It can be reached from State Highway 21. [9][10] Evidence of past glaciation given remnants of the glaciers such as glacial lakes, moraines, horns, hanging valleys, cirques, and arêtes. This distance proved to be a "feature" of our vacation. [4][5], The northern Sawtooth Range formed from the Eocene Sawtooth batholith, while south of Alturas Lake the mountains formed from the Cretaceous granodiorite of the Idaho Batholith. This range of the Rocky Mountains boasts about 50 peaks over 3,000 m (10,000 ft) high. Idaho now provides a different Idaho Fire Map here that is updated in real time. [8] The Sawtooth Range was last extensively glaciated in the Pleistocene, but glaciers probably existed during the Little Ice Age, which ended around 1850 AD. The lakes and mountains are encompassed by over 40 trails that start from more than 20 trailheads. The drive between Ketchum and Stanley includes some dramatic scenery and. [2], The mountains were named for their jagged peaks. The drive took about an hour each way. you feel the urge to take it all in. We passed beautiful views of the Sawtooth mountains. km (678 sq. Many vistas to take photos along the drive. I'm already thinking about my trip to ID next year. [4], Climbs range in difficulty between the 9,150-foot (2,790 m) Observation Peak, a Class 1 hike, and 8,980-foot (2,740 m) King Spire, a rock route rated Class 5.10 on the Yosemite Decimal System. The best season for these activities is from July through to September. miles) in Central Idaho, with the highest elevation at Thompson Peak, 3,277 m (10,751ft). Find out the best things to do in Idaho’s Sawtooth mountains! Great scenery & wildlife between Ketchum/Sun Valley & Stanley, We wanted to spend some time near Stanley but left planning a little late and ended up finding best hotel options an hour's drive away in Ketchum, ID. The sharp, jagged mountains stretch for 1,756 sq. The Sawtooth Wilderness, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and Sawtooth National Forest are the most popular destinations in the state for hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and climbing. I wanted to stop at every turnout and take photos, Stretch your eyes at every opportunity you can spare on this scenic drive. From Mapcarta, the free map. There are several developed campgrounds on the western side of range, outside the Sawtooth Wilderness, including at Redfish, Little Redfish, Alturas, Pettit, and Stanley lakes, as well as at Iron Creek. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. [3], There are 57 peaks with an elevation over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in the Sawtooth Range, all falling between 10,000 to 10,751 feet (3,048 to 3,277 m) on Thompson Peak, the highest point in the range. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, fast-flowing rivers, and over 400 alpine lakes, there are countless adventures for those who want to explore. McGown, one of the many impressive peaks in the Sawtooth range. crowded, but so beautiful! It is one of the largest and most popular lakes in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in the vicinity of Stanely, Idaho.