Best time of year to visit Stanley, ID
Written by Gabrielle Berry
Stanley, Idaho is the perfect year round destination in Idaho! Here are some insider tips from a veteran staff member on the best times to visit Stanley, ID. Whether you like cooler temperatures and quiet trails or spending a hot summer day at the lake, Stanley, ID has a little something for everyone in each season.
Spring in Stanley
The snow begins to melt and with its retreat comes roaring rivers, sandhill cranes, longer days and renewed energy. The wilderness and wildlife are in full bloom in the spring. There are very few places where you can walk outside and be immersed in nature, and Stanley is one of those places. Spring time offers cool lower elevation hiking and mid to late June usually means that Sawtooth Lake, accessed from the Iron Creek Trailhead is accessible, even if there is still snow. This lake is one of the bigger alpine lakes you will encounter, and it truly is a magnificent sight.
Summer in Stanley
Summers in Stanley reach nice temperatures of 80-90 degrees – perfect for taking a swim in Redfish Lake. Head to the lake for a day trip, renting a boat from the Redfish Marina, and jetting across the lake to Jump Rock, a popular place to jump into Redfish Lake. Take a refreshing swim in the cool mountain water, we promise you will love it. If you want to hike to a more secluded lake, we suggest going up to Alpine Lake which can be accessed by taking the hiker shuttle across the lake to the Redfish Inlet Trailhead, it is a 10 mile round trip hike up Redfish Canyon and is a great intermediate day hike.
Fall in Stanley
Fall in Stanley is a truly magical time. All of the aspen trees and underbrush begin to change color from a deep green to different shades of red, orange, and yellow. In the fall, the best thing to do to take advantage of the beautiful landscape is to hike. While any trail is a good trail here in Stanley, we recommend hiking up to Marshall Ridge, which you can reach by starting at the Redfish Trailhead. From Marshall Ridge, you can see a wide range of the changing trees while also gaining a spectacular view of Thompson Peak, the highest peak in the Sawtooth Mountain Range. If you want to venture a little farther, head to Marshall Lake. It is truly an oasis, especially in the fall. You will encounter fewer hikers, allowing you to be fully immersed in the wilderness.
Winter in Stanley Idaho
Winters in Stanley are truly a hidden gem. Our incredible restaurant is open from New Years Eve, to the first weekend of April. There is cross country skiing , snowmobiling, hot springs, stargazing and a cozy quiet winter atmosphere that will leave you breathless. We love winters in Stanley.
We look forward to welcoming you in every season here in Stanley, Idaho. They all have a special flavor and hold there own magic. The Stanley High Country Inn, is the perfect place we can offer you a wonderful place to stay while you’re here. See you soon.
ith a few of our favorites in mind, we invite you to come to Limbert’s on the shores of Redfish Lake and try them out for yourself!