The Sawtooth Valley is famous for its majestic craggy peaks, alpine lakes, winding Salmon River, and extensive trail system, and boasts some of the best outdoor recreation in the world. Among the activities to fill your days are hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and swimming in the natural hot springs pool. Guests are free to create their own adventure or take advantage of a broad array of locally-offered guided activities. Guests value the opportunity to set their own agenda and pace. There's also plenty of relaxation time to take in the Sawtooth Mountains from our famous front porch, read by the fire, and soak in our natural hot springs pool.

Horseback Riding
The Ranch offers an excellent riding program. We cater specifically to Ranch guests and feature small, quality trail rides into the White Cloud or Sawtooth Mountains originating on the Ranch. Guided rides are full-day, half-day or one-and-a-half hours. Special moonlight, sunrise or custom rides can also be arranged. Some trail rides include fishing opportunities for those interested. Children six and over are welcome to join trail rides, and pony rides can be arranged for young aspiring cowboys and cowgirls! Riding is not included with your stay, but the stables are on the property and cost is easily charged to your room.

Some of the popular trails include Chamberlain Lakes, a full day ride that travels past Fourth of July and Washington Lakes and provides views of Castle Peak; Horton Peak, one of the highest places in the Stanley Basin accessible on horseback; and shorter rides originating on the Ranch along Williams Creek, Gold Creek, and the Salmon River trail.

Hiking
In the heart of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA), surrounded by more wilderness than anywhere in the continental United States, opportunities abound for hikers and walkers at all ability levels. There are over 200 hiking trails winding through the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountain Ranges surrounding the Ranch. Enjoy a four-mile walk along Fishhook Creek or venture up 1700 feet to sparkling Sawtooth Lake, the “crown jewel” of the Valley. In July, the wildflowers are at their peak, and you can find lupine, sego lilies, Indian paintbrush, shooting stars, blue penstemon and many others. Many of the local alpine lakes are stocked with fish annually for those wishing to drop in a line. The Ranch has a stocked reference library, detailed maps and descriptions, and lots of seasoned hikers on staff to help you choose from the almost limitless trails available.

Mountain Biking
Several trails start right on the ranch, including the infamous 18-mile Fisher Creek Loop, or you can venture out on any one of many spectacular rides just a few minutes drive from the ranch. Whether you are looking for an extreme heart pumping, single-track trek up above Redfish Lake or a gentle cruise on an old fire road, the offerings are plentiful. Mountain bike rentals are available on the ranch.

Fishing
The Sawtooth Valley and Upper Salmon River area have an abundance of great fishing opportunities. The Ranch is located within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) where four major rivers have their headwaters. The area also offers five large valley lakes, hundreds of smaller streams and creeks as well as hundreds of mountain lakes, some that are accessible by vehicle and many that are enjoyed with a short or long hike.

On the Ranch, enjoy fishing in the portion of the Salmon River that runs through the property and in our stocked, catch & release pond. Many people fish the Main Salmon River above and below the nearby town of Stanley for “hatchery released” rainbow trout, mountain whitefish, and the occasional cutthroat or brook trout. The upper Middle Fork of the Salmon and its tributary streams hold this same broad variety of fish. Valley and high alpine lakes offer yet another option. For new enthusiasts, there is a weekly fly fishing clinic offered on the front lawn to get you started.

Local fishing shops sell and rent fishing equipment, and can provide a wealth of information about fishing the local waters. A variety of outfitters (? offers?) offer guides for wading or floating in the areas around the Ranch. Our staff can help arrange guided fishing outings, and give you local fishing tips.

Natural Hot Springs Pool
The Ranch location was chosen in the 1920s largely because of an active natural hot springs which could be fed directly into a swimming pool, providing a soothing, "therapeutic" swim and soak experience. Today, this authentic natural hot spring-fed pool is as it was when it was originally built. The swimming pool, with decking area and lounge chairs, is a perfect place to pass the many sunny afternoons at the Ranch, or refresh after an invigorating hike or bike.

Whitewater Rafting
Within a short distance of the ranch there is an exciting variety of rafting trips on the Salmon River, which we can arrange for you. You might take the entire family on a mild float trip or choose to spend the day paddling exhilarating rapids. Contact the front desk if you would like to arrange a raft trip in advance of your stay. Other watersports including canoeing, windsurfing, and kayaking are available at nearby Redfish Lake and elsewhere.

Other popular activities:
* Rock Climbing
* Photography
* Visiting ghost towns
* Exploring the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery
* Visiting nearby Sun Valley, Idaho

Learn about ranch events