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Stanley Lake

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Other Names

Sawtooth National Forest, Stanley Ranger District, Elk Mountain, Trap Creek, Little Basin Creek, Stanley Creek, Idaho Centennial Trail, Stanley Basin

Last Known StatusOpen

Stanley Lake is smaller than nearby Redfish Lake, but packs in as much beauty with less traffic. The area features a decent single track trail system that winds through a Lodgepole pine forest with top notch mountain and lake views. The area is popular with dual sport motorcycles since Casino Creek is a short distance away, which has another fantastic trail system.

The main staging area has a loading ramp, informational kiosk with a trail map and vault toilet. From here follow the dirt road a short distance in for the actual trails. The staging area is open for day use only, but camping is a short distance away.

Lakeview and Stanley Lake campgrounds are close by, and each site comes with gravel parking pad, picnic table, BBQ grill and nearby water spigots. Firewood is available next to the campground host which can be purchased for a small fee. Stanley Lake and Lakeview campgrounds get less use then other sites in the immediate area, but reservations are still recommended.

The lake has a boat ramp, but is open to non-motorized use, which makes for a perfect paddle for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. There is no fee charged to use the boat ramp, but all water craft must display a current Idaho Invasive Species Boat Sticker, which can be purchased online or at nearby vendors. Adjacent to the boat ramp is a life jacket loaner station, free of charge.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit RequiredYesIdaho OHV Registration Sticker
Dates OpenMay 1 - November 30
Other ATV Stickers AcceptedNoA non-resident registration sticker must be purchased. (As of January 2020, Idaho no longer honors stickers from other states.)
Spark ArrestorYesA spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise LimitYes (96 dB)
Whip FlagsNot Required
Maximum Vehicle Width
Allow Dirt Bikes, Trail Bikes and Motorcycles Motorcycles & Dirt BikesPermitted
Allow All Terrain Vehicles / Quads / Four Wheelers ATVsProhibited
Allow Utility Terrain Vehicles, Side by Sides (SXS), RZR UTV & SXSProhibited
Allow 4x4 Jeeps, SUVs and 4 x 4 Trucks with License Plates 4x4 & Jeeps (registered)Prohibited
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail
4x4 (unregistered)
Prohibited
2 Stroke EnginesNo Restriction
MX Helmet RequiredYouth Onlyyouth only required for persons under 18 by state law
(RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.)
Camping / Overnight RV Parking CampingSome Areas(camp in developed sites only)
Campfire Restrictions CampfiresSome Areas(permitted in developed campsites only)
Night RidingUnknown
Trail BlazingProhibitedkeep on the trail
Rule Enforcement
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TERRAIN

Miles Of Trail50
Climate TypeForest
Elevation6500 to 7800 ft.
Trail MaintenanceMarked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose DirtThis trail has mostly loose dirt.Mostly
Hard PackThe trail has some hard pack terrain.Some
SandThis trail has no sandy areas.None
MudThe trail has little mud after it rains.Little
DustThe trail has little dust on typical days.Little
RocksThis trail has little rocks.Little
TreesThe trail has almost all trees.All
Steep HillsThis trail has many steep hills.Many
Water CrossingsThe trail has some water crossings.Some
Small JumpsThis trail has no small jumps.None
Large JumpsThis trail has no large jumps.None
BermsThe trail has many berms.Many
Sand/Gravel PitsThis national forest has no sand or gravel pits.None
Single TrackThis national forest has many single track trails.Many
RoadsThis national forest has few roads.Few
IntersectionsThis trail has some intersections.Some
Rider TrafficThe national forest has few rider traffic on typical days.Few
ShadeThis national forest has many shaded areas.Many
Ranges/GunfireThis national forest has no shooting ranges or gunfire.None
HazardsThis trail has few hazards.Few(hazards not marked)
Easy Terrain NoviceThis trail has little beginner terrain.Little
Moderate Terrain AmateurThis trail has mostly intermediate level terrain.Mostly
Difficult Terrain ExpertThis trail has some expert terrain.Some

