Ride the Sawtooth Sun Valley Loop: Idaho’s Most Scenic Motorcycle Route

The Sun Valley Loop is an iconic motorcycle route that showcases the best of central Idaho's impressive landscapes. The route starts and ends just outside Boise—Idaho’s capital city.

You’ll begin by taking ID-21 north, also known as the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. This winding road takes you through the Boise National Forest to the historic mining town of Idaho City. Continue on ID-21 toward the majestic Sawtooth Mountains. Your first major destination is Stanley, a town revered for its incredible views. This is where you'll connect with Highway 75, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

As you ride south on ID-75, you'll cross Galena Pass, a high-altitude pass offering breathtaking vistas, before descending into the famous Wood River Valley where you'll find the resort towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum.

Continue south on ID-75 through Hailey and Bellevue. From Bellevue, head west on US-20 across a high desert landscape, passing through Fairfield. Stay on US-20/US-26 until you reach Mountain Home, where you’ll merge onto I-84 westbound. From there, it’s about 45 miles on I-84 for a direct and scenic ride back to Boise.

A major draw of this loop is the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Many riders refer to this route as the Sawtooth National Forest Sun Valley Loop due to its breathtaking mountain vistas. With so much to explore, you could easily spend an entire day riding or stretch it into a weekend with overnight stops in Stanley or Ketchum.

Expect six to eight hours of actual saddle time without stops on this 330-mile route. Use this interactive map to help plan in fuel stops, sightseeing detours, and overnight stays for a full adventure.

Elevations vary along the Sun Valley Loop, so be prepared for changing weather conditions. Snow is common from March through November, so most riders plan this route between spring and early fall. Here are the average monthly temperatures in Boise during prime riding months:

The Sun Valley Loop’s curves, elevation changes, and mountain scenery can make it an unforgettable ride—but they also call for extra attention. Keep these tips in mind before and during your ride:

• Strong winds are common in certain valleys—adjust your speed and grip as needed.

• Loose gravel can collect on corners, especially between Idaho City and Stanley.

• Watch for rockslides after rain or snowmelt.

• On hot days, “tar snakes”—softened pavement lines—can be slick for motorcycles.

• Wildlife crossings are most common at dawn and dusk.

• In construction zones, make sure to slow down, and be aware of sharp shoulder drop-offs.

This is a long day in the saddle, so plan to make a few stops to refuel, grab a bite, and soak in the scenery. A key tip for this trip—fill your tank in Boise and again in Stanley. Gas stations can be few and far between on the scenic byways.

The twin towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum are the heart of the Wood River Valley. While famous for skiing, they're a stunning destination year-round. This is a great place to stop for a meal or to stay the night if you're stretching the trip into a weekend.

• The Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink: Open all year, this rink offers sweeping valley views—perfect for a quick break or a few laps on rented skates.

• Unique shopping: Browse high-end artisan shops that mix mountain-town ruggedness with European style.

• Power House Pub & Bike Shop (Hailey): A rider-friendly stop for tacos, burgers, and a cold drink just south of Ketchum.

The majestic Sawtooths are the highlight of this ride. You'll spend hours carving through this incredible landscape, so be sure to pull over and take it all in.

• Redfish Lake: Stop for a picnic at the North Shore Beach, or visit the Redfish Lake Visitor Center—the oldest Forest Service visitor center in the lower 48.

• Sawtooth Fish Hatchery (Stanley): A great quick stop to learn about the area's natural resources and see the native fish up close.

• Campgrounds: Choose from developed campgrounds or backcountry sites if you’re staying overnight.

Have some extra time? These stops are worth the detour to make your trip even more memorable.

• Kirkham Hot Springs: As you ride north on ID-21 before reaching Stanley, plan a stop at this riverside hot spring near Lowman. It’s the perfect place to soak your tired muscles after a long stretch in the saddle.

• Shoshone Falls: Known as the “Niagara of the West,” this incredible waterfall near Twin Falls is taller than Niagara Falls. It’s a significant detour (about 50 miles one-way from the main route), so plan accordingly.

• Black Magic Canyon: Near Shoshone you’ll find a dramatic lava-rock canyon carved by the Big Wood River. It’s a bit off the beaten path and requires extra riding, but it makes for an unforgettable photo stop.

A great ride starts with a solid plan. Make sure you're ready to tackle the Sun Valley Loop with this checklist:

• Inspect your bike: Check tire pressure, brakes, fluids, and lights.

• Fuel up early: Gas stations can be far apart along the route.

• Dress for changing weather: Layer clothing and gear for temperature shifts at different elevations.

• Pack essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, and a basic tool kit.

• Plan your route: Mark fuel, food, and lodging stops in advance.

• Share your ride plan: Let someone know your route and expected return time.

• Verify coverage: Make sure your motorcycle insurance is active and fits your trip.

Idaho has minimum motorcycle insurance requirements, but many riders choose higher coverage for added protection—especially on long, scenic routes like the Sawtooth Sun Valley Loop. Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers flexible coverage options and rider-friendly discounts. If you’d like a quote or have questions, our team is ready to help you prepare for the miles ahead. Contact us today.