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Tucked into Idaho’s Stanley Basin at 6,260 feet, this friendly mountain town explodes with golden quaking aspens in the fall and welcomes visitors with its rustic charm, dirt streets and sweeping views of the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. Stanley may not take up much space—the city itself covers more than half a square mile—but it offers ample options for kickstarting a Sawtooth getaway.

Riverwear Outfitters is the go-to spot for outdoor retail and year-round rentals, with everything from cross-country skis to kayaks, boats and camping gear. Shop local at the Made in Idaho Store, where founder Adam Gulick’s curation of artisanal goods, handcrafted jewelry, photography and art showcase some of the state’s best wares.

Venturing into the wilderness? Head to the Stanley Visitor Center for maps and local updates, then swing by the Mountain Village Mercantile for groceries, gear and souvenirs before hitting the road.

Iconic and tranquil, Redfish Lake acts as a one-stop shop for year-round recreation just 10 minutes from downtown Stanley. Autumn brings ideal weather for hiking the lake’s extensive trail system and enjoying its beaches and mountain views, while guided horseback rides at Redfish Corrals connect you to some of the area’s best scenery. The 4.6-mile, out-and-back Fishhook Creek Trail is lined with verdant conifers, bright yellow aspens and the sunset hues of mountain willow, red-osier dogwood and black cottonwoods. Beautiful views of the close by Sawtooth and White Cloud peaks and limited elevation gain make this trek a favorite for families, hikers and cross-country skiers.

Locals love the more challenging and rewarding Sawtooth Lake Trail situated six miles west of town. Start at the Iron Creek Trailhead and enjoy instant access to alpine serenity. For higher gear fun, riders often gravitate toward Stanley’s trio of mountain biking loops: the Redfish Lake, Elk Meadows and Fisher Creek loops all offer exciting tracks and epic autumn backdrops.

Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho

Discover

No visit to Idaho feels complete without enjoying one of the state’s 130-plus natural hot springs, and fall brings a backdrop of color to these natural springs. Visit Sunbeam Hot Springs 20 minutes from town for a dip in one of several undeveloped, sandy-bottom pools next to the rushing Salmon River. These pools are free to visit and the most accessible along the Sawtooth corridor.

About an hour west of Stanley on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, the more secluded Sacagawea Hot Springs offer nearly a quarter mile of geothermal pools riverside to the South Fork of the Payette River. Be careful: The water here is often extremely hot near the source. Drive 20 minutes farther west to unwind at Bonneville Hot Springs. Under the towering pines of Boise National Forest, you’ll walk a .25-mile trail before reaching Warm Springs Creek, hot springs nestled on the riverbank and a private soaking shack.

Set within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Stanley itself is part of a 1,400-mile swath of the Sawtooth Mountains with exceptionally clear night skies. There are only about a dozen gold-tier International Dark Sky Reserves across the globe, and this was America’s first to receive the highly-coveted designation. Experience meteor showers, visit the newly opened Sawtooth Observatory or schedule your stay around the next new moon for truly remarkable stargazing.

Photo courtesy of Visit Idaho

Indulge

Both travelers and locals start their day at the Stanley Baking Company & Cafe. Open from mid May through late October, owners Becky and Tim Cron have been serving up pastries, coffee and what is considered Central Idaho’s best breakfast burrito here for more than two decades. Around the corner is Papa Brunee’s Pizza & Subs, where Aunt Ruby’s secret pizza sauce recipe and housemade Italian sausage make this a beloved spot after any outdoor excursion. Try a house-favorite pizza like the Sawtooth Special, or grab an Italian sub to-go for the perfect lakeside snack.

At Limbert’s, up-close views of Redfish Lake from the 1929 lodge’s first floor pair wonderfully with a menu highlighting local game and native ingredients: The steak frites feature Thomas Cattle Ranch hanger steak and fresh Idaho potatoes, while the flavors of Mexican street corn and a lime beurre blanc complement the Idaho steelhead trout. Looking to share something? The Stanley Supper Club’s Fried Chicken for Two, served with mashed potatoes, scratch sauces and house-baked bread, was featured in The New York Times Best Dishes Across the U.S. series.

Photo courtesy of Redfish Lake Lodge

Rest

Just off Stanley’s Wall Street, the Stanley High Country Inn offers cabins and rooms with Sawtooth mountain views, and an outdoor hot tub for guests to reserve by the hour. Or relax on the Redfish Riverside Inn’s deck along the Salmon River while looking for leaping trout and bald eagles. At the 61-room Mountain Village Resort, guests appreciate the central location, full-service fuel station, mercantile store and proximity to the Mountain Village Restaurant & Saloon, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round.

On the shores of Redfish Lake—known by locals as the “jewel of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area”—the Redfish Lake Lodge boasts two dozen suites, 21 cabins and the original 97-year-old lodgehouse framed along the lake’s north shore. Head out on a sunset boat tour from the lodge’s marina, or rent a kayak or pontoon and explore the water at your own pace. After the sun has set, cozy up to the fireplace in the Rustic Lounge as a canopy of stars covers the Sawtooth Valley.