Stanley, Idaho took us by surprise! There are so many fun things to do in Stanley Idaho, it’s easy to spend weeks there! With breathtaking nature around every corner, five hot springs within 15 minutes of Stanley, and trails for hiking and biking, you’ll never be shy of things to do in Stanley!
At different times of the year, you’ll have limited accessibility to the different experiences in this list. Be mindful of storms passing through the Sawtooth Wilderness, and certainly be on the lookout for snow in the forecast! We visited Stanley in October, and got scooted out of the higher elevations due to a winter storm coming in. Upon talking with different people, we learned that in early October, you’ll likely be seeing loads of snow through springtime.
A few things to note about visiting Stanley Idaho
- Practice leave no trace principles when in the outdoors.
- Weekends can get really busy, really fast! If you can, visit Stanley during the week.
- Be mindful of the weather — always pack extra layers, food, and water.
- There are a few small stores in Stanley to get the essentials.
- Likewise, there is a gas station in Stanley with decent gas prices for the area!
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Things to do in Stanley Idaho
1. Drive Nip and Tuck Road
Nip and Tuck Road is where we spent three nights just taking in the views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Literally brings me chills just thinking about the views from up here! In our experience, accessing Nip and Tuck Road from Highway 75 was impossible due to the biggest pothole we’ve ever seen!
Instead, access Nip and Tuck Road from Highway 21. From there, there is some wash boarding, however, for the most part, the drive is decent and totally doable in a 2WD car!
Seriously, don’t miss this drive!
{Traveler’s Tip… Nip and Tuck Road is a very popular boondocking/free camping location. If you plan on camping up here, get here early, as spaces fill up fast! We were there in October, and there were still quite a few people up there. However, when talking with other people staying in their vans, we learned that having 10 other rigs up there is nothing compared to summer nights!}
2. Breakfast at Mountain Village Restaurant
I’ve got to admit, driving by Mountain Village Resort Restaurant, I immediately thought the prices would be outrageous, and we wouldn’t be eating there. However, after three weeks in the van not going out, we decided to heck with it, and at least go in for breakfast.
This was one of the best decisions ever! The prices were really decent. ($30 USD for a burger and fries, full order of biscuits and gravy, two house coffees, and the tip) The decor and atmosphere are something everyone visiting the area should experience. And the food and coffee — both just amazing! I’m drooling thinking about the biscuits and gravy right now.
Dining at the Mountain Village Restaurant is truly an experience you don’t want to miss!
3. Picnic at Redfish Lake
Honestly, we weren’t as taken aback by the views at Redfish Lake as we were expecting with all the hype about the area. I enjoyed the views from other places in Stanley better. However, no list of things to do in Stanley Idaho would be complete without a picnic at Redfish Lake.
There are a number of different picnic and day-use areas around the lake. With space to set up blankets, play in the sand and rocks, and lay and sunbathe all day, this is a must in the warmer weather! You can also get on the water at Redfish lake with your own watercraft or by renting kayaks and such near the Redfish Lake Lodge.
{Traveler’s Tip… If you’re bringing your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard, be sure to get the right permits to use them in Idaho. Check for permits and boating regulations for Idaho here.}
READ MORE | the best paddleboard/kayak combo | Our Favorite Paddleboard
4. Mountain Bike Elk Meadow Loop
I don’t care what the other blogs say, if you are into mountain biking, you must mountain bike Elk Meadow Loop. This loop is not as techy as some of the other mountain biking in the area. And yet, it has some epic downhill riding. In fact, most of the loop is downhill riding, minus the grueling mile after mile of uphill at the beginning of the ride.
To bike this loop, park at the Elk Meadow parking lot. Head up the road towards Stanley Lake, and then take the trail up past the parking lot. From here, you’ll ride nothing but uphill for a few miles before getting to the actual trailhead. Trust us, doing this bit of the ride first is the best because it’s the most treacherous of the entire ride.
Bring extra water, snacks, and definitely a camera. Enjoy this epic ride in Stanley and thank us later! 😉
If you want more info on the Elk Meadow Loop and other rides in Stanley, check out the Mountain Biking Project.
5. Soak in a Hot Spring, or Five
It’s hard to believe that the natural beauty in Stanley could get better than the views. But, the hot springs in the area take nature to the next level! There are five hot springs within 15 minutes of Stanley, each deserving of a nice soak! And all five of them are right on the Salmon River — perfect for a warmer day in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The hot springs are so nice, we did an entire post and video just on them, read it and see it below!
