy your tasty grub while relaxing with a beautiful view overlooking Stanley and all of its mountain ranges.
Lodging in Stanley Idaho
There are many hotels and lodging accommodations with amenities to make for an enjoyable experience. Here are the best places to stay in Stanley Idaho:
Redfish Lake Lodge
The Lodge sits on the North shore of Redfish lake, and offers visitors secluded vacations for two all the way up to an eight-person bunkhouse that will accommodate everyone. The Redfish Lake Lodge has a rental perfect for every type of traveler.
For visitors looking for lodging close to downtown, here are some comfortable accommodations with convenient access to town that are rated as Stanley Idaho best places to stay:
- Stanley High Country Inn
- Redfish Riverside Inn
- Mountain Village Resort
- Sun Valley Resort
Final Thoughts On Things To Do Near Stanley Idaho
If you’re looking for a vacation destination that is jam-packed with activities, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of outdoor adventures to suit any taste – look no further for finding the best things to do In Stanley Idaho.
This ultimate guide has something for everyone! We hope you find the information in this blog post useful and that it helps to plan your next visit to this charming mountain town!
Have you ever visited Stanley Idaho? Tell us about your favorite activities in the comments below!
If you visit Stanley because of this guide, let us know and tag us in your photos on Instagram @livingtinywithawolf
Thank you for this guide. We RV also with our dog .