Driving the Sawtooth Scenic Byway: Must-See Stops on this Central Idaho Road Trip
(Updated: 2023)
Embark on a scenic journey through the heart of Idaho's stunning wilderness on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. This 115-mile stretch of road winds through the Sawtooth Mountains, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. Idaho has been one of my favorite states to road trip for several reasons; one in particular because of all the different landscapes.
The Sawtooth Scenic Byway, 1 of over 30 scenic highways in Idaho, is an easy, free, day road trip in the state that takes you through mountains, up in elevation, and into some of the cutest ski resort towns with epic pull-off points to take in the views. It is one of Idaho’s most scenic routes. So let’s dive into what makes this drive so special and all of the details to know before you hit the road.
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Best Time to Drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway
You can drive the Sawtooth Scenic Byway year-round! The different seasons offer different attractions and experiences. So which is the best? ALL of them! It depends on your comfort level and what kind of experience you are looking for.
Winter: 2 words: Snow and skiing! Idaho is a big ski state and on this drive, you will be passing through some adorable ski towns (which I talk more about below). For this reason, these areas can see more crowds. Don’t let the fear of driving in snow deter you from visiting this time of year though. The scenic byway is well taken care of being plowed regularly to allow easy access for visitors. It’s otherworldly being able to see the landscape covered in snow. Even with the preparations made by the state, still, come prepared with warm clothes (it gets to sub-zero in the Stanley, ID/Sawtooth Mountain region), tire chains, and check the weather before beginning your drive.
Spring: This time of year is still quite chilly. Snow is still on the ground and doesn’t really get above 60 degrees in Stanley until around June. Spring is a good time to visit after the worst of the snowfall in the mountains but as the temperature begins to rise. This is the rainiest season in the area. Crowds aren’t much of a concern this time of year though!
Summer: We visited in the Summer and it was lovely! Not too hot, the mornings were very cool, and the crowds weren’t bad though this is considered one of the most popular times to visit. Because summer is technically off-season for most of the towns you drive through on the scenic byway, there are limited restaurants open so keep that in mind!
Fall: Traffic starts to die down for a little after the high of the Summer crowds. You will find cooler temperatures and possibly a bit of rain.
Where Does the Drive Start and End?
The Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in Shoshone, ID, and ends in Stanley, ID located in the Central Idaho region. The road known as Highway 75 all the way through runs North and South. We personally drove (and recommend) it beginning in Shoshone and ending in Stanley to end high in the Sawtooth Mountain region. But you can absolutely start in Stanley and end in Shoshone as well.
How Long Does the Sawtooth Scenic Byway Drive Take?
The drive is 115 miles long and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive straight through. Expect to take more time out of your day to pull over, hop out of your car at pull-off stops, and take a moment to take in the views. Weather can also slow down your routes like with rain and snow.
Where to Stay Along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway
The full-serviced towns along this route - which includes gas stations, restaurants, and a place to sleep - are Shoshone, Bellevue, Hailey, Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Stanley.
We stayed a night in Hailey, ID, which is a quaint ski-resort town nearly halfway through the Sawtooth Scenic Byway drive. I loved staying in Hailey because it was more affordable than towns like Ketchum and Sun Valley which are larger tourist towns, the town was walkable, and locals friendly.
*Keep in mind if you visit some of these small towns during their off-season (summer), it’s a little more difficult to find places that are open for food and drinks. Most establishments had shortened weeks and hours during this season and are open more fully during the winter for all the tourist skiers.
You can do this scenic drive in one day but if you choose to break up the drive, there are several great towns to choose from to stay in!
Things to Do Along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway in Idaho
There are a number of unique and scenic things to do and see along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. I have listed below in order from Shoshone to Stanley, some of these highlights along the way to add to your drive.
Shoshone Falls
While in Shoshone, be sure to visit what is known as the “Niagara of the West;” Shoshone Falls. This is an incredible waterfall standing taller than Niagara Falls at 212 feet tall. It is a sight to behold any time of year though the falls are the strongest in Spring after the snowpack melts.
Cost: $5/vehicle
Location: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Shoshone Ice Caves
Take a guided tour through one of the largest underground lava ice caves in Idaho, the Shoshone Ice Caves. A natural wonder!
Cost: $12/adult
Location: 1561 ID-75, Shoshone, ID 83352, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Black Magic Canyon
Black Magic Canyon has been carved out by water over thousands of years leaving behind twisting and turning smooth lava rock sculptures. This is a hidden gem of Idaho but has some rules on visiting. Learn more here.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
Sawtooth Botanical Garden
The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a high-altitude botanical garden located in Ketchum. It offers views of the surrounding ski mountains and is home to 1 of only 2 prayer wheels to be blessed by the Dalai Lama in North America.
Cost: $7/person
Location: 11 Gimlet Rd, Ketchum, ID 83340, United States - Get directions on Google Maps
Ketchum/Sun Valley
Ketchum and Sun Valley are one and the same and whether you want to take a break in your drive to hit the slopes or find a cozy local restaurant for a quick stop, definitely take a moment to check out these towns.
Cost: Free to visit
Location of Ketchum: Get directions on Google Maps
Location of Sun Valley: Get directions on Google Maps
Galena Summit
Galena Summit is one of the most iconic and best scenic views of the Sawtooth Mountains located right off the road at a viewpoint along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. It is located about 30 minutes south of Stanley, ID on Hwy 75.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions with Google Maps
Sunbeam Hot Springs
Located about 20 minutes East of Stanley, ID is Sunbeam Hot Springs. These are geothermal springs along the Salmon River. They are easy to access and free (which also can mean a lot of foot traffic!)
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
+ Endless turn-off viewpoints!
Suggested 1-Day Sawtooth Scenic Byway Itinerary
Follow this itinerary driving from Shoshone to Stanley! And just do it in reverse if you are going from Stanley to Shoshone.
Visit Shoshone Falls
Get on Hwy 75 towards Stanley, but before leaving Shoshone, Idaho, stop by the Black Magic Canyon for a challenging and rewarding hike. Or something a little more easy-going great for any age, take a tour of the Shoshone Ice Caves.
Continuing to drive North you will begin to see the landscape change to rolling hills and valleys.
Stop in Hailey, Ketchum, or Sun Valley for lunch.
While you are in the area stop at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
Along with your drive from here on to Stanley, be sure to take advantage of the numerous opportunities to safely pull over at viewpoints as you climb the mountains, including Galena Summit Viewpoint - a mountain pass at 8,701 feet above sea level.
End in the lovely mountain tourist town of Stanley.
Grab a bite to eat from a local eatery and end the drive with a relaxing dip at Sunbeam Hot Springs.
Map
Resources
Visit Idaho Website: https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/road-trips/sawtooth-scenic-byway/
Sawtooth Weather, Forecast, Avalanche Notices, Road Closures & Webcams: https://sawtoothguides.com/weather-conditions/
Sawtooth National Forest Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sawtooth/home
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