Hiking in Stanley, ID
– A guest post by Lettie Stratton (All photos are courtesy of the author)
The drive to Stanley never gets old. The growing hustle and bustle of Boise becomes more distant, and the urban sprawl turns to bare foothills and eventually lush forest encompassing a meandering river. The first view of the Sawtooth Mountains will blow you away, and there’s no better place to catch a glimpse than Stanley, Idaho. With a population of fewer than 100 residents and a size of just over half a square mile, Stanley has yet to be overridden by vacation homes and resort town vibes. Instead, the trailhead to Idaho adventure offers natural hot springs, pristine alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and the highly sought-after feeling of being away from it all without all the fuss that comes with an overdeveloped outdoor Mecca. There are a few things to consider before heading to Stanley for a hiking or backpacking adventure. This guide will tell you how to prepare and where to go. Let’s dive in:
Preparing to hike
The Sawtooth Wilderness that surrounds Stanley is very remote. Weather can change quickly so, as always, it’s best to be prepared for a variety of situations. Bear spray is always a good idea, as is a system for protecting your food if you’re going to be camping. Speaking of food, it’s always best to precede your hike with a trip to Stanley Baking Company— just in case you need to be full of pastries and caffeine before departing.
Since many of the trails in the Sawtooths are steep and rocky, hiking poles can help keep your footing stable. Always bring a snack and more water than you think you’ll need, as high elevation and a dry climate can make dehydration come on quickly. And even if it’s cloudy or overcast, be sure to pack a hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays. Finally, prepare your pack with extra layers, a map, and a first aid kit.
Best Hikes
While the best day hikes near Boise offer incredible views close to town, Stanley takes scenic to a whole new level. The most difficult part of your trip to Stanley might very well be choosing which hike to go on.
Stanley is home to Sawtooth Lake, widely considered Idaho’s best day hike— and for good reason. An 8.5-mile RT hike, the journey to Sawtooth Lake will take you through over 1,700 feet of elevation gain and stunning vistas the entire way. Take a short detour to Alpine Lake on your way back — you won’t regret it.
The trip to Bench Lakes makes for another stunning day hike in Stanley. It’s shorter and has less elevation gain than Sawtooth Lake, making for an easier day on the trail. Thankfully, the views aren’t any less spectacular. Your destination is a series of alpine lakes nestled in the trees with views of craggy peaks all around.
My favorite Sawtooth hike of all time, though, is the Alice-Toxaway Loop. Best done as a 2-3 day backpacking trip, the Alice-Toxaway Loop is 19 miles of classic Sawtooth hiking. Creek crossings, alpine passes, and lakes make the trail both interesting and challenging.
Apres-Hike
Whatever hiking adventure you choose, one thing is for sure: you’ll definitely deserve an apres hike soak in a natural hot spring. Luckily, Stanley has plenty to choose from. Many are word of mouth only, so chat up the locals and see if they’ll share the best-kept secrets with you. While you soak, enjoy the fact that you’re in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, so don’t forget to look up! The stargazing in Stanley is some of the best around. Stanley is the perfect place for some post-hike reflection, where you can draw on your experiences outside as your very own environmental education and use that to fuel your appreciation of hiking. When you spend time in a place like Stanley, it’s pretty easy to get inspired to do what you can to take care of the land.
The bottom line is this: any hike you choose in Stanley will be unforgettable. What could be better than snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, hot springs, and small mountain town energy? If you’re looking for a place to relax your mind and push your body, look no further than Stanley.
Lettie Stratton is a writer and urban farmer in Boise, ID. A Vermont native, she is a lover of travel, tea, bicycles, plants, cooperative board games, and the outdoors. She’s still waiting for a letter from Hogwarts.