Sawtooth National Recreation Area Is An Underrated U.S. Park That’s Perfect For Avoiding Crowds

Looking for a way to get out and appreciate some fresh air, but want to avoid mingling with too many other tourists? While our country’s brilliant national parks might be the most popular destinations among nature lovers, there are plenty of lesser-known locales that deserve to be explored. If you’re searching for a peaceful park-going outing where you’ll find wide-open spaces and some of the most stunning scenery imaginable, add this Idaho destination to your travel bucket list.

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Sawtooth National Recreation Area is located in Central Idaho and serves as a perfect alternative to visiting Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. In fact, according to the Guardian, Sawtooth averages 1.3 million visitors per year, while Grand Teton sees nearly triple that number.

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While its beauty and splendor are easily comparable to that of the Tetons, the atmosphere here is far more rugged and untouched, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to share their experience with hordes of strangers. As its name suggests, Sawtooth offers hikers, picnic-goers, and day-trippers unbeatable views of the Sawtooth Mountains themselves, which will easily take your breath away.

Flickr/Alex Butterfield

In total, the recreation area comprises 756,000 acres and an array of stunning inland lakes that add a sense of magic to the region. Looking for a chance to stretch your legs? You’re in luck, as Sawtooth features a whopping 700 miles of hiking trails and plenty of options to delight visitors of all athletic abilities.

Flickr/GPA Photo Archive

You might just feel like you’ve stepped into another world as you enjoy the idyllic aspen groves and out-of-this-world valleys that make Sawtooth so special. Check out the Salmon River, snap some incredible nature photos, or take some time for self-reflection. No matter how you spend your time here, you’ll be happily removed from the stresses of everyday life.

Have you visited Sawtooth National Recreation Area during previous visits to Idaho? Are there any other national park alternatives that we should consider covering in future articles? Be sure to share your suggestions with us in the comment section below!