The last few days I’ve been stumbling onto multiple lists of the best small towns in America worth visiting and checking out, and I noticed Stanley, Idaho was repeatedly on those lists.

That sparked my interest to learn more about Stanley, why is it such a popular place for Idahoans and travelers from all over the world to go see?

What makes Stanley so special?

Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash
Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash
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First and foremost, it is absolutely breathtaking. When you approach Stanley from the West, you will be greeted by some of the most beautiful views of the Sawtooth mountains.

Photo by Thomas Dils on Unsplash
Photo by Thomas Dils on Unsplash
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Here’s what Only in Your State says...

“This place is teeny when it comes to population (there are only 63 residents at last count), but it’s big on beauty. Set against the jaw-dropping background of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, you come to Stanley for the sweeping panoramic views of Idaho’s choicest cuts of nature. When you're done exploring, make the Sawtooth hotel your quaint and cozy base camp.”

Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash
Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash
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Upon further research and Google searching, the last population census update for Stanley was in 2010, and it was reported that there are, in fact, only 63 people who live there. So, the first impression is, "there's nothing to do in Stanley." But that is totally false...

Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash
Photo by Tim Peterson on Unsplash
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If you check out the town’s website, you'll see that this is a dream location for adventurers interested in the best-of-the-best motorsports, biking, hiking, climbing, fishing, horseback riding, river rafting, skiing etc. This is also the perfect location for a weekend getaway where your goal is total relaxation and completely turning off the world’s noises and distractions, as they have spas and lodging that are just too good to pass up.

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