TYPE OF AREA

AreaMotorized Trails
LandNational Forest

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline Gasoline5-20 Miles (SE)Mountain Village Resort Gas Station (208) 774-3367
Diesel Diesel5-20 Miles (SE)Mountain Village Resort Gas Station (208) 774-3367
Potable Water WaterOn SiteStanley Lake and Lakeview Campground (208) 774-3000
RV Hookups RV Hookup5-20 Miles (SE)Stanley RV and Basecamp Lodge (208) 774-2202
RV Dump Station RV Disposal5-20 Miles (SE)Stanley RV and Basecamp Lodge (208) 774-2202
Primitive Camping CampgroundOn SiteStanley Lake and Lakeview Campground (208) 774-3000
Convenience Store Conv Store5-20 Miles (SE)Mountain Village Resort Gas Station (208) 774-3367

FEES & PASSES

Parking(None)
Entry(None)
Riding(None)
CampingYes
Tent: $22.00
RV: $22.00
Addtl. Vehicle: $11.00
Stanley Lake and Lakeview Campground Fees

RATINGS

Prosbeautiful mountain scenery, miles of pure single track, decent campgrounds, decent lake with scenic views
Consshort season
Our RatingRatingVery Good
Recommended Stay1-2 Days
Comments(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest CityStanley, ID
AddressStanley Lake Road, Stanley, ID 83278
Go Back To Idaho List
Trail MapGo To Trail Map
From: Sun Valley, ID
1) Take Hwy 75 North about 60 miles
2) Turn left (north) onto Hwy 21, continue about 5 miles
3) Turn left (west) onto Stanley Lake Road, continue 3.5 miles toward staging area.

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

Contact InfoSawtooth National Forest - Stanley Ranger District
HC64, Box 9900
Stanley, ID 83278
(208) 774-3000
mailroom_r4_sawtooth@fs.fed.us
www.fs.usda.gov

RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

Stanley Lake is surrounded by some amazing mountain views. From here you can see McGown Peak surrounded by various pine and aspen trees. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

The day use area has paved parking and access to the boat ramp. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

This is a hiking trail that leads to a small inlet beach and fishing area. The trail crosses There is a wooden bridge that was recently repaired after the most recent earthquake from March 2020. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

The campsites at Stanley Lake Campground have gravel lots, picnic table and BBQ grill. The campground is popular with dirt bikes and dual sport motorcycles since the trail system is just a short distance away. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

This is the informational kiosk and self pay station at Stanley Lake. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

This is the trail map that can be found at the Stanley Lake Staging Area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

A vault toilet is located next to the trailhead and informational kiosk at Stanley Lake Staging Area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

The Stanley Lake Staging Area has plenty of room for parking. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

The boat ramp at Stanley Lake is paved but is open to non-motorized watercraft. Kayaks, paddleboards and canoes are popular here. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

Stanley Lake is usually very smooth, making it a perfect place to bring the kayak or paddleboard. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

One of the vault toilets that can be found near the day use parking area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

After the March 2020 earthquake, some of the trees were submerged under water. This section can be found at the end of the boardwalk. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

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Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

The kiosk next to the hiking trail explains the background of the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that happened March 31, 2020. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

The boardwalk offers some nice views of the lake and surrounding marshlands. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

This is the wooded boardwalk that leads to a small inlet beach. The boardwalk was repaired after the recent earthquake back in March 2020. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

This is the motorcycle loading ramp at Stanley Lake Staging Area. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

Stanley Lake is very smooth, making it perfect for kayaks and paddleboards. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

Stanley Lake Trail Photo

Stanley Lake Trail

Stanley Lake Campground is surrounded by mature pine trees and has some amazing forest views. Photo Submitted 8/14/2021 (Thanks!)

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