Every spring, the Sun Valley, Idaho area transforms from a skiing and snowboarding Mecca into a lush, wildflower-filled valley with miles of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding five mountain ranges. From mellow loops skirting lakes and rivers, to 12,000-foot rocky mountain peaks, there are plenty of hiking trails to please all levels of hikers throughout Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley and beyond.
What We’re Made of: Our House
words by Hayden Seder The live music scene in the Wood River Valley is hardly lacking. From free music events like Ketch’em Alive and Sun Valley Music Festival to local bands performing at small venues to big-name shows at venues like the Sun Valley Pavilion and the Argyros, there’s live music being performed every week, year-round. But no matter how well curated the local music scene, there’s always room for something fresh, which is exactly what Our House is. Founded by two locals, Our House transforms different corners of the Wood River Valley into “our house” for the night to accommodate one or more musical artists and create the vibe of the best house party you’ve been to: dancing, connection with your friends and neighbors, and a chance to discover something new. Behind Our House Our House is the brainchild of locals Kailyn Avery and Brett Ashley McCoubrey, both of whom share a passion for music in all its forms. As a live music and events professional with a background in international touring, festival production, venue and event space management, and artist management, Kailyn brings years of experience in the music industry to the table. Brett Ashley incorporates her love …
Spend the Whole Day Hiking in Sun Valley, ID
words by Hayden Seder The Sun Valley area has hiking trails for any kind of excursion your heart desires: a short and quick jaunt to get the body moving first thing before spending the day on other activities; longer hikes, where you’ll want to bring a lunch to enjoy in a scenic destination; or day-long outings that are sure to leave you tired in the evening. For those looking to maximize the amount of hiking on a short trip to the area, we’ve compiled a one-day itinerary to get the most (realistic) amount in while still enjoying the area and not burning out your legs! Morning Views If getting going first thing in the morning is your style, start the day with some epic views for fairly minimal work. Hiking Dollar Mountain, one of the area’s wintertime ski mountains, is an underrated hike, considering its proximity to town. From the heart of Ketchum, it’s a five-minute drive, and if you’re staying in the Sun Valley Resort, it’s even closer! Start at the base lodge and start walking up a wide road that leads partway up the mountain. From there, you can walk along flat cat tracks until you find a …
Eat Local! In Sun Valley, Idaho
There’s no end to the variety of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in the Sun Valley area and greater Wood River Valley, and complementing those eats are a bounty of fresh, locally grown ingredients as well as homemade creations from area bakers and cooks. Whether you’d like to enjoy a meal completely cooked from scratch while you dine out or simply want to pick up locally made cooks to enjoy at home or on the road, Ketchum, Sun Valley, and Hailey are home to many spots to eat local made and sourced food. Restaurants So many restaurants within the Wood River Valley make many of their ingredients from scratch, source locally grown food, or buy already made products from local producers. It would take up this whole blog entry to go into each in depth, but here’s just a selection of the best spots to eat local goods. In Hailey, try dinner spot CK’s for globally inspired farm-to-table cuisine made with sustainable ingredients and lots of Idaho suppliers. Also in Hailey is high-end bike shop and pub the Powerhouse, which offers a selection of burgers, tacos, salads, and fries made with house-made, locally sourced ingredients. Ketchum dinner restaurant The Covey makes …
Sun Valley: Where the Beer and Healthy Initiatives Flow Like Wine
SKI towns typically are not synonymous with health. After a full day of shredding we post up for pints, happy hour discounted nachos, and chicken wings. Our mogul-mashing thighs have earned it, right? Après festivities filled with celebratory beers, and Irving’s Hot Dogs are the norm. However, this all shouldn’t overshadow the abundance of healthy initiatives that lie at the core of this Valley. The abundance of wellness oriented events, fitness clubs, spas, and health conscious food resources here in Sun Valley encourage an overwhelming sense of well-being to locals and visitors alike.
Get Your Sweat On
Your guide to getting your indoor sweat on here in Sun Valley, idaho.
Local Remedies for Active Bodies
How do our uber-active, full-time residents keep going? What I like to call our “Muscle Mystics” come to the rescue, keeping us–and visitors–tuned up and ready for the next adventure. There are many of these kind of body workers and healers in our community and everyone has their favorites.
5 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Sun Valley’s Wellness
Words by Cody Richmond With fresh mountain air invigorating your soul and the sun shining deep into your subconsciousness, you will come to know why Sun Valley revels in a level of wellness and health not found many places. From healing hot springs to meditative botanic gardens to day spas and health food stores, it’s place where the words “clean living” take on real meaning. We have gathered the five best ways to dive into all of Sun Valley’s wellness offerings so that you can make the most of your visit and return refreshed and recharged. Yoga Spas If you simply need to chill, pamper yourself with a hot-stone massage, facial or acupuncture treatment to relax your mind and revive your senses, you can do that, too. Fitness and Exercise Sure, Sun Valley has trails that go on for miles, and hiking up or skiing down Bald Mountain is a sure-fire way to torch some calories. But, if you’re more in the mood for a good stretch, a core/muscle building workout or a trainer pushing you to try even harder, there are several world class gyms and studios for you to choose from that offer everything from yoga mats to …
Takin’ The Long Way: Boise, Idaho City, Stanley, Ketchum Road Trip
There is something soothing about hitting the road with the intention of enjoying the journey. Driving from Boise to Sun Valley seems like a straight shot, but you can make it an adventure by taking an extra hour on the road, stringing together scenic byways, and enjoying mountainous Idaho. Details Boise to Ketchum through Idaho City, Lowman, and Stanley takes 4 hours, just about 2o minutes more than taking the freeway out of the capital city. By taking “the long way,” you drive on Highway 21, the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, and Highway 75, Sawtooth Scenic Byway. While you could just enjoy the views, we encourage you to stop where you can and get to know these wonderful communities! Idaho City Just an hour into your drive, passing Lucky Peak Reservoir and heading into the Boise National Forest, you will come to Idaho City. This community is rich in gold mining history, was founded in 1862, and home to the Boise Basin Museum. While you are there, be sure to grab some huckleberry cheese cake! Lowman As you make your way through the national forest on the winding Pondorosa senic byway, you will come to the towwn of Lowman, …
Fall Festivals You Have to See
From iconic music to herds of sheep running down Main Street, Sun Valley’s festivals are designed to delight your senses. We invite you to experience how we celebrate fall in the mountains. But be careful, you may just find it hard to leave.
Labor Day Weekend in Sun Valley, Idaho
The long Labor Day weekend has become a bit of a big deal here in Sun Valley, Idaho over the years. It’s a last summer hoorah as the kids begin to head back to school and the crisp temperatures of fall start to nip at our heels. With spirits running high and festivities plentiful, this is one long weekend that you won’t want to miss. To make the most out of the Labor Day weekend we’ve put together a list of all the best happenings. Wagon Days Gallery Walk Free Movie on the Pavilion Lawn Sun Valley On Ice Portugal. The Man For this year Rebecca’s Private Idaho dates are September 9 – 12, 2026. Find information here. Find your next favorite Sun Valley Labor Day tradition this year! For the full line-up, head over to our events calendar. Events Calendar