Epic 4-Day Idaho Road Trip on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway: Hot Springs, Hiking + Alpine Lakes

Last updated on July 2, 2025

The Sawtooth Scenic Highway outside Boise is one of the best Idaho road trips you can take. Picture dense pine forests with loads of free camping, dozens of natural hot springs, epic mountain views, great hiking, and the prettiest alpine lake for fishing and boating.

Honestly, it sounds too good to be true, but this 7 hour loop is as dreamy as it seems and is the perfect getaway for a 4 day road trip.

We spent just over a week exploring the Sawtooth Scenic Byway in our Class C RV and we can officially say it’s one of our favorite road trips we’ve ever taken. Idaho blew us away in every way possible and we want you to discover its natural beauty too.

This 4 day itinerary on the famous Sawtooth Scenic Byway will help you make the most of this epic Idaho road trip. Aside from sharing the top hikes, hot springs, and must-see destinations along the route, we’ve included where to stay and eat, and tips for planning your trip.

Now, buckle up and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

About This 4 Day Idaho Road Trip Itinerary

The official Sawtooth Scenic Byway begins in Shoshone and ends in Stanley, Idaho. However, for ease and to include some gorgeous nearby areas this route will make a loop from Boise.

Four days is what this itinerary is designed for, but you can easily extend the road trip stopping in more towns or staying longer in some places. We spent a week there and wish we had more time to explore. I highly recommend allocating a full week for this trip. I promise, there is no shortage of things to do.

The Best Time for a Sawtooth Scenic Byway Road Trip

There is no “bad time” to do this Idaho road trip itinerary. It’s incredible in the winter (although you should be prepared for intense snowy conditions) and dreamy in the summer. We prefer warmer weather over cold, so we think the best time for a Sawtooth Scenic Byway road trip is from July to September.

Play

The high elevation means summer days are ideal, in the mid-70s to lower-80s with the nights dipping into the 40s and 50s. The weather can be unpredictable in the Sawtooths. Snow comes early and can leave late. Always keep an eye on the weather before planning your road trip!

Our Idaho road trip to Stanley was at the start of September. We didn’t need to use our RV’s air conditioner at all but needed the furnace at night. If you’re coming during the winter make sure you have a vehicle that can handle snowy conditions.

🚙💨 Looking for more road trip ideas? Check out this blog post next!

Be Prepared for Wildfires in the Summer Months

If you plan this road trip during the summer be prepared for wildfires. Summer wildfires are common in Idaho and can impact your road trip route or the activities you do. Even if the immediate area isn’t at risk of a fire, smoke can blow hundreds or thousands of miles and cause poor air quality making things like hiking, biking, or other outdoor activities unsafe.

🔥 Wildfire season begins in June and ends in September. Our trip was cut short due to fires in Ketchum. The road was closed and the smoke in the mountains was intense. Air quality was poor toward the end of the trip so we had to re-route.

Make sure you have an emergency alert system or stay informed of potential wildfire activity while exploring due to the limited cell reception in the Sawtooth Mountains. If you see plumes of smoke nearby stay alert and you may need to return to your vehicle to evacuate.

Most wildfires are started by accident by vehicles, from a manmade fire, or cigarettes being thrown on the ground. Do your part to prevent wildfires! Follow any no-burn rules when visiting and be mindful of your impact on the landscape.

How to do This Idaho Road Trip Responsibly

During our Idaho road trip, we chatted with several locals who showed disdain for the increased number of visitors coming to this area. Overtourism is a serious issue right now.

While tourism is important for the Sawtooth Mountains region, many hot springs and trails are being mistreated. Careless visitors were parking in unsafe spaces causing traffic issues along windy two-lane roads. Increased visitors means fewer people can enjoy the spaces and inevitably trash and even animal or human waste was being left behind.

We did not include many of the “lesser known” hot springs along this route to help protect them from overuse. The hot springs on the map are public on Google when you search “hot springs” in this area. They are not a hidden gem and are better able to handle the visitors.

😞 One of the hot springs we visited in our video has been closed because of overuse and unsafe parking along the highway. It’s such a shame, as it was one of our favorites!

If you plan to follow in our footsteps with this Idaho road trip itinerary, please respect the locals and the areas you visit.

