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Challis, Idaho

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Top Spots in and near Challis

  • Salmon, Idaho

    Hike & Soak in Goldbug Hot Springs

    4.7
    3.52 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Reaching 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...
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  • Mackay, Idaho

    Climb Mount Borah

    4.8
    7.5 mi / 5200 ft gain
    Rising 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Hike to 4th of July Lake

    3.6 mi / 900 ft gain
    This 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 ...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Born Lakes via 4th of July Lake Trailhead

    4.0
    8.17 mi / 1736 ft gain
    Due 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Valley Creek Hot Springs

    5.0
    0.1 mi
    Valley 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Photograph the Sawtooth Mountains

    4.9
    The 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Ski to Redfish Lake

    5.0
    4 mi / 200 ft gain
    Park 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Bench Lakes Trail

    3.5
    8.01 mi / 1217 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Marshall Ridge via Fishhook Creek Trailhead

    2.74 mi / 623 ft gain
    Start 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 ...
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  • Lowman, Idaho

    Thompson Peak Trail

    4.0
    12.59 mi / 3976 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Fishhook Creek Trail

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 233 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Camp at Redfish Lake

    4.5
    There 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....
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Photograph Redfish Lake at Dawn

    5.0
    There 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...
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  • Stanley, Idaho

    Ski or Snowshoe the Park Creek Trails

    5.0
    10 mi / 130 ft gain
    Over 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...
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Visit Idaho

Idaho is a picturesque state filled with beautiful scenery and warm, wonderful people. It's an ideal destination for family travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure seekers, or those just looking for a relaxing getaway.

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Camping and Lodging in Challis

Bonanza Ccc Group Campground
Stanley, Idaho

Bonanza Ccc Group Campground

Yellowjacket Guard Station
Challis, Idaho

Yellowjacket Guard Station

Sunny Gulch Campground
Stanley, Idaho

Sunny Gulch Campground

Redfish Cabin
Redfish Lake Road

Redfish Cabin

Glacier View Campground
Lowman, Idaho

Glacier View Campground

Outlet Campground
Lowman, Idaho

Outlet Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Challis

Stanley, Idaho Belongs on Your Summer Bucket List

Stanley, Idaho Belongs on Your Summer Bucket List

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