Stanley, Idaho: The Peaks of the Sawtooths
It’s not uncommon for those who have never been to Stanley to catch their first glimpse of the Sawtooths and mutter an audible “whoa” as they enter town. In fact, despite countless excursions through Stanley, even the most well seasoned Idaho cowboy is left in amazement at the sight of this beautiful mountain range.
And it’s no wonder why. From a valley floor perfect with a meandering creek and wildflowers, the mountains shoot upward like a rocket. Reaching heights that tickle the base of clouds, the peaks are connected with a zigzag of razor sharp ridgelines. Whoever named the Sawtooth Mountain Range did so in the most literal sense.
During the winter months, the Sawtooths are covered nose deep in powder. Come June the sun beats down and the white snow becomes whitewater on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. The tops of the peaks and some of the avalanche chutes will hold snow throughout the year – despite summer’s fierce attempts at melting it all.
The Sawtooth Mountains
In total, the mountains encompass over 678 square miles and include 22 peaks that top the 10,000-foot marker. Thompson Peak, at 10,751 feet, is the tallest crag in the Sawtooth Range. A close second is Mount Cramer, at 10,716 feet.
According to the Decision Card used by the United States Geographic Board, Thompson Peak was named on February 21, 1916, “…after an old timer of that section. Mr. Thompson claims to have been the first man to reach the top of this peak.”
Other notable peaks in the Sawtooth Range include Williams Peak (10,636 feet and the sixth highest), named after pioneer Dave Williams who owned at one time the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. He completed the first ascent of this peak in 1934. Mount Heyburn pushes 10,299 feet and can be seen from Red Fish Lake. It’s named after Weldon Heyburn, a U.S. Senator, 1903 – 1912, from Idaho.
There are various climbing and hiking routes to reach the summits of these spectacular mountains. The season to do so is in the summer months between July and September when snow is less likely. You should always check conditions first, which can be done by contacting the Stanley Range Station at 208-774-3000.
