Sawtooth National Forest, National forest in southern Idaho and northern Utah, United States
Sawtooth National Forest is a large protected area in southern Idaho and northern Utah with granite peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests throughout. It has more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails and multiple areas for camping, skiing, and water activities.
President Theodore Roosevelt created this protected forest in 1905 as an early step in conservation efforts for the American West. This action helped establish the model for protecting wild lands across the nation.
Shoshone people lived in this forest region for thousands of years, depending on its plants and animals for food and moving with the seasons. Visitors today can find evidence of these long connections throughout the land.
The forest has 81 campgrounds and offers year-round activities like hiking, boating, and skiing in winter areas. Plan your visit around the season, as weather and trail conditions change significantly throughout the year.
Christ's Indian paintbrush, one of Idaho's rarest plants, grows only in this forest on a small mountain area. This flower is so uncommon that botanists consider it one of the most limited plant species in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
