With hundreds of miles of trail within easy reach of downtown, Ketchum and Sun Valley are a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly hike that you can finish before lunch, or an all-day epic that will make you earn your schooner of beer from Grumpy’s, we have you covered. Here are some of our favorite hikes in and around Sun Valley. Hikes Close to Sun Valley White Clouds Loop The White Clouds Loop was built in 2008 by Sun Valley Resort, and the trailhead is located across the street from the Sun Valley Lodge. The loop starts out with a climb to an overlook of Ketchum, then rolls over gentle hills with stellar mountain views. The last part of the loop is along the paved Trail Creek Path. Taylor Canyon Taylor Canyon is close enough to town to run over for a quick hike after lunch, but far enough that you won’t see many people. The loop begins as a gentle climb through an open canyon before making big, lazy switchbacks up to a ridgeline with great views of Bald Mountain. Titus Lake Just before reaching the top of Galena Pass you’ll notice a crowded parking area on the …
Hiking in Sun Valley, Idaho: A Summer Guide
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.
Outdoor Dining for Summer 2020
Sun Valley has always been known for its access to the outdoors and accessibly to activites. It should come as no surprise when things get challