a mountain peak behind a lake

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Sawtooth Mountains?

Are you searching for the ultimate mountain vacation? Well, there really isn’t a bad time to visit our Central Idaho oasis. From beautiful alpine lakes to stunning waterfalls, you’ll find tons of incredible adventures around every corner. Discover when the best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains is for you and your family!

Make the most of your Central Idaho getaway with our complimentary Adventure Guide.

Discover the Best Time to Visit the Sawtooth Mountains

Spring

Weather

Spring weather is very similar to the fall. Temperatures range from 34°F to 68°F with humidity, so it feels moderately cold. Rain is most common in the spring; it generally rains six to nine days per month. You might have a rainy day or two during your visit, but it won’t spoil your adventures. Head over to the Redfish Lake Lodge to discover some of our favorite rainy day activities!

Spring Activities

As the weather warms up, more and more people come to visit. Spring is the second most popular season for tourism, and it is warm enough to start doing the snowless outdoor activities everyone loves. We consider this one of the best times to visit the Sawtooth Mountains because you still get to see the snow on the mountain peaks, and many of the alpine lakes are still frozen. Embark on hikes such as Imogene Lake to see it for yourself! Natural hot springs in the area are a great way to warm up, and you can always go for a scenic drive if you’d like to see the beauty of the mountains from the comfort of the car.

Summer

Weather

If you want to stay at Triangle C Cabins, summer is the time for you! If you’re looking for warm temperatures, consider visiting sometime between June and September. You’ll get to enjoy temperatures in the seventies and eighties during the day. If you would like the warmest time possible, visit during July, when 80+°F temperatures await you!

Summer Activities

You’ll find countless things to do at our sister property on Redfish Lake in the summer. We have made sure that our property is an outdoor lover’s paradise! Surrounded by mountains, there is mile after mile of trails to hikebike, or horseback ride. Adventurers love getting their adrenaline up with a whitewater rafting trip! If you’d rather relax, you can do that, too. The Redfish Lake Marina has everything from a sandy beach to boat rentals. The kids can splash around on the shore as you enjoy the summer sun! Or, you can enjoy the calm parts of the Salmon River on a fly fishing excursion.

Fall

Weather

If the summer sun is too much for your adventures, consider visiting in autumn. The beginning of fall is still in the mid-seventies but gets down to 35°F as the season continues. Precipitation is relatively high during this time; it either rains or snows three to seven days per month.

Things to Do

If you enjoy hiking in the cooler weather, autumn is the perfect time for you! The area is a lot less crowded than during the summer months, so you can truly enjoy the peace and quiet. The weather is still great for hiking, and you get gorgeous views of the changing leaves. A scenic drive is a great way to see all the colors!

As the season progresses, you might even get some snow. Backcountry and cross-country skiing are very popular in the area, and Sawtooth Mountains Guides can show you where to explore. 

Winter

Weather

If you think the best time to visit the Sawtooth Mountains is when there is snow on the ground, winter weather is for you. Temperatures range from 27°F to 35°F; as long as you have the proper gear, you can still have a great time outside. We also have a significant amount of snow— we get fresh powder six to nine times a month!

Things to Do

The snowy fun continues throughout the winter! Pack up your skis to enjoy backcountry or cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiing is a great way to see the area. Many travel to our area for backcountry skiing. There are multiple slopes near the road, so you don’t have to worry about trekking for miles before riding down. However, we highly recommend avalanche training and going with a guide since these slopes are unpredictable. Other winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and enjoying a local hot spring.

sunset over a Triangle C Cabins rental house

Plan Your Sawtooth Retreat

Regardless of which season you visit, Triangle C Cabins provides the ultimate Sawtooth Mountains experience. Each of our cabins provides a rustic feel with modern amenities. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to disconnect from the rest of the world. Don’t forget to check out our Adventure Bundles!

Start planning your trip today by booking one of our cabins. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful oasis!