San Juan Howler- Mountain Bike Race & Triathlon

Plans are in the making for Sawtooth Adventure Company to join the 2011 race during our All-Inclusive Central America Adventure. Travel to this amazing country and experience the great people, fun culture and the insane amount of adventure options.

Hike a volcano, rip down a jungle trail, learn to surf and get your Yoga on!

If you enjoy the high level of service and adventure SAC offers while river rafting in Idaho you need to mark your calenders for our 2011 All Inclusive Adventure. Join SAC and explore the un-touched, tropical paradise of Nicaragua. Trip includes travel guide, airfare, private transportation, luxury beach front accommodations, food, drinks, maid service, private chef, approved guided adventures, private massages, private yoga instructions and more.

Join us on Facebook to receive trip updates, discounts and deals

River Rafting the

Aug 29- Sept 2: Raft with the Endangered Chinook salmon

Float Fly Fishing Trips on the Salmon River near Sun Valley, Idaho

The Fly Fishing season started in mid-July on Idaho's Salmon River near Sun Valley, Idaho and has only been improving. The last 2 weeks have the fish craving dry flies, making for an action packed, fun day on the water.

In the next few weeks spawning Salmon will arrive, bringing a feast for local rainbow and Cutthroat trout. Guests have been experiencing days where we catch 30+ fish from our float boats with Jimmy as the guide. Give us a call to spend the day with Jimmy. The fishing is so good, he'll likely be fishing with or without you.

Days are limited. The Float Fishing Season closes in Stanley, Idaho on September 2nd to accommodate the endangered spawning Salmon.

Call 1.866.774.4644 to book your trip

Last Chance: Huge Summer Travel Savings

Only $795 per person on our

Wilderness Rafting Trips down Idaho's Salmon River

Join the Sawtooth Adventure Company crew on our final float through the Frank Church Wilderness this summer. You will experience fun rapids, huge sandy beaches, amazing food and complete relaxation only found on Idaho's famous Salmon River.

In an effort to end the 2009 season with a bang we are offering the best summer travel deals around.....

$795 per person ($300 off) includes:

• 4-night Wilderness Rafting Trip: Includes all food, river and camp equipment
• Scenic charter flight back to Salmon, Idaho at the end of the trip

The trip will meet at the Salmon, Idaho airport at 5 PM on Aug 20th. You will be flown back to your vehicle via an amazing scenic flight on August 24th.

Give us a call to take advantage of this unheard of travel deal

1.866.774.4644

Sun Valley Idaho- Family Fun Activities

Most people know Sun Valley Resort offers world renowned snow skiing. But, for those in the know.....it truly shines as a mountain getaway for a summer family adventure.

The Ketchum & Sun Valley area is like Disneyland for the active outdoor family. Miles of paved bike paths connect dozens of outdoor activities guaranteed to match your family's adventurous expectations. Not to mention the plethora of activities in the surrounding mountains. Sun Valley Resort is the perfect luxurious home base to explore the rugid Boulder, White clouds, Smokey and Sawtooth Mountains.

Few destinations offer such a wide variety of family friendly activities all while enjoying the relaxed pace and high end amenities of this rocky mountain town.

Here are just a few of the family friendly adventures found in the Stanley, Ketchum/Sun Valley Area

• Family River Trips in Sun Valley



• Guided Mountain Biking



• Family friendly Fishing Guide Service
  
  

Stanley, Idaho- The Ultimate Family Destination

Lately I find myself explaining to potential clients across the globe why Stanley, Idaho is such a great family destination.

First, in an effort to offer full transparency..... I not only make my lively hood catering to family's adventurous desires, but I am also the Stanley Chamber of Commerce President. So if you are wondering if I am biased? Well.....Yes, but I can also validate my opinion.

Like many of my clients I am always looking to exceed last years family vacation. To my wife's dismay, I am a 34 year old kid. I love to play outside and can rival any 12 year old's appetite for fun and adventure. I appreciate the common comforts, but also seek unique off-the-beaten-path locals that host a variety recreational opportunities, all while being safe and relaxing. I love finding a place that should be the next Jackson Hole or Moab.... but is lucky enough to be over looked by the development monster.

Stanley is a very unique place. It is like no other place in the world with its amazing rivers, endless trails, hundreds of mountain lakes and a variety of natural hot springs. No other town can boast such a magical confluence of the Sawtooth Mountains (American Alps) and the Salmon River of No return (longest free flowing river in the US) all smack dab in the middle of the largest wilderness in the United States.

Families can raft the Salmon, hike the Sawtooths, explore Redfish Lake, bike smooth singletrack, ride a horse through the wilderness, fish for trout and soak in natural hotsprings. All while enjoying a variety historic lodges, mountain ranches, riverside cabins, restaurants and shops.

