Set in a broad basin at the eastern foot of the angular Sawtooth Mountains, 58 miles west of Challis, Stanley is a tiny (pop. 69; elev. 6,260 feet), isolated town that makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding two-million-plus acres of alpine forest. In summertime, the population swells to around 500, including visitors, so although it’s just 60 miles north of busy Sun Valley there’s still plenty of room to move. Hikers and mountain bikers in summer, and cross-country skiers in winter, should have no trouble finding solitude in the 10,000-foot peaks; the ranger station (208/774-3000), four miles south of town on Hwy-75, can supply details of trails and campgrounds as well as rafting trips along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

  Places to eat, drink, and be merry stand along Ace of Diamonds Avenue, the main street of Stanley proper, southwest of the Hwy-21/75 junction: Enjoy budget beers-and-burritos and frequent live music at the Rod & Gun Club Saloon, and the steaks and chops at the Kasino Club, 21 Ace of Diamonds Avenue.

  If you’re not camping, a popular, locally owned and semi-historic accommodation is Danner’s Log Cabins ($80 and up; 208/774-3539), along Hwy-21 at the center of town. If the log cabins are full, the modern Mountain Village Resort ($60 and up; 208/774-3661) at the junction of Hwy-75 and Hwy-21 offers motel rooms, a decent restaurant, and a gas station.