• 👙Wear a swimsuit at the springs unless it explicitly says clothing is optional.
• 🫗 Never bring glass to a hot spring or on a hike, if it breaks it can be dangerous to others.
• 🚮 Leave no trace. Always take any trash, food, or other waste items with you.
• 🅿️ If a hot spring is busy or there is no parking, keep driving and try to return at a slower time. Do not park illegally or in a dangerous spot on the road.
• 🔇Be mindful of your noise level when exploring. Don’t play loud music on trails or at the springs.

What to Pack for Your Epic Idaho Road Trip

Weather in the Sawtooth Mountains can be unpredictable. Rain or snow can come out of nowhere, and despite it being summer it’s common to need a jacket, jeans, and warm clothing for your summer vacation. The weather was nice during our trip, but the following week called for snow!

We love Merino wool clothing because it’s perfect for traveling and layering. It’s lightweight and can be cooling or warming, plus it doesn’t retain odors. You can shop our favorite products at Unbound Merino here.

👟 I love my Vessi boots for hiking near rivers or lakes. It has a great grip so I don’t slip in mud. It keeps my feet warm and dry since they are waterproof. Plus, they’re cute! You can grab a pair here.

A wind and rain jacket and a warmer down jacket are a good idea since the weather is so unpredictable. The hot springs along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway were our main reason for this road trip so bring several bathing suits, flip flops, and a quick dry towel, too.

Grab the gear below:

• Rain or wind jacket
• Jeans and shorts (shorts only in summer)
• Merino wool layers (both t-shirts and long sleeves)
• Mid-weight jacket (even in summer)
• Sneakers or hiking boots
• Bathing suits
• Hiking backpack if you plan to go hiking
• Quick dry towel
• Flip flops (to get to and from the springs)
• Deet-free bug spray (especially in summer)
• Sun protection like a sun hat or buff

Where to Start and End This Idaho Road Trip

The Boise International Airport is the closest airport to the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s an awesome city with amazing food, great biking trails, and fun activities. We spent 4 days in Boise and loved our time there. If you have extra time to extend your trip and spend a day or two enjoying all Boise has to offer before beginning your journey into the mountains.

🚙 If you need to rent a car in Boise, book it through Discover Rentals below!

If you’re not a city fan or simply want to make the most of your Sawtooth Mountains road trip, fly into the airport, pick up your rental car, and hit the road toward Stanley.

Accommodations for This Road Trip Route

The Sawtooth Mountains are remote. Aside from a few public Wifi areas in Stanley and sparse cell reception in Ketchum, there is no cell service. Download Google Maps before arriving to navigate from spot to spot without service.

Ketchum will have the most services, but it’s a good idea to get anything you might need for the trip in Boise before departing.

Since it’s such a remote area there aren’t huge hotels to stay at with the exception of Ketchum. Most accommodations are small privately owned cabins, campgrounds at the state park, dispersed camping areas, or smaller lodges. Given the limited accommodations in this area, we encourage you to book your stays early!

Top hotels along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway

• Best lodge in Stanley: Mountain Village Lodge ⭐⭐, 8.2 rating
• Best cabin in Stanley: The Wall Street Cabin ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 10 rating
• 🏩 Best overall stay in Ketchum: Limelight Lodge ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.6 rating
  Explore all stays in this region >

We camped in established campsites less than a 5-minute walk to several springs and camped for free in more remote areas. Most operated on a first-come-first-serve basis and we had zero issues getting into those spots without reservations.

However, if you want to camp at an established campsite near Redfish Lake make reservations early. This is one of the most popular spots in the Sawtooth Mountains and the campsites book early!

If there is no availability during your travel window, use Arvie to book it for you. Arvie is an online RV reservation service where you can search and book camping spots at thousands of campgrounds across the country.

Arvie has a feature called sold-out search (SOS) where you enter your desired dates, camping preferences, and rig size. If something pops up that meets that criteria Arvie will automatically book it for you!

It’s free to try and well worth it if you’re having trouble getting your desired camping dates. We’ve used it to score spots at popular campgrounds on Lake Tahoe, in the Florida Keys, and countless others.

