Ketchum, Idaho, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor recreation, and charming small-town atmosphere. However, beyond Ketchum’s city limits, there are countless destinations offering incredible experiences, from hot springs and hiking trails to historic towns and scenic byways. For those looking to explore more of Idaho’s beauty, there are many exciting and diverse day trips from Ketchum, ID, that showcase the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Just a short drive north of Ketchum, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is one of the most stunning outdoor destinations in Idaho. With over 700 miles of trails, alpine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks, this area offers endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
One of the best spots to visit within the recreation area is Redfish Lake, a pristine glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains. In the warmer months, visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards, hike the Fishhook Creek Trail, or take a scenic boat tour. Stanley Lake, another must-see destination, offers incredible views and a more secluded atmosphere for those seeking a quieter escape.
In the spring and summer, the Sawtooth Wilderness bursts into color with wildflowers, making it a prime location for photography and sightseeing. The drive from Ketchum to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area follows the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, offering breathtaking mountain vistas along the way.
One of the best spots to visit within the recreation area is Redfish Lake, a pristine glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains. In the warmer months, visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards, hike the Fishhook Creek Trail, or take a scenic boat tour. Stanley Lake, another must-see destination, offers incredible views and a more secluded atmosphere for those seeking a quieter escape.
In the spring and summer, the Sawtooth Wilderness bursts into color with wildflowers, making it a prime location for photography and sightseeing. The drive from Ketchum to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area follows the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, offering breathtaking mountain vistas along the way.
Stanley, Idaho
Located about an hour from Ketchum, the small mountain town of Stanley is a perfect destination for a day trip. Known for its remote beauty and access to outdoor recreation, Stanley is an excellent place to enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of trout in the Salmon River, while hikers can explore trails leading into the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains. For those looking to unwind, Stanley is home to several natural hot springs, including Boat Box Hot Springs, a unique soaking spot with a rustic charm.
During the summer months, Stanley hosts live music events and local markets, offering a glimpse into the community’s laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The town’s picturesque setting, with the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, makes it a must-visit location for anyone exploring central Idaho.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of trout in the Salmon River, while hikers can explore trails leading into the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains. For those looking to unwind, Stanley is home to several natural hot springs, including Boat Box Hot Springs, a unique soaking spot with a rustic charm.
During the summer months, Stanley hosts live music events and local markets, offering a glimpse into the community’s laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The town’s picturesque setting, with the Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, makes it a must-visit location for anyone exploring central Idaho.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
For a completely different landscape, Craters of the Moon National Monument offers an otherworldly experience just over two hours from Ketchum. This vast expanse of lava fields, cinder cones, and volcanic caves provides an opportunity to explore one of the most unique geological sites in the United States.
Visitors can hike through lava tubes, climb volcanic craters, and learn about the area’s fascinating geological history at the visitor center. The scenic Loop Road allows travelers to drive through the monument, stopping at key sites like the Devil’s Orchard and the Inferno Cone, which offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape.
Spring is an ideal time to visit Craters of the Moon, as the weather is mild and wildflowers bloom in contrast to the dark volcanic rock. This national monument provides an unforgettable day trip for those interested in geology, hiking, or simply experiencing a one-of-a-kind environment.
Visitors can hike through lava tubes, climb volcanic craters, and learn about the area’s fascinating geological history at the visitor center. The scenic Loop Road allows travelers to drive through the monument, stopping at key sites like the Devil’s Orchard and the Inferno Cone, which offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape.
Spring is an ideal time to visit Craters of the Moon, as the weather is mild and wildflowers bloom in contrast to the dark volcanic rock. This national monument provides an unforgettable day trip for those interested in geology, hiking, or simply experiencing a one-of-a-kind environment.
Shoshone Falls
Often referred to as the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located near Twin Falls, about two and a half hours from Ketchum. At 212 feet high, Shoshone Falls is even taller than Niagara Falls and is best viewed in the spring when the water flow is at its peak.
Visitors can take in the falls from multiple viewpoints within Shoshone Falls Park, enjoy a picnic overlooking the Snake River, or explore nearby hiking trails. The area also offers access to Dierkes Lake, a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing.
A visit to Shoshone Falls can be paired with a stop at Perrine Bridge, an iconic structure spanning the Snake River Canyon. The bridge is a favorite location for BASE jumpers, and watching them leap from the bridge is an exciting experience in itself.
Visitors can take in the falls from multiple viewpoints within Shoshone Falls Park, enjoy a picnic overlooking the Snake River, or explore nearby hiking trails. The area also offers access to Dierkes Lake, a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing.
A visit to Shoshone Falls can be paired with a stop at Perrine Bridge, an iconic structure spanning the Snake River Canyon. The bridge is a favorite location for BASE jumpers, and watching them leap from the bridge is an exciting experience in itself.
Sun Valley's Galena Summit Overlook and the Salmon River
For a scenic drive with breathtaking views, a trip to Galena Summit is a must. Located about 30 miles north of Ketchum along Highway 75, Galena Summit offers one of the most spectacular panoramas in Idaho. The overlook provides sweeping views of the Sawtooth Valley, the Salmon River, and the surrounding mountains.
Continuing beyond the summit, the drive follows the upper reaches of the Salmon River, also known as the "River of No Return." Along the way, visitors can stop at viewpoints, enjoy a riverside picnic, or try fly fishing in the clear mountain waters. This area is especially stunning in the spring, when the river runs high and the forests begin to bloom.
Continuing beyond the summit, the drive follows the upper reaches of the Salmon River, also known as the "River of No Return." Along the way, visitors can stop at viewpoints, enjoy a riverside picnic, or try fly fishing in the clear mountain waters. This area is especially stunning in the spring, when the river runs high and the forests begin to bloom.
The Ghost Town of Custer
For those interested in Idaho’s history, a visit to the ghost town of Custer offers a glimpse into the state’s gold rush era. Located within the Challis National Forest, about two hours from Ketchum, Custer was once a booming mining town in the late 1800s. Today, it stands as a well-preserved historic site managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
Visitors can explore original buildings, a museum showcasing artifacts from the mining days, and interpretive trails that tell the story of the town’s rise and decline. The nearby Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is another fascinating site, where visitors can learn about early gold mining techniques.
Custer is a great destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to step back in time and experience Idaho’s rich mining heritage.
Visitors can explore original buildings, a museum showcasing artifacts from the mining days, and interpretive trails that tell the story of the town’s rise and decline. The nearby Yankee Fork Gold Dredge is another fascinating site, where visitors can learn about early gold mining techniques.
Custer is a great destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to step back in time and experience Idaho’s rich mining heritage.
The Best Day Trips From Ketchum, ID
From scenic drives and outdoor adventures to historic sites and natural wonders, the best day trips from Ketchum, ID, offer something for every traveler. Whether hiking through the Sawtooth Mountains, soaking in hot springs near Stanley, or exploring the volcanic landscapes of Craters of the Moon, these destinations showcase the diversity and beauty of Idaho. With so many incredible places just a short drive away, Ketchum serves as the perfect home base for exploring the region.
Explore Ketchum and Beyond With Dawn Sabo
For those looking to call Ketchum home and enjoy everything the region has to offer, working with a knowledgeable real estate professional is essential. Contact Dawn Sabo today to find a home that provides easy access to Idaho’s most stunning destinations. Whether searching for a mountain retreat or a home in town, Dawn Sabo can help navigate the real estate market and find the perfect property.
