Dog Friendly Sun Valley

Dogs love Sun Valley and Sun Valley loves dogs! The majority of our local residents own dogs...they are almost a mountain-town necessity. If you decide to bring your canine buddy along on your trip, we have many fun events, hikes, and swimming spots to keep them busy. Check out the list of resources below for guidance on which trails, parks, lakes, and beaches allow dogs as well as hotels and rental properties that will welcome your pet. We've also included info for vets, if need be. Have fun out there together...your dogs will thank you!

Dog Friendly Trails & Parks

Summer: Dogs are welcome on all hiking trails in the area. Some trailheads/parking areas require dogs to be on a leash until you reach a certain point on the trail, so be sure to keep one handy. These areas are clearly marked with signs. For trail maps and info, please visit the BCRD summer trail info web page or call 578-2273 with questions.

Winter: The trail systems in the North and South Valleys are packed with great options for Nordic skiing or snowshoeing with dogs. Each dog needs a pass, either a day pass for $5 or a season pass for $49, available at most area ski shops. For trail maps and info, please visit the BCRD winter trail info web page or call 578-2273 with questions.

Galena Lodge: In the summer, Galena Lodge is a great place to stop with your dog after a long hike in the mountains. They have a doggie deck out back with water bowls and picnic tables where you can all take a break. There is even a window where you can order lunch to enjoy together.

Wood River Trail...this paved path follows the Big Wood River, running from Ketchum to Bellevue and also out to Sun Valley (about 30 miles total!), and is great for dog walking. Just make sure to keep an eye out for bikers zooming by!

Dog Friendly Lakes/Beaches

Redfish and Alturas Lakes are about an hour's drive north over Galena Pass in the Sawtooth Mountains. These crystal-clear lakes are like heaven on earth for dogs. Each one has a designated "dog beach" just yards away from the main beach area. Remember to clean up after your pets! 

Pettit Lake, a smaller lake in the Sawtooths, does not have a designated dog beach but there is a small beach with picnic tables and restrooms where you can bring your dog.

Closer to town, dogs can cool off with a swim in Hulen Pond, located just inside the Hulen Meadows neighborhood a few miles north of the center of town. There is a public parking area (no overnights) and a trail that leads to the pond right next to the river.

And of course, there is always the clear and cold Big Wood River that winds its way through the valley. There are numerous spots just off the bike path with great swimming holes for people AND dogs...take some time to explore them!

Dog Friendly Lodging

There are a number of properties for rent in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area that allow pets. You can search for them by going to the Booking section on the Visit Sun Valley web site and clicking Search. Then select “Pet Friendly” from the list of Amenities at the bottom and click Search again.

The Wood River Inn (208.578.0600) located in Hailey also allows dogs.  

In addition, you can call ResortQuest Sun Valley at 1-866-708-0745 to find out about their selection of pet friendly condos available for rent.

Dog Friendly Events

Ski the Rails...Saturday, January 28, 2012:

Combining the valley's history with its future, the popular Ski the Rails event provides a great opportunity for non-competitive skiers in the community to participate in the week-long Sun Valley Nordic Festival. Dogs are allowed on the trail and on the buses. Hosted by the Blaine County Recreation District and the Hailey Chamber of Commerce, Ski the Rails is a free cross-country ski tour along the former Union Pacific Railroad tracks (now called the Wood River Trail).

The tour starts at 10 a.m. in Ketchum at Serenade Lane and finishes at Myrtle Street in Hailey. For more information, call 578-2273 or visit the BCRD web site.

Paw 'n Pole...27th Annual...Sunday, March 4, 2012:

This year's Happy Howlin' Paw 'n Pole, an annual community event supporting the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, promises a morning of hilarity and fun for the whole family with its "three-ringed circus" theme. There will be cross-country ski and snowshoe races with leashed dogs, best costume, and silly pet trick contests, and more! For more information, click here to visit the Animal Shelter's website.

Trailing of the Sheep Festival…16th Annual...October 11-14, 2012:

This is a unique three-day festival honoring the history, heritage, and culture of sheepherding in Idaho and the West. It includes a full-day Sheep Folklife Fair, a Fiber Festival, dancers, musicians, folk and traditional art, storytelling, and culinary events featuring chefs, restaurants, and American Lamb. The event also includes workshops on fiber, cooking with lamb, photography, history, culture, and a variety of other events. There is a two-day National Qualifying Sheepdog Trial in conjunction with the festival. There are exhibits, storytelling, hikes, and the Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep strutting down Main Street in Ketchum. Visit the web site or call 208-720-0585 for more info.

Vets & Pet Lodging

St. Francis Pet Clinic, Ketchum, 726-1157

Sun Valley Animal Center, Ketchum, 726-7777

Sawtooth Animal Center, Bellevue, 788-4004