Starting Your Sawtooth Scenic Byway Road Trip

Spanning 116 miles (187 kilometers), The Sawtooth Scenic Byway runs along Highway 75 from Shoshone to Stanley, Idaho.

This itinerary has you driving a loop from Boise to Stanley, then Sun Valley, Shoshone, and back to Boise. Along the way, you’ll stop at iconic spots like Redfish Lake near Stanley which is great for hot springs, trails, biking, and other outdoor activities. In total, this trip is 363 miles (584 kilometers) and takes 7 hours to complete.

Day 1: Hot Springs in the Boise National Forest

Day 1 you’ll depart from Boise driving to the Boise National Forest an hour and a half from the city. The road is very windy and steep, so prepare for a stunning, but curvy drive. Your first day is all about hot springs! I’ll take you to several hot springs before arriving in Stanley, where you’ll be based for the next two nights.

🛣️ Total miles: 135 miles / 217 kilometers
🚙 Estimated drive time: 3 hours
📸 # of stops: 3

Stop 1: Pine Flat Hot Springs

Ideally, you’ll depart Boise first thing in the morning arriving in the Boise National Forest by mid-morning or mid-day. I recommend having a hearty breakfast in Boise. Bring a lunch (like a sub-sandwich) that you can enjoy at one of the stops if possible. Lunch is only available in Stanely. It’s certainly an option, but takes away from the overall route.

There are two paths to the Boise National Forest from the city. You can take Highway 21 through Idaho City or Highway 55. Both are very steep and windy. It’s a good idea to check the road conditions and drive times as delays from accidents and repairs can impact your drive.

The first stop will be Pine Flat Hot Springs. This is attached to Pine Flats Campground and is a quick 5-minute walk to a series of hot pools along the cliffside. The views are insane!

If you know where to look (secret spot) there’s a massive thermally heated waterfall that flows into a large soaking pool. Talk about epic! There is a $5 entrance fee with a self-pay (cash only) box near the trailhead.

Stop 2: Kirkham Hot Springs

Your next stop is only a 15-minute drive up the road. Kirkham Hot Springs is one of the most famous springs in the Boise National Forest. It’s super unique because it has cascading hot waterfalls and small pools for soaking next to the river. When you see hot steam cascading from a waterfall on the side of the road, you’ll know you’ve made it to the right place!

There’s a fairly large parking area with boardwalks and trails to the main soaking areas. The rocks leading up to the springs were very slippery – so be careful as you’re walking!

Stop 3: Bonneville Hot Springs

When you’re done relaxing, hop back in your car and drive another 25 minutes up the road to Bonneville Hot Springs.

Bonneville Hot Springs is attached to a campground and has a day-use fee of $5 with a self-pay box. There was a lot of parking here, which was nice for our RV. We made lunch before walking a 1/4 mile (10 – 15 minutes) down a trail to the springs.

This spring is very picturesque. It has an old wooden soak shack that would have been used in decades past next to a waterfall cascading steaming water into the river.

♨️ This spring at the waterfall was extremely hot – like burn your skin hot. Do not soak in the springs near the old wooden house and waterfall. Go further down the river to where people have made pools from rocks. You can add or remove rocks to get the perfect temperature.

We were the only ones there during our visit. It was so peaceful listening to the flowing water from the stream with the birds and wind blowing, we fell asleep soaking!

Stop 4: Stanley

Your last stop for today is 45 minutes up the road in the tiny town of Stanley. This town has roughly 70 year-round residents but remains the hub for the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s the only town with an hour’s drive where you’ll find lodging, restaurants, and public amenities like a library or post office – just don’t expect much.

Get settled into your accommodation now then head out for a delicious meal. Restaurants close early in Stanley, so plan your meal around your arrival time.

Where to eat

• Stanley Supper Club – awesome food with locally sourced food. Their menu changes based on what’s available. Super charming interior, too! 🌟 OUR TOP PICK.
• The Hangout is a no-frills spot for delicious burgers and fries.
• Papa Brunee’s is where to go if you’re craving pizza.

Where to stay

• 🚐 RV Camping: Bonneville Hot Springs Campground (dry camping) $23 fee. If you prefer a full hook-up RV park stay at Stanley RV and Camp ($65+). If you want remote boondocking, explore some of the nearby free dispersed campsites here.
  