6. Take a Hike from Stanley Lake
Stanley Lake sounds like it should be the high light of the area, and shoot the views are great from here. But let’s be real, they’re great from most places in the area! What’s great about Stanley Lake are the multiple hiking trails right from the lake, including the hike to the famous Bridal Veil Falls.
Similar to Redfish Lake, you can take kayaks and paddleboards out on the water, and there are also some great picnicing spots as well. However, you really should hit the trails in this area. There’s a lake loop trail, trails that lead to waterfalls, and even trails that connect Stanley Lake to Redfish Lake!
7. Buy Belgian Beer at the Mountain Village Merc.
Walking into the Mountain Village Merc., we were freaking giddy when we saw they have specialty beer from Belgium. We literally couldn’t believe our eyes! The Belgian beer is expensive for a beer, but trust us.. you can’t pass up on the opportunity to get a true Belgian beer. And honestly, the prices aren’t any more expensive for the beer than other places that sell it.
Literally dumbfounded that in the middle of nowhere they had some really good Belgian beer!
8. Relax at the Primitive Campgrounds
Idaho has some really good primitive campgrounds. In fact, in all our travels, Idaho has been the best place to find primitive camping. The primitive campgrounds are actual campgrounds, often with fire rings, toilets, and sometimes even picnic tables too! There were a few other campers at each of the campgrounds we stayed at and saw in October.
In the busier summer months, you’ll want to arrive at the primitive camps early and set up your camping gear to secure a spot! There are places in Stanley, up towards Iron Creek Trailhead, and loads more you can find using these great free camping websites!
9. Hike to Sawtooth Lake
Jay met a photographer who insisted if we don’t do anything else, we have to hike not just to Sawtooth Lake, but up towards McGown Lake. We honestly have come to be not avid hikers, but instead often just like to take in the scenery that’s easily accessible. With that said, hikes like this make us quickly want to get into hiking again!
HOLY SMOKES — this hike is unreal! Definitely adding this hike to our best hikes in the world post! While the elevation gain is a lot, all the alpine lakes and views of the Stanley area make it worth it! Sawtooth Lake was our favorite alpine lake on this hike.
On the trail, we saw people of all ages and body types, but we recommend you be semi-fit to be able to complete the entire trek! Be sure to pack extra food, water, and layers just in case the weather changes!
{Traveler’s Tip… The lake water is pristine! If you don’t want to pack water for the hike up and down, grab one of these water filters and pump your own drinking water.}
10. Stargaze in the Dark Sky Reserve
One of the best things to do in Stanley Idaho at night is enjoy the night sky. Doubly enjoyable if you do so while in any of the five hot springs in Stanley. While in Stanley, you’ll notice that the stars are absolutely amazing… And that’s with good reason. Central Idaho has a thing called the Dark Sky Reserve, and Stanley is right in the heart of it.
Streetlights, house lights, and businesses all have to follow specific protocols for their lights at night, shining the light towards the ground instead of the sky. This paired with the nature that completely surrounds Stanley makes the stars just unreal!
11. Sunset at Little Redfish Lake
Another great thing to do in Stanley Idaho is enjoy sunset at Little Redfish Lake. It rivals sunsets from Nip and Tuck Road. Little Redfish Lake is right at the beginning of the road that leads up to Redfish Lake and truthfully doesn’t have the easiest access. If you’re not camping at Chinook Bay or Mountain View Campground, you’ll likely have a difficult time finding parking.
We stayed in a dispersed campground across the highway from Little Redfish Lake and rode our bikes through the campground for sunset. It’s exactly a mile from this dispersed campground to where we took the photos below. Its a great spot for some photography. Just be aware if you hike or bike after sunset!
Honorable Mention | Have Coffee at the Stanley Baking Company
While we didn’t make it to Stanley Baking Company, as we were pretty content in our camp spot, we did hear loads of people talking about Stanley Baking Co. And, the reviews of it are phenomenal, so if you have the time and have already experienced a meal at Mountain Village Restaurant, then check out Stanley Baking Company!
We Thing You May Like These To Read Next | All About Idaho
A Week in the Boise National Forest
Sunbeam Hot Spring.. the best around Stanley
Boat Box Hot Springs — like Sunbeam, but closer to town
Fancy More on Travel?
United States National Parks | listed by state with PDF download
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