Give us a call if you need help planning a vacation in this amazing valley.

Hope to see you soon,

Jared & Roni Hopkinson

1.866.774.4644

Sun Valley River Rafting Trips

The Utah-Sun Valley Connection

Fellow Utahns enjoying Idaho's Salmon River

What is it with Utahn's obsession with Ketchum and Sun Valley? Every summer I am amazed by the growing number of Utahns that flock to the Sun Valley and Stanley Area. It has become the must-do summer excursion for many Utes. Being from Utah myself, I think its great thing. In an effort to "keep it all in the family" I would like to offer my fellow Utahns a great deal on Sun Valley Family Rafting Trips. Let us know you are from Utah when making a reservation and receive a $10 per person discount.

New Stanley Chamber of Commerce Website

As the President of the Stanley/Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce I am very excited to announce the new Stanley, Idaho Chamber website. This new and powerful site will serve as a useful tool for visitors planning an adventure in this magical valley.

The new Stanley Idaho Blog will offer area businesses a great opportunity to highlight special events, sales and promotions.

Stanley, Idaho is an amazingly unique, off-the-beaten path Rocky Mountain destination that should be on every persons list who seeks out beautiful and wild places.

The Salmon River and the Sawtooth Mountains merge in this vast valley to create one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the west.

Remember, the absolute best view of the Sawtooths and Stanley is from a raft on our scenic float trips through the valley.

Early June Fun

With rain in the early part of June this year, the Sawtooth Adventure Guides decided to make the most of the high water levels! This provided the guides the opportunity to take lines through the class IV rapids (which are for the most adventurous of our guests) that had all the other local companies coming out to witness! But don't worry, when rafting with customers taking a swim out of the boat is a rare occurrence.

For the remainder of the summer we offer a great 10 mile trip that includes numerous class II & III rapids that are fun for the entire family!

With the deep snow pack this winter and with plenty of precipitation earlier in the year, the river is running at a very fun level right now! Be sure to book your Stanley River Adventure, it will be the highlight of your Idaho Vacation!

Family rafting adventure; July rafting on the Salmon River

July brings with it sunny weather, clear water and rapids to suit everyone in the family. Join Sawtooth Adventure river guides for a fun filled day on the Salmon River. Grab a paddle and help your guide navigate through the splashy rapids, or challenge the class III rapids and follow a guide in your own inflatable kayak. If relaxing is more your style join us for a float and soak on the majestic Salmon River. Kick back on an oar boat and let your guide do the work while you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sawtooth Mountains and Salmon River valley, top it off with a soak in a riverside hot spring.

Family Rafting Trips in Sun Valley, Idaho

Kids line up for a dip at Jump Rock, a crowd favorite

This time of year I answer hundreds of phone calls asking about our family rafting trips on the Salmon River north of Sun Valley, Idaho. In an effort to best serve our clinets I have included a list of frequently asked questions.

1. Q: Do you have trips that are safe for kids?

Answer: I am a parent of an 8 year old daughter and fully understand and appreciate this question. Both our Scenic Float and Half Day Rafting Trips are great for kids. Our class III whitewater trip is a great introduction to river rafting for kids 4 years and older. For the moms out there.........we take special precautions when boating with young children, give us a call for further explanation.

2. Q: How long have you been in business?

A: This is our 9th season on the Salmon River, the longest tenure amongst our competitors. Since 2001 we have hosted more than 20,000 guests and run the most Class IV trips on the Salmon. Our Salmon River guides are professional, mature (ages 24-33), intelligent(all college grads)characters that return year after year. We take your safety very seriously. Yes, on occasion guests might fall in the river, but your trained guides will have you back in the boat in no time.

3. Q: Do you offer group discounts and will you match your competitions price?
A: Yes, we offer a group discount for groups of 6+ and will always match our competitor's price for a similar service. That being said, I will only match their price if I can afford to offer a very safe, fun and high quality trip.

Give us a call, or start your adventure at sawtoothadventure.com.
Hope to see you on the river,

Jared

SAC Owner/Operator
Idaho river rafting guides

Main Salmon River Rafting

Travelers ask me on a daily basis what to expect on our 6 day adventure down Idaho's Salmon River . This video by SAC cameo guide Mike Matson does a great job of showcasing the amazing wilderness, hot springs and historic spots that can only be accessed by rafting the Main Salmon.

Stanley, Idaho 2009 Salmon River Snow Pack

Sawtooths and the Salmon River on May 31st, 2009
Holding strong, lookin good!



Sawtooths and the Salmon River on May 31th, 2008 (112% snow pack)



Sawtooths on May 30th, 2007 (85% Snow Pack)
Our backyard view.

