Sawtooths

The Sawtooths, also known as the Sawtooth Mountains, are a mountain range in central Idaho, United States. Primarily located within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the range is renowned for its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and rugged wilderness. The mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains and are characterized by their dramatic, saw-like silhouette, which gives them their name.

Geologically, the Sawtooths are composed largely of granite that was formed during the Idaho Batholith. Subsequent glacial activity has sculpted the range into its current form, carving out U-shaped valleys and leaving behind numerous cirques and moraines.

The ecosystem of the Sawtooths is diverse, ranging from forests of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir in the lower elevations to alpine meadows and barren rock at higher altitudes. Wildlife includes elk, deer, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, and various bird species.

Recreation opportunities in the Sawtooths are plentiful and include hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and skiing. Several popular trails traverse the range, offering access to scenic vistas and backcountry areas. The town of Stanley, Idaho, serves as a gateway community to the Sawtooths and provides lodging and services for visitors. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the unique environment of the Sawtooth Mountains.