Sawtooth Scenic Byway

The drive north from Ketchum is one of the best short scenic routes in the Rockies. Highway 75 follows the Big Wood River, climbs through pine and aspen country past Galena Lodge and then tops out at Galena Summit at about 8,700 feet. A pullout there looks across the Sawtooth Valley to the jagged Sawtooth Range, with the Salmon River beginning its long run below. On a clear day the view is wide and dramatic, and it is the single most photographed stop on the route.Beyond the summit, the byway runs through the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a protected landscape of peaks, lakes, ranches and sagebrush plains. Towns are small and far between, which is part of the appeal. You can follow the road to Stanley, about an hour from Ketchum without stops, and continue north on the Salmon River Scenic Byway, or turn back after the overlooks for a half-day outing. Wildlife such as elk, pronghorn and sandhill cranes is common, so keep an eye on the meadows.

Timing matters. The pass is usually snow-free from late spring through autumn, and winter driving requires caution, chains or traction tires at times and a willingness to turn back if conditions deteriorate. Fuel up and check the weather before leaving Ketchum, since services are limited once you cross the summit.

Mobile coverage is patchy, so download maps in advance and carry water, snacks and warm layers.There are many stops worth making. Besides the Galena Summit overlook, look for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area visitor center near the summit, which has maps, exhibits and advice about trails and road conditions.

Smiley Creek is a classic small settlement along the way, and numerous trailheads provide access to lakes and alpine basins for hikers. Photographers should aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the peaks.This is also the start of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best star-watching areas in the country. On a clear night away from town lights, the Milky Way is spectacular.

Combine the drive with a picnic, a short hike or a visit to Stanley and its hot springs, and you have a day that captures what draws people to the valley. If you are short of time, drive to the summit and back for a quick but memorable outing of around two hours.Driving tips make the trip safer. The road has long grades and curves, so use a lower gear on descents, give logging trucks and slower vehicles room and watch for wildlife crossing at dawn and dusk.

Fill the tank in Ketchum, because stations are scarce and expensive beyond the summit. If you are traveling in the shoulder seasons, ask about snow, rockfall and construction, which can slow traffic. Pullouts are frequent, so use them rather than stopping on the road when you spot something worth a photograph.

Hikers should consider a short walk from a pullout to an alpine meadow or a creek. Even twenty minutes away from the road gives a sense of the quiet and scale of the landscape. Carry bear awareness, keep food stored and respect wildlife as you explore.