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AREA HISTORY:
Stanley, Idaho and Stanley Sawtooth Estates are surrounded by the
Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SRNA),
created by Congress in 1972. The SNRA includes 756,000 acres in central Idaho. Large portions of the Stanley Basin and
Sawtooth National Forest are included. The intent of the law was to protect the natural, scenic, historic, pastoral and
wildlife values and enhance recreational values of this spectacular mountain area. The government purchased large amounts
of land and scenic easements in order to permanently restrict development. The result is that remaining unencumbered
private lands and approved building sites are extremely limited in Stanley, the Stanley Basin area, and in
the surrounding SNRA. As a result, private ownership of land and permitted building sites has become a very valuable and privileged commodity.
The City of Stanley is a unique, rustic and historic mountain town, situated directly adjacent to the Salmon River and
Valley Creek at the foot of the majestic Sawtooth, White Cloud and the Salmon River Mountain Ranges. The Stanley Basin
lies at approximately 6,200 feet elevation, while surrounding mountain ranges stretch skyward in excess of 10,000 feet.
The character of the City of Stanley, first established in the late 1800's and formally incorporated in 1947, was originally
based upon numerous nearby cattle ranches and mining claims. Although the rustic cattle ranches still operate, and some
mines remain, outdoor recreation activities and endeavors of all kinds have become the main economic stimulus for this
community. Scenic easements, purchased by the government to fulfill the goals of the SNRA, encumber virtually all of
the surrounding private ranch lands, thus assuring that the ranches will stay as they are without development.
Stanley, Idaho is at the convergence of three National Scenic Byways. . . The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Highway 21 from Boise,
Lowman and Garden Valley, Idaho; the Salmon River Scenic Highway 75 accessing Challis and Salmon, Idaho to the north,
and the Sawtooth Scenic Byway Highway 75 running south alongside the Salmon River, and then over 8,700 feet Galena Summit
to famous Sun Valley (Ketchum), Idaho, only 60-miles distant. No matter which way you drive, the incredible scenic river,
valley and mountain views and wildlife experience is breathtaking and unforgettable.
If you are seeking a vacation or lifestyle change including such qualities as total peace, tranquility, privacy and
incredible outdoor recreation.....you will find it in Stanley, Idaho's, Stanley Sawtooth Estates... Come and be a
part of this Recreational Community and enjoy the quality and pace of life found only in this beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness Country...
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:
Outdoor recreation activities available in the Stanley Basin area include: fishing, hunting, camping, white water rafting, kayaking,
canoeing, nature trail hiking, backpacking, mountain and rock climbing, mountain biking, motorcycling, lake boating, water skiing,
swimming, scuba diving, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and more. The Sawtooth National Forest and the Frank
Church River of No Return Wilderness, border the Stanley Basin area, and offer numerous scenic trails that wind through majestic
canyons, meadows, mountain streams, lakes, and forests, all alive with a multitude of diverse forms of fauna and wildlife.
The entire north boundary of Stanley Sawtooth Estates borders U.S. National Forest Service lands . . . a virtual unfettered
wilderness backyard playground. Wildlife abounds! Elk, deer and fox are frequent visitors. Otter and beaver are regular residents
of Valley Creek. Valley Creek, a great fishing stream, meanders through Stanley Sawtooth Estates. The
Idaho Department of Fish and Game regularly re-stocks Valley Creek,
the nearby Salmon River and numerous mountain lakes and streams with rainbow trout. Visit the nearby
Sawtooth Fish Hatchery and
observe magnificent adult salmon during spawning season and peruse the visitor's bureau. The area is also home to numerous bird
species, including bald eagles, hawks, blue herons, sand hill cranes, geese, ducks and variety of songbirds.
The ski slopes, restaurants and boutiques of Sun Valley (Ketchum), Idaho are
only an hour's drive away along beautiful Sawtooth Scenic Byway, Highway 75, which first traverses alongside the Salmon River, and
then up and over the spectacular 8,700 feet Galena summit.
SERVICES:
Fly into the Stanley Airport, a grass strip with charter air service available spring, summer and fall...within walking distance of Stanley,
Idaho's town center, and Stanley Sawtooth Estates. From Stanley Airport, scenic flights can be chartered to view and
photograph the spectacular surrounding mountain and valley areas . . . fly into numerous backcountry airstrips . . . or nearby communities
and airports. Charter a white water rafting experience from any of the many local whitewater rafting companies. Local restaurants,
lounges, shops, hotels, a bed-and-breakfast, and even a spa, are close by. Peruse the local library, or wander through the well-stocked
tackle or riverwear shops to find your favorite fishing flies and recreational clothing. Picnic and play in the Stanley Park, located
on a hill above town adjacent to the Stanley Elementary School. The Mountain Village
mercantile and Chevron service station provide for all the basic food, beverage, movie rental, fuel and service needs. Pizza and
sandwich shops provide variety. Lunch on the sumptuous homemade sandwiches and pastries at the local bakery. Enjoy your favorite
espresso at any of the three espresso shops in Stanley.
The local Salmon River Emergency Medical Clinic is open year-round and staffed by a physician's assistant who works in close cooperation
with St. Luke's Medical Hospital located in nearby Ketchum, Idaho. Stanley's own Chief of Police, the Custer County Sheriff's office,
the Stanley Rural Fire Department, the 24-hour ambulance service, and the many excellent and local EMT trained specialists are ready to
assist with emergencies at a moment's notice.
The Stanley Elementary School includes grades K through 8th, and is located on a hill overlooking the town site adjacent to the Stanley City Park.
The community is currently working to establish its own local high school. In the meantime, high school students are bussed to the Challis High School
in Challis, Idaho, or in some cases, tutored locally.
Stanley Sawtooth Estates includes underground power, telephone, and central sewer lines. Salmon River Electric Co-op, a wholly customer
owned Co-op, furnishes and distributes electricity to the community. Midvale Telephone Company of Midvale, Idaho, provides basic telephone service,
as well as dial-up modem or the much faster DSL Internet connection services. The locally owned and operated Stanley Sewer Association, Inc.
serves the community's sewerage collection and treatment needs. Water service is provided by individual wells.
The City of Stanley is governed by its own locally elected City Council and Mayor, and employs its own full-time Chief of Police. The City Council
holds regularly scheduled meetings in the Stanley Community Center, a multi-purpose Community Center that provides a location for community
meetings and cultural functions. The Stanley Chamber of Commerce actively supports
and promotes local business interests.
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