• 🏩 Best overall stay (if there is availability): Redfish Lake Lodge ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 4.7/5 star rating
• 🏡 Best cabin in Stanley: The Wall Street Cabin ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 10/10 rating 🌟 OUR TOP PICK.
• 🏨 Best lodge in Stanley: Mountain Village Lodge ⭐⭐, 8.2/10 rating
• 🏡 Best budget stay in Stanley: Sawtooth Scenic Retreat ⭐⭐, 10/10 rating

Day 2: Stanley and Redfish Lake

🛣️ Total miles: 40 miles / 64 kilometers
🚙 Estimated drive time: 1 hour
📸 # of stops: 2

Today you’re hanging around the Stanley area exploring the trails and vistas at the famous Redfish Lake. There are loads of different activities to do here depending on your interests. After, you’ll drive 20 minutes east to finish your evening off at another natural hot spring!

Stop 1: Redfish Lake

Start your second day on this Sawtooth Scenic Byway trip with breakfast in your RV, campsite, or at Stanley Baking Company & Café. Then drive 15 minutes south of Stanley to Redfish Lake.

Redfish Lake is a top attraction in Idaho drawing in visitors for idyllic summer getaways for centuries. The lake is five miles long and fed by glaciers. Its turquoise blue waters with a backdrop of the striking Sawtooth Mountains are hard to beat.

Redfish Lake has several rental cabins, 3 campgrounds for tent and RV camping, a museum and visitor center, a Marina, a general store, a restaurant, and loads of biking and hiking trails. If you’re there on a sunny day spend time along the sandy shore or docks. There’s often live music and loads of people have the best beach day.

You can also go horseback riding. To get out on the water, rent a pontoon boat, go fishing (with a required license), kayak or paddle boarding. You can also hit one of the biking trails or go for a short or long hike in the forest.

🎣 You do need an Idaho Fishing and Game (IDFG) license to fish which you can buy online.

One of the most popular activities on Redfish Lake is to take the hiker shuttle from the Marina to Redfish Inlet Trailhead. This shuttle saves 6 miles of hiking and puts you at the starting point for several longer hikes. Many chose to take the shuttle early in the morning and hike 14 miles along the lake back to the lodge.

If you want a shorter hike from Redfish Inlet and then take the hiker shuttle back, explore Lily Pond & Redfish Lake Creek Falls which is 2.8 miles and takes you to a lovely creek and a small waterfall.

If you don’t want to take the hiker shuttle consider one of these hikes in the Sawtooth Recreation area:

• Fishhook Creek (near the Visitor’s Center): 5.8 miles on a secluded meadow along a babbling river.
• Ants Basin Divide: 5.8 miles virtually straight up. You’ll end up at 10,000 feet high with epic views!
• Washington Lake: 6 miles and considered a moderate hike with over 1,000 ft elevation gain.

Stop 2: Sunbeam Hot Springs

After a fun day at Redfish Lake, drive 20 minutes to Sunbeam Hot Springs. This is a super cool hot spring with a historic bathhouse and hot pools along the river. In the recent past, there was a raised tub that you could soak in controlling the water temperature from a PVC pipe. But when we visited the tub wasn’t there.

We did find the tub in another spot along the highway, but we’ve been told it’s closed due to unsafe parking practices and overuse. 😔

When you’re done having an epic day on Redfish Lake and unwinding in hot springs, head back to Stanley for dinner and a good night’s sleep!

Day 3: Ketchum, Idaho

🛣️ Total miles: 61 miles / 99 kilometers
🚙 Estimated drive time: 1 hour
📸 # of stops: 1-2

Day 3 of our Sawtooth Scenic Byway itinerary starts in Stanley and takes you down Highway 75 to Ketchum. Ketchum is in the Sun Valley, an incredibly popular ski resort town with great biking and hiking trails nearby. You’ll enjoy a nice lunch in Ketchum before exploring the area as you see fit.

Stop 1: Gallena Summit viewpoint

Wake up early to head to Ketchum. There’s a lot more to do and see here than in Stanley. It’s worth the hour to grab breakfast in Ketchum rather than return to the same spot in Stanley.

