This wonderful scenic route can be accessed from the Idaho Falls direction or from Pocatello.   From either destination from the East, or from a western destination, travelers will appreciate the calm roads.  In Arco there were some stops for road construction.  We passed the Arco Labs and INL sites. We headed directly through Craters of the Moon National Monument, which can be covered in a whole travel journal by itself.

                Two small towns prelude the entrance to Ketchum, Idaho, also known as Sun Valley, for its famed resorts and getaways.  Bellevue and Hailey appear to be showing the affects of growth, as most traffic in July appeared to be maintenance, landscaping and construction vehicles.  The airport outside Ketchum was packed with Leer Jets, due to a millionaire’s conference being held in discreet locations around the area. 

                Ketchum http://www.ketchumidaho.org/  has the quaint feel of a western town influenced, though by tourism and travelers.  Small outside diners near the road attracts those relaxing and enjoying air and mountain breezes blowing from over the mountains and into the valley.  Condominiums and private property were very abundant.  Downtown hosts the real estate and timeshare offices of many companies and they appear to be doing quite well. Many shops, including bicycle rentals are available throughout summer.  During winter these trade off with ski rentals shops for the snow crowds.  All year round, this city keeps active. 

                The Sun Valley Resort itself hosts ice-skating and outdoor concerts.  A small pond and park, privately owned, rent paddle boats and sport equipment for outdoor play.  The ski resorts on the west of Ketchum offer tram rides to scenic views, but some are absolutely intent on No Parking on the street, so be prepared to bike in or take a tour bus.  The roads past this resort also offer one of many entrances into the back country for mountain biking, hiking and camping.  In Ketchum and Sun Valley Resorts, the main roads are paralleled by bicycle paths, so riders can go anywhere without traffic to worry.

                An art festival was the delight of our visit.  Hosted through the whole weekend, there were many local artists as well as those who come just for this event from outside the area.   A variety of music bands and performers kept all the activity lively and interesting.  Kids love the many colorful pieces; wither on canvas or on pottery.  Even pets walked on the large grass convention held near two local churches.

                A city park in Ketchum has tennis courts, ball fields and plenty of running space.  Just to the west of the park, a small trail winds behind the cabins.   Well trodden by horse and foot, it leads to a flowing river.  This river approaches the highways in and out of town in many spot.  It also has bicycle paths alongside it for the pleasure of biking near the running water.  Many road bikes start on this trail, eventually joining the highway and continuing into the Sawtooth National Forest.  Anglers enjoy the benefits of the fresh flowing water also.

When looking for activity, not all has to be outdoors.  The local YMCA http://www.woodriverymca.org/ has a great many activities including the indoor swimming pool, climbing wall, basketball, air-hockey, pool and more in the game room.  Private climbing lessons can be arranged.  Fees were reasonable and facility offers a great place for parents to either join in or relax while the children expend their excess energy.

The drive north from Ketchum is the entrance to the Sawtooth Mountains and the National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth/ .   On the drive many pull offs are stationed for photos or just to sit and gaze over the horizons.   At Galina Summit we could look to the West and see the origins of the Salmon River.  Several lodges are along the road with food and supplies. 

The beauty of this region is heightened by the many crystal lakes.  Alturas Lake was our first stop.   A short drive from the main highway, it was well worth it.  The Red Fish Lakes are more heavily visited.  The water in all was cold, but with a little bravery swimming was very soothing.  Some of these lakes have sand beaches.  We had a nice private picnic and waded in the stream that enter the lake at Stanley.   Camp ground and lodges are also available and the prices seem very reasonable.  We noticed power boats and water skiers.  Much like the photos from the ‘50’s, these active events are present, but there are quiet sites and wildlife was visible, too. 

The end of our days drive completed at Stanley Lake.  The Museum near the fork in the road was interesting for a short lesson on the makeup and history of the town.  Fast flowing, the river cut through the town and is very cold to the touch.  We doubled back to Ketchum before nightfall.

After a nice rest in a condo in Ketchum we set back across the desert.  We stopped for souvenirs at Kings, a nice store in Hailey that sells an assortment of products, including toys.  We gathered groceries at Albertsons and fueled up for the nice drive home.  We were satisfied with our family time away from the bustle of traffic, pollution and city lights.