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Stanley
Idaho
..… the heart of Idaho's Northern Rockies
and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Stanley
Basin Snowmobile Trail System:
Base
Elevation: 6400
Elevation: 10,000 +
Prime Season: November-April
Groomed Trails: 185 miles
Annual Snow: 220" +
A
Playground For All Seasons - Come see the kind of America that
Lewis and Clark saw 200 years ago. It's right here in central Idaho,
an all-season playground of untapped wilderness that will take your
breath away. Snow West Magazine rated Stanley #2 in the USA for
scenery! Bring yourself, and bring your family to this unforgettable
corner of the world. Stay a while, see the beauty, breathe it in
- and you will never forget. Feel it while soaking in a natural
hot spring. See it on foot, on skis, or from your snowmobile. But
don't miss it!
 The
Sawtooth Valley becomes a winter wonderland as the valleys sparkle
in a carpet of white powder and incredibly blue skies. Stanley and
the Sawtooth Valley offer outstanding recreational opportunities
for the winter enthusiast. Activities include snowmobiling, cross
country skiing, hut skiing, snowshoeing and ski mountaineering,
wildlife viewing, sightseeing, and photography. The Stanley Basin
trail system is surrounded by three beautiful mountain ranges: the
White Clouds on the East, the Salmon River Range on the North and
the majestic jagged Sawtooths (Northern Rockies) on the West and
South. These mountain ranges contain over 40 peaks of 10,000
feet and higher with breathtaking views in every direction.
This creates the perfect backdrop for winter fun. With over 220
inches of snow annually, 185 miles of groomed trails
and the availability of unlimited off-trail riding, Stanley is an
uncrowded playground paradise for snowmobilers. Pristine groomed
trails are there for those who prefer them and thousands of untouched
acres are available for those "boondockers" who
prefer the challenge of endless miles of off-road terrain. There
are miles of ungroomed trails that splinter off the main trail areas
leading to lakes and wide-open meadows. A local favorite ride is
the spectacular "Kelly Creek Loop", which at speeds can
be a technical ride until you reach the summit - there catching
your breath, you realize the immense beauty of the Sawtooths. Gliding
back down the east leg of the loop, you are likely to spot a herd
of Elk sharing the scenery with you. Another great ride is the trail
to Smiley Creek Lodge. This trail is often surrounded by five feet
of powder, as it winds toward the headwaters of the Salmon River
("The River of No Return"). Once you have taken in a warm
lunch at the lodge, you can go off trail to one of the many snow
bowls that beckons you. After a few 10,000 ft. highmarks, and feeling
satisfied, you will watch the sun set over the Sawtooths while heading
back to Stanley.
Stanley
is located in the central Idaho Mountains and is somewhat isolated,
but that's exactly what draws many snowmobilers to the area. It
is the only city in the USA that is completely surrounded by a national
recreation area. Access to Stanley is very easy during the winter
season. We are located 60 miles south of the historical resort area
of Sun Valley (approximately a 1 hour drive) and 130 miles from
Idaho's state capital, Boise. Three Scenic Byways converge at Stanley.
Scenic State Highway 75 accesses Stanley from the South via Ketchum
and the North via Challis. Scenic State Highway 21 accesses Stanley
from the West via Boise and Lowman -the highways are open year-round.
If you make the effort to visit Stanley, you won't be disappointed.
After a day of riding, enjoy one of the many natural hot springs
in the valley. Full restaurant and lodging services are available
in town year around. There are also snowmobile rental and repair
shops in town.
The
Salmon River Snowmobile Club is headquartered in Stanley proper,
with 35 members. We run a single trail groomer (2-3 operators) 7
days a week and host numerous local winter events: poker runs, toy
runs, snowmobile raffles, snow cross races and much more. Please
check out our event calendar at: http://www.idahosnowbiz.com/salmon.shtml or visit our local Stanley Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce at:
http://www.stanleycc.org.
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