Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sawtooth National Forest adventure.
Find four-season outdoor fun in this mountainous landscape.
Named for central Idaho’s wild and jagged Sawtooth Range, the Sawtooth National Forest is a massive landscape filled with mountain lakes, towering peaks, and scenic rivers. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway travels from Shoshone to Stanley and passes by some of the most spectacular scenery in the forest. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paddle sports are all popular ways to enjoy the Sawtooths in summer, while winter brings a playground for snow sports. Camping opportunities are plentiful, from designated campgrounds on alpine lakes to dispersed camping areas set off of remote dirt roads.
Summer is the best and busiest time for hiking, camping, and sightseeing in the Sawtooth National Forest, so visit mid-week to avoid the crowds at the lakes. Early fall can be a nice time to camp and hike as long as you bring along extra layers. Evenings can get quite chilly in the Sawtooths, even in summer. Spring brings rain, even when higher elevation trails are still covered with snow. Backcountry skiing is often best January through April.