Sawtelle Peak

Anyone in the area, whether having been there for a lifetime or for the first time, should check out the views from Sawtelle Peak. The views from the top of this mountain are the closest you'll be to having a birds-eye view without being in a plane. On clear days, one can easily see the distinct features of the jagged Grand Tetons in Wyoming to the south 60 miles away. Folks are often amazed at ho...

When to go: Summer and Fall typically offer the best window.

Vehicles: Jeep/Truck, SUV. Standard offroad prep applies: appropriate tires, ground clearance, and a basic recovery kit.

Southwest Idaho context

Southwest Idaho splits across the Snake River. South of the river is Owyhee high desert — sage flats, slickrock canyons, and a million-plus acres of BLM. North is the Boise National Forest, with mining-era roads, ponderosa, and quick out-of-Boise access. Most weekend trips work off Boise, Mountain Home, Marsing, or McCall.

Best for drivers who understand their vehicle and the cost of a mistake in remote country.