Overview

Although the Sawtooth Scenic Byway was the 100th National Forest Scenic Byway established, it has much more to offer for its "claim to fame". The southern end of the byway begins in Shoshone, Idaho and feature volcanic geological attractions as it begins its journey north. From volcanic desert land, the two-lane paved road heads north through fertile farm ground and into the resort towns of Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley. Past the residential area of the Wood River Valley, the route continues on the valley floor through the Boulder Mountains and then over the top of Galena Pass.

From the south side of Galena and then over and beyond headed north, the route travels through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Rimmed by the Sawtooth Mountains to the west, the area is filled with scenic wonders to include a multitude of rivers, streams and high mountain lakes.

Time/Distance

The total distance between the southern most end and the northern most end of the Sawtooth Scenic Byway is 115 miles. The time it takes to travel the entire distance depends on how many stops you make along the way to see the many attractions located on or near the Byway.
This two-lane paved highway leads visitors through a wonderland of deep glacier formed valleys surrounded by majestic alpine peaks. Don't worry. There are plenty of scenic turnouts so you can stop and enjoy the views.

As you travel through, be aware of the wildlife, which includes deer, elk, bear and wolves. The area is their home and they may wander out in front of your vehicle. Also, be aware of others traveling on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway for the route can be busy during the summer months.

Highlights

At the Junction of State Highway #75 with United States Highway #26 /93, starts Sawtooth Scenic Byway. The Sawtooth Scenic Byway takes you along the Sawtooth Mountains- the heart of the Idaho Rockies. This Byway passes through fertile agricultural land to the resort towns of Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley and Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where rivers, streams, and alpine lakes are abundant.

Some sights to see as you travel north along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway include:

• Idaho's Mammoth Cave - ticket and gift shop, located off State Highway 75
• Shoshone Indian Caves Road
• Hailey, Idaho, is a city in Blaine County in the Wood River Valley of Idaho. Hailey features a nationally known skateboard park; Hailey is surrounded by the Sawtooth National Forest. Hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, BMX riding, horseback riding, fishing, ice skating and river activities (such as fishing), are popular in Hailey, Idaho. Hailey has its own ski mountain called Rotarun Ski Hill, which is rather smaller than its local cousin at the Sun Valley Resort.
• Sawtooth Botanical Garden - a high-altitude botanical garden located off Highway 75 at 11 Gimlet Road, Ketchum, Idaho. It is open to the public. Tibetan prayer wheel filled with over one million written mantras, one of only two such prayer wheels to be erected in the United States.
• Ketchum, Idaho - a city in Blaine County, Idaho. It is in the Wood River Valley, adjacent to Sun Valley; the two communities share many resources and both sit in the same valley beneath Bald Mountain, with its world-famous skiing. The city also draws tourists from around the world to enjoy its fishing, hiking, trail riding, tennis, shopping, and more.
• Sun Valley, Idaho - a resort community in Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum in Blaine County. Tourists from around the world enjoy its skiing, hiking, ice skating, trail riding, tennis, and more.
• Galena, Idaho - visit Galena Lodge, where Boulder Mountain Ski Tours are arranged.
• Galena Summit - stands at an elevation of 8701 ft on Boulder Mountain. This location is ideal for viewing scenic Salmon River, and Sawtooth Mountain Range.
• Stanley, Idaho - a city in Custer County, Idaho, located on the banks of Salmon River, near Sawtooth Mountains Range, Idaho. This is where Sawtooth Scenic Byway ends.