About halfway through the drive to Ketchum, you’ll pass the Gallena Summit. This viewpoint gives you insane views of the valley below and the striking Sawtooth mountains. Don’t miss this pull-off!

Stop 2: Ketchum

Once you arrive in Ketchum head straight to The Kneadery for breakfast. They have your standard American breakfast with massive waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and a beautiful Bloody Mary.

Ketchum is an old mining town with a super cute historic downtown with nice shops and restaurants to visit. You can easily spend an hour or two perusing the town center before grabbing lunch and exploring more of the “natural” side of Sun Valley.

Fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, golf, and biking are the most popular activities here. Many people take the ski lift gondola to the top of Bald Mountain and bike down. If you aren’t up for off-road biking, consider a bike ride on the 30 miles of paved, car-free bike paths you can find in Sun Valley.

The Sawtooth Botanical Gardens just south of Ketchum is a great stop for nature lovers. They even host yoga there some mornings!

Where to eat

• Rickshaw is an Asian-inspired “fashion” restaurant with noodle bowls, skewers, and lots of other tasty things. 🌟 OUR TOP PICK.
• Sawtooth Club is a great spot for an intimate meal in a cozy restaurant with seafood, pasta, and steaks.
• Scout Wine & Cheese is your spot for all things charcuterie and wine! They have larger plates too that look delicious.
• Saffron Indian Cuisine is your spot if you’re craving Indian!

Where to stay

• 🚐 RV Camping: Boundary Campground (dry camping) $10 fee. If you prefer a full hook-up RV park stay at Meadows RV Park ($68+). If you want remote boondocking, explore some of the nearby free dispersed campsites here.
  
• 🏩 Best overall stay in Ketchum: Limelight Lodge ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.6 rating 🌟 OUR TOP PICK.
• 🏨Best big-brand hotel in Ketchum: Best Western Tyrolean Lodge ⭐⭐⭐, 9 rating

Day 4: Shoshone, Idaho

The last day of this Sawtooth Scenic Byway road trip itinerary is finally here. As sad as that may be, you won’t be disappointed with the incredible views and fun activities in Shoshone.

🛣️ Total miles: 176 miles / 283 kilometers
🚙 Estimated drive time: 3 hours
📸 # of stops: 2 – 3

Stop 1: Breakfast in Ketchum

Before you begin the hour-long drive south on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, grab some breakfast at Konditorei Restaurant. This spot has beautiful eggs benedicts and loads of other traditional breakfast items. Plus, great coffee. It’s the perfect place to fuel up for today’s unique adventure.

Stop 2: Shoshone Ice Cave

The area around Shoshone is vastly different than the northern part of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. The mountains still tower above the valleys, but you’ll see more rugged landscapes take over with evidence of historic lava flows.

One cool place to explore Idaho’s long lava history is at Shoshone Ice Cave. This is the largest ice cave in Idaho and offers tours of the underground lava tube. You’ll go roughly 100 feet under lava through a 1,700-foot-long cave! Bring a jacket for this experience, the cave stays near or below freezing year-round.

Stop 2 Alternative: Black Magic Canyon

If preferred, explore the unreal landscape of Black Magic Canyon. This uniquely shaped basalt rock has been carved down to smooth other-worldly shapes from the Big Wood River.

🚨 Safety Tip: This is not a safe hike in summer due to irrigation and rain runoff. It’s a slot canyon at its core and water levels can rise without warning in the summer months. It’s also a popular spot for rattlesnakes. Wear guards or be on high alert when hiking.

If you are returning to Boise from here, take Highway 26 from Shoshone to Highway 84 which is a direct shot back to Boise. If you have more than 4 days to enjoy the beauty and unreal landscapes near the Sawtooth Scenic Byway consider adding one of these nearby stops to your itinerary.

• Shoshone Falls
• Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

We drove the Sawtooth Scenic Byway before visiting the Craters of the Moon National Monument. It was our second time visiting and we enjoyed it just as much as the first trip. It’s one of our favorite National Monuments in the USA. Its volcanic landscape feels like you’re on the moon!

➡ Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Craters of the Moon National Monument ⬅

Hopefully, this Idaho road trip itinerary made planning your trip along the Sawtooth Scenic byway easier. If so, let me know in the comments. And don’t forget to save or share this post with someone visiting soon.