Sawtooth Scenic Byway, ID-75

Driving

by Plot Along: Rockies

Idaho State Highway 75 between Shoshone in the south and Stanley in the north, about 116 miles. Designated a National Forest Scenic Byway. The route climbs the Wood River Valley past Sun Valley and Ketchum, crosses Galena Summit at 8,701 feet, then drops into the Sawtooth Valley with the granite spires of the Sawtooth Range rising directly to the west.

Galena Summit is the highest point and the route's signature stop. The Bethine and Frank Church Overlook just below the summit looks south down the headwaters of the Salmon River with the full Sawtooth Range on the right.

The byway is open year-round; Galena Summit is plowed but can close briefly during major storms. Sun Valley/Ketchum is the ski-resort midpoint; Stanley is the northern gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness.

Learn more: fs.usda.gov

Shoshone Ice Caves
Lava-tube cave system with year-round ice formations. Commercial guided tour and small museum at the southern start of the byway.
Sun Valley / Ketchum
Ski-resort midpoint of the byway. Ernest Hemingway lived his last years here and is buried in the Ketchum cemetery.
Galena Summit
The byway's high point at 8,701 ft, on the divide between the Big Wood and Salmon river drainages.
Bethine & Frank Church Overlook
Pullout just below Galena Summit named for the Idaho senator who championed the Sawtooth Wilderness. View south down the headwaters of the Salmon River with the full Sawtooth Range to the west.
Stanley
Tiny town (pop. ~70) at the northern end of the byway, gateway to the Sawtooth Wilderness and one of the coldest spots in the lower 48.

Shoshone Ice Caves

Sun Valley / Ketchum

Galena Summit

Bethine & Frank Church Overlook

Stanley