Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Stanley, Idaho
9 natural swimming holes
Our directory lists 9 natural swimming holes in and around Stanley, Idaho. Water here comes in several flavors — 7 lakes, and 2 springs. Highlights include Alturas Lake and Boat Box Hot Springs. They're scattered across Blaine County and Custer County. Local listings point to July-September as the best swimming season.
Swimming holes in Stanley
- Alturas Lake
A stunning Sawtooth Valley lake with a white-sand beach, campground, and 10,000-foot peaks reflected.
- Boat Box Hot Springs
Quirky boat-shaped hot tubs filled with natural hot spring water near Stanley.
- Imogene Lake
A remote Sawtooth lake in the Imogene Basin, reached by a long trail.
- Pettit Lake
A Sawtooth Valley lake with a campground and shoreline swimming.
- Redfish Lake
The Sawtooths' iconic lake, with swim beaches, a lodge, and the range's jagged peaks as backdrop.
- Sawtooth Lake
A high Sawtooth lake reached by a strenuous trail, with a classic cirque setting.
- Stanley Lake
A quiet Sawtooth lake with a campground and shoreline swimming.
- Sunbeam Hot Springs
Natural hot pools on the Salmon River near Sunbeam, with the river for a cold plunge.
- Yellowbelly Lake
A small Sawtooth lake with a yellow-belly namesake and shoreline swimming.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Stanley, ID?
Our directory lists 9 natural swimming holes in and around Stanley, Idaho, across Blaine County, Custer County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Stanley?
The 9 listings cover 7 lakes, 2 springs. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Stanley should I try first?
Alturas Lake is a well-documented local listing. A stunning Sawtooth Valley lake with a white-sand beach, campground, and 10,000-foot peaks reflected. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
When is the best time to swim near Stanley?
Local listings most often name July-September as the best season. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions before you go.