Retired? Plan the Perfect Road Trip to Stanely, Idaho!
Driving to Stanley, Idaho, Is A Beautiful Road Trip!
The scenic views leading to Stanley, Idaho, are some of the world's most beautiful, which lend to being a memorable and enjoyable destination for retired people. It is just a short 62-mile/1.25-hour drive from Sun Valley, Idaho, and a 133-mile/2.75-hour drive from Boise. Drivable distances from other major cities include:
- 289 miles/5 hours from Jackson, Wyoming
- 316 miles/5.75 hours from Helena, Montana
- 354 miles/ 5.5 hours from Salt Lake City, Utah
- 417 miles/ 7.5 hours from Spokane, Washington
- 532 miles/ 8.75 hours from Portland, Oregon
- 544 miles/ 9 hours from Reno, Nevada
- 597 miles/ 9.5 hours from Seattle, Washington
- 726 miles/11.75 hours from Calgary, Canada
Whichever city you're planning your trip from, you'll be awestruck when you arrive in Stanley and step out of your vehicle to experience the towering presence of the Sawtooth Mountains, the crispness of the mountain air, the beauty of pristine waters, the preserved scenic forest of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the quaint character of the town, and the kind hospitality & slower pace of life modeled by Stanley residents.
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Stanley, Idaho?
If you've traveled to Stanley in your RV, consider staying at:
- Mountain Village Resort : 208-774-3661 | Int. of Highway 21 & 75, Stanley
- Stanley RV + Camp: (208) 774-2202 | 12655 Highway 21, Stanley
- Torreys Burnt Creek Inn: (208) 838-2313 | 21021 Highway 75, Stanley
- Valley Creek Lodge & RV Park: (208) 774-3606 | 1060 Eva Falls Ave, Stanley
If you're celebrating your retirement by treating yourself to a bit more luxury, you may prefer to stay in a rustic mountain cabin, hotel, or well-appointed luxury home such as:
Beckwith Lodge: (208) 939-8936 | Hwy 75, Stanley
French Creek Ranch: (208) 860-1208 | 178 French Creek Rd., Clayton
Ol' Dredge Cabin: (208) 631-5081 | 215 Ramey Creek, Stanley
Redfish Lake Lodge: (208) 774-3536 | 401 Redfish Lodge Rd., Stanley
Sawtooth Vista Rentals: (208) 721-8717 | 415 Park Creek Dr., Stanley
Yankee Fork Cabin: (208) 631-6722 | 155 Dredge Camp Rd., Stanley
Sawtooth Hotel: (208) 721-2459 | 755 Ace of Diamonds St., Stanley
Pro Tip: Book your lodging well in advance to ensure you have a place to stay when you arrive.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Stanley, Idaho, If You're Retired?
Depending on the experience you are hoping to have, it might be beneficial to visit Stanley, Idaho, during a particular season. We recommend checking out our blog and seasonal guides to learn what businesses are open, what recreation is available, and what events are happening to determine which time of year beckons you the most.
- Spring Guide to Stanley
- Summer Guide to Stanley
- Fall Guide to Stanley
- Winter Guide to Stanley
Pro Tip: The beauty of being retired is that you can arrive during the less busy weekdays and non-holiday weekends to maximize your experience without competition from crowds.
What Are The Top Things to Do in Stanley When You're Retired?
Below are a few suggestions of things to add to your itinerary if this is your first trip to Stanley:
- Savor fine dining and wine tastings in the cozy atmosphere of the Stanley Supper Club .
- Enjoy breakfast at Stanley Baking Co. It's listed as one of Food Network's Top Places to Eat!
- Discover artifacts from the natural and cultural history of Stanley at the Stanley Museum and the Redfish Visitor Center.
- Take photos of the Sawtooths from the 360-degree view at Pioneer Park.
- Go fishing!
- Rent a boat for the day at Redfish Lake Lodge Marina .
- Spend the day exploring the Land of the Yankee Fork Visitor Center, the ghost towns of Custer and Bonanza, and touring the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge .
- Go sightseeing and wildlife viewing in the federally preserved Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
- Find the Milky Way Galaxy from the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, America's first gold-tiered international dark sky reserve.
Stanley is a beautiful town in remote Idaho that is in harmony with mother nature regarding the pace of life and things to do. It's no wonder it makes for the perfect excursion for those who are retired! With so many incredible experiences to be had and in such a serene mountainscape, it's not farfetched to say, "We'll see you again soon!"
For more ideas of what to do in Stanley, Idaho, visit our Things to Do page.
By: Amber Hawton-Hill