Challis, Idaho
Top Spots in and near Challis
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Salmon, Idaho
Goldbug Hot Springs
4.63.54 mi / 912 ft gainReaching the Goldbug Hot Springs trailhead is pretty straightforward. It is located South of Salmon, Idaho and north of Challis, Idaho. The turnoff is near mile marker 282 on highway 93. This turns into a short dirt road (heading east) with a trailhead at the end; wooden fences and a restroom wil...Read more -
Mackay, Idaho
Climb Mount Borah
4.87.5 mi / 5200 ft gainRising high above the sage brush covered landscape, Mount Borah is the tallest mountain in Idaho and is referred to as the "roof of Idaho." This behemoth is part of the Lost River Range in the central part of the state. The strongest earthquake in Idaho occurred along the fault line in 1983 and r...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Hike to 4th of July Lake
3.6 mi / 900 ft gainThis is an easy, yet breathtakingly beautiful hike. After the fun adventure of the 10.2 mile extra bumpy dirt road to the trail head the hike in is simple. 4 Wheel drive and a spare tire are advised, I got a flat. The drive in through old burned forest area is a cool drive on its own. At the end ...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Born Lakes via 4th of July Lake Trailhead
4.08.17 mi / 1736 ft gainDue to it's higher-than-average starting point, many backpackers use this trailhead to access the remote parts of the Boulder-White Cloud wilderness. The trailhead for this hike, nestled at 8850', is readily accessible by Prius and Jeep alike as the gravel road is well maintained, notwithstanding...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Valley Creek Hot Springs
5.00.1 miValley Creek Hot Springs is a short drive off of the main highway (75), you'll travel along a dirt/gravel road. You'll exit at the Stanley Museum and follow the dirt road for about .4 miles. There will be a dirt parking lot on your left. Walk across the foot bridge and stay left once on the othe...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Fly Fish at Valley Creek
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Sawtooth Wildwerness, there are endless opportunities and spots to cast off. Valley Creek, a tributary of the famous Salmon River, snakes it’s way through the land just outside of the town of Stanley. It offers jaw-dropping views in all directions, and a team...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Photograph the Sawtooth Mountains
4.9The Sawtooths are best enjoyed from within them; hundreds of trails lead through the wilderness to amazing alpine lakes and to the top of mountain peaks. That's not the only way you can capture the magic, however. Here are three consecutive spots in or close to Stanley (the "Gateway to the Sawtoo...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Ski to Redfish Lake
5.04 mi / 200 ft gainPark in the turnout west of Redfish Lake Road on Highway 75. The turnout is plowed to fit 10 to 15 cars.Walk over the bridge and turn right onto Redfish Lake Road. You will likely see tracks as it's a good access spot for backcountry skiers. The trail follows the road and is easy to navigate.Pass...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Raft Down the Salmon River
There’s a very good reason why Idaho has been dubbed “The Whitewater State.” Stanley is located on the banks of headwaters from the famous Salmon River, and is a starting point for world-class rafting adventures that draws people from around the world. There is no better way to fully immerse your...Read more -
Lowman, Idaho
Bench Lakes Trail
3.58.01 mi / 1217 ft gainThis hike is great for anyone wanting to experience a scenic trail and peaceful alpine lakes. The five Bench Lakes are a chain of lakes draining from Mt. Heyburn. Park in the dirt parking lot across from the Fishhook Creek Trailhead near Redfish Lake. Shortly after the start of the trail you wi...Read more -
Lowman, Idaho
Marshall Ridge via Fishhook Creek Trailhead
2.74 mi / 623 ft gainStart your hike at the Fishhook Creek Trailhead by Redfish Lake. Park in the dirt parking lot across the street. Follow the trail (mostly flat) a few hundred feet to the first fork. Here, continue straight to Fishhook Creek. After another short bit on the fairly flat trail, which leads through a ...Read more -
Lowman, Idaho
Thompson Peak Trail
4.012.59 mi / 3976 ft gainThe Sawtooths are known for its craggy shapes protruding from central Idaho. Although the hike to Thompson Peak isn't necessarily a rare or tremendously physical feat, it's a proud, boastful moment bagging the tallest peak in the range. Here's the scoop: To reach Redfish Trailhead, head south of...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Fishhook Creek Trail
5.04.5 mi / 233 ft gainThis easy hike starts off from the dirt parking lot near Redfish Lake Lodge. Two small footpaths lead away from the far end of the parking lot crossing the road to the lodge just down to the left. The right trail will take you straight to the Fishhook Creek Trailhead, while the left trail will g...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Camp at Redfish Lake
4.5There are plenty of camping spots all within walking distance of the lake or the outlet stream. There are also tons of hikes in the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range. The lake is known for its historic Sockeye Salmon runs. The lake is very close to Stanley Idaho and leads into the salmon river....Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Photograph Redfish Lake at Dawn
5.0There are several good spots to photograph along the shore of Redfish Lake. The marina at Redfish Lake Lodge is a great viewpoint. Also be sure to follow the path to the east of the lodge to visit some of the beaches on the north shore. It is here that you can often find yourself alone at dawn wh...Read more -
Stanley, Idaho
Ski or Snowshoe the Park Creek Trails
5.010 mi / 130 ft gainOver Galena Summit, approximately 75 miles north of Ketchum, Park Creek is supported by Sawtooth Ski Club and the City of Stanley, Idaho. One of two groomed Nordic trail systems in the Stanley Basin, Park Creek has some of the best terrain and conditions for cross-country skiing anywhere.With bre...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Challis
Stanley, Idaho
Bonanza Ccc Group Campground
Overview
Bonanza CCC Group Campground is located nine miles up the scenic and historic Yankee Fork drainage. It is approximately 23 miles...
Challis, Idaho
Yellowjacket Guard Station
Overview
Yellowjacket Guard Station is a historic Forest Service Ranger Station and Work Center. Originally constructed in 1925 and remod...
Stanley, Idaho
Sunny Gulch Campground
Overview
Sunny Gulch Campground sits along the shores of Salmon River in the forests of central Idaho. Recreation
Excellent fishing is ri...
Redfish Lake Road
Redfish Cabin
Overview
A stay at the historic Redfish Cabin is like having your own private Idaho! Nestled in the trees above the northern shore of Red...
Lowman, Idaho
Glacier View Campground
Overview
Glacier View Campground is located next to beautiful Redfish Lake, beneath the Sawtooth Mountain Range, at an elevation of 6,500...
Lowman, Idaho
Outlet Campground
Overview
Outlet Campground is located next to beautiful Redfish Lake beneath the Sawtooth Mountain Range at an elevation of 6,500 feet. R...