Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Sawtooth National Recreation Area in central Idaho offers rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and thousands of miles of trails. Created in 1972 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it surrounds Sun Valley, Redfish Lake, and the Thousand Springs region. Visitors come here for long backpacking routes, family-friendly day hikes, and wild river paddling.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Intermountain West |
| Subregion | Pacific Northwest |
| Country | United States |
| State | Idaho |
| County | Ferguson County |
| District | Sawtooth National Recreation Area |
| Timezone | AmericaBoise |
| Latitude | 44 |
| Longitude | -115 |
| Maps |
12:53 PM LOCAL TIMESawtooth National Recreation Area is a vast basin of alpine country across south-central Idaho. Enclosed by the Sawtooth, Pioneer, and White Cloud mountains, it features dramatic pyramidal peaks, high passes, and over 300 named lakes, including the iconic Redfish Lake. The area's trail network leads to routes like the High Trail, Alice Lake Loop, and Overlord Glacier, while its rivers—such as the Salmon and Little Wood—offer opportunities for whitewater recreation. Outlying towns like Ketchum and Sun Valley serve as gateways; within the relief are options for backcountry camping, resort-based basecamps, and family strolls keeping to paved paths. Year-round, the area supports activities from summer hiking and fishing to winter cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
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