Stanley Basin, Sun Valley, and Ketchum, Idaho - Ketchum ID Off the Beaten Path

Preview: If the Tetons are the West’s most magnificent mountain range, Idaho’s Sawtooths run a close second. Stanley is the hub of Sawtooth country—in fact, it’s the only place in the United States where three National Forest Scenic Byways converge. In summer there’s camping, fishing, and boating on the Salmon River and at Redfish Lake, and there are hikes high into the mountains and adjacent wilderness areas. But for many people winter is prime time in the Stanley Basin because that’s when snowmobiling season starts. The area has more than 200 miles of groomed trails and outfitters poised to help visitors with everything from snow machine rental to lodging and meals. For example, Sawtooth Rentals charges $100 to $160 per day for a snowmobile; expert guides, snowsuits, boots, helmets, and gloves are available for rent, too. Stanley is the departure point for most trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which many people regard among the world’s premier whitewater trips. The classic Middle Fork trip covers 105 miles of river over six days, with prices between $1,200 and $1,700 per person. Many outfitters run the Main Salmon; for help in choosing and booking a trip, consider Idaho Whitewater Connection. Run by Greg Edson, a longtime river guide and past president of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, and his wife, Lori, IWC matches would-be river-runners with top outfitters working the Middle Fork, Main Salmon, Snake, and Selway Rivers. IWC also arranges chartered trips for large groups such as family reunions. The Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch south of Stanley ranks among the Gem State’s most renowned guest ranches. Built in the 1930s, the ranch offers plenty of activities, although it sometimes seems visitors are happiest just relaxing on the huge front porch of the central lodge, with its view of the Sawtooth Mountains. Other on-site diversions include a hot springs swimming pool, horseback riding, horseshoes, volleyball, fishing, and wildlife-viewing. Hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and rock climbing are available nearby as well. Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch has seventeen cabin accommodations and four lodge rooms, all with private baths. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, with four or five entrees featured nightly—a typical selection might include fresh Idaho trout, steaks, lamb, and pasta, along with homemade breads and desserts. The above description is an excerpt from "Idaho: Off the Beaten Path." Whether you're a visitor or a local looking for something different, this chapter from the Off the Beaten Path series will help you take the "road less traveled" and discover hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales that most tourists miss.
© Copyright Julie Fanselow published by Insiders' Guide all rights reserved.


This travel guide comes from:
Idaho Off the Beaten Path Guide Book