Join us in June for big water, great weather and no crowds!
Stanley river rafting at its best.

Last Minute Travel Deal: July 4th-9th Wilderness River Trip in Idaho

The journey begins: Corn Creek Boat Ramp at 7 feet

Book our July 4th, 6-Day Wilderness River Trip

on Idaho's Main Salmon and receive

$150 off per person

Call 1.866.774.4644

info@sawtoothadventure.com

Stanley, Idaho Rafting; Class IV rapids

Veteran guides Jenna Martin and Mike Bachman show us how it's done (and how it's not done) in shotgun rapid.


Mike and Jenna running the Sunbeam damn at 7 feet.

Annual SAC Rafting Training Trip; Main Salmon River

The annual Sawtooth Adventure Company training trip was a mixture of big water, wild flowers in full bloom, beautiful sunny days and one epic hail storm. With four new guides and nine return guides it was a great way to build camaraderie while enjoying this amazing Idaho river. Side hikes leading to fields of wild flowers and historical cabins/ranches, dutch oven cooked meals, whitewater rescue procedures, and big fun rapids around every river bend; made for an action packed six days. The SAC crew hit the Main Salmon at 72,000 cfs, the biggest any one had ever seen the river. Check out the pics!

Buckskin Bill's Gun Tower
















Adrienne, Kristen and Thomas hangin
out by the camp fire.





















Playing it safe on the river. Putting to use our swift whitewater rescue on the river, including z-dragging a tree out of an eddie before it reached our boats on shore. Always training.






Creek crossing, now that's teamwork.

Rookie Guide Collin Friedman, aka Captain Safety!


Vanessa Browning livin on the edge, Barth Hotsprings.

Salmon River Guides kick off the Idaho White Water Rafting Season

While we are loving Stanley, Idaho's cool, wet spring conditions. SAC guides have been taking advantage of Utah's warm desert canyons. Cataract Canyon is a great way to kick it off the rafting season. Some of the largest rapids on the entire Colorado River are found deep within Cataract. Now add 30,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) of water and you have some stomping whitewater.

Beach-front accommodations at the Rio Colorado




SAC guides Jenna and Johnny keep'n it real
Thomas, Matt & Greg

This week the SAC Crew will head north to join me on Sawtooth Adventure Company's Annual Training Trip. We will run Idaho's Salmon River of No Return at what could be very high flows. During this 6-day training course SAC guides will receive a refresher on River Rescue, Wilderness First Aid, Emergency Protocol, Area History, and all of the SAC systems. The entire week is a team building experience and an invaluable tool towards employing hard working, happy, fun, smart and safe guides for the 2009 rafting season

The season kicks off this week. Stay tuned for regular updates, announcements, and a glimpse of what its like to live, work & play in Stanley, Idaho and on Idaho's Main Salmon River

Unlike the economy, the snow pack and weather conditions could not be better. It is going to be a great summer for rafting on the Salmon River

Come see us in Stanley,

Jared

50% off at the Sun Valley Lodge

Hello SAC Friends,

Being in the travel and tourism industry I receive hundreds of travel deals a year. Some are better than others. This 50% off deal at Sun Valley Lodge is not only unheard of, but one of the best deals I have seen in years!

Hundreds of our summer rafting guests stay at the Sun Valley Lodge while exploring this amazing part of central Idaho. There can be only one original. And since 1936, Sun Valley has held that distinction. Born out of a desire to bring the magic of the European ski resorts to America, Sun Valley quickly became a phenomenon, without peer on this continent or any other. Sun Valley's nearly one million acres of wilderness promise long sunny days, bright starry nights and a resort experience that your family will cherish for generations.

Time is of the essence. The 50% off sale is for this weekend only. Hurry and book your vacation in paradise. Remember, now that you have saved hundreds of dollars on your accommodations, give us a call to book a very reasonably priced, fun and safe rafting trip on Idaho's Salmon River. Our 1-day trips start one (very scenic) hour north of Sun Valley, Idaho

An excellent snow pack in the Sawtooth Mountains guarantees a great rafting season . I look forward to seeing you and your family this summer in Stanley, Idaho.
Jared, SAC owner

Chinook Salmon return predicted for Idaho's Upper Salmon

Looks like a great year ahead for our endangered Chinook Salmon. These magical fish return from their epic journey each summer to the Sawtooth Valley. These massive fish have avoided commercial fishing in the Pacific on there way to Japan and back to the Columbia river. They laboriously travel upstream through 3 different rivers, over 600 miles and through 8 dams to spawn within meters of where they were born 4 years earlier. Simply amazing!

Join Sawtooth Adventure Company Aug 28-September 2nd and experience the educational and awe inspiring experience of floating the Salmon with these huge, magical fish. Stay tuned for additional Salmon facts throughout the summer season.

Salmon River, Idaho Snowpack

Last week I headed up to Stanley to attend the Stanley/Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce meeting and check out the Salmon River snow pack. Spring has been slow to return to the valley, but came with a vengeance last week. Temperatures approached 70 degrees and spiked the river to 5.5 ft. on the Yankee Fork gauge. Downstream the Salmon River of No Return swelled to 35,000 cfs at the Whitebird gauge. Current estimates have the Salmon River Snowpack at 93% of normal. Don't worry, the current forecast calls for cold weather and snow for the next week. Great news for the river community and could swing us back towards 100% . The season for rafting the Salmon River is just around the corner. Are you ready?

Shotgun Rapid (Class IV) at 4.5 feet (medium low level)

on the Salmon River near Stanley

A few of Stanley's year-round residents relax and take in the sun.

Classic Sawtooth Scenery

Spring Sunset

Top of Galena Summit looking north towards Stanley

Time to go rafting in Moab, Utah

While Stanley, Idaho is still a winter wonderland, Spring is going off in Moab, Utah.

SAC guides are heading south to catch the deserts runoff and polish their skills for the upcoming Idaho rafting season. The Moab trails are in great shape, perfect training for a summer of mountain biking in Idaho.

Ample snow pack and a warm weather has the big, fun desert rivers of southern Utah in prime condition. Check out Red River Adventures, a well run Moab rafting company with great guides and family friendly activities. In addition to Rafting and Kayaking the Colorado, they offer a great Moab canyoneering experience that is fun and safe introduction to the amazing slot canyons of Arches National Park.

Rafting Trips in Idaho: SPRING BOAT SALE

Mid 90's 22' WING Self Bailing gear boat. This PVC boat is as bomber as they come. Great boat for a family or desert river gear boat. Frame is not included. Boat is in great used condition. One cosmetic flaw- leftover glue residue from a former logo. As you can see from the pics the boat is in great shape with very little wear and hardly any patches. Boat retails for $6000+. Asking $2500 OBO

18' AVON SUPER PRO
Early 90's Avon Super Pro. 18' Self Bailing Boat. Boat has been used on Idaho's Salmon River for the past 20 years. It has a variety of patches and wear pads but holds air tight and works great. There is cult-like following for the Avon Super Pro and this is the opportunity to get into one for far less than retail price ($5800). Asking $1500 OBO

(3) 2002-2004 Air Super Puma's for Sale

The 12.5' Super Puma is the Porsche of paddle boats. We run a fleet of 12 Super P's and recycle them every 4-6 years. These boats are in great shape! Our entire fleet is cleaned and maintained on a regular basis and stored indoors. Retail Price $3600 w/ 2 thwarts. Asking $2200 OBO. I have 3 available. Buy first and pick the best one.

1999 14' Achilles Self Bailing Boat with 3 thwarts

An absolutely bomber hypalon boat. This boat is in great shape and hold air tight. It has a few patches on the floor in addition to a variety of wear pads. Retails for $4000, asking $2000. Pictures coming soon.

All of the boats are currently in Salt Lake City, Utah. I will be happy to blow them up for you to take a look. Email info@sawtoothadventure.com for more details and additional images. You can also call jared at 1.866.774.4644

Sawtooth Adventure Company specializes in Family Rafting Vacations on Idaho's Main Salmon River

Book an Idaho White Water River Rafting Trip for 10+ people and receive 1 week free in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

Take the reigns and organize a 2009 Idaho Rafting Trip for your family and friends and repay yourself with a trip to paradise.

Book a 2009 All Inclusive River Trip for 10+ people and receive 1 week accommodations for 2 people in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexcio during the winter of 09/10.

You will enjoy a brand new 3000 Sq. foot flat overlooking the pool, beach and the pacific ocean. Condominio Delfines is an adult-only, gated community in Nueva Vallarta, 15 minutes north of the Puerta Vallarta International Airport. The property offers a private beach, pools, fitness room and beautiful grounds. This private residence is beautifully decorated and designed for unsurpassed relaxation.

Give us a call at 1.866.774.4644 to explore the possibilities!

info@sawtoothadventure.com

Fantasy Ridge Solitude, Utah

Frozen or flowing, SAC guides are addicted to playing in water. Johnny, 6 year SAC guide joined me to a day of exploring Fantasy Ridge and skiing fresh powder under blue skies. Fantasy Ridge has been labeled the most technical inbounds hike in North America, it deserves the hype. If you are one of the lucky few that call Solitude home, its simply your back door.

Give us a call to book a Family Rafting Trip. You might catch me on the chairlift, or better yet in the tress playing in the water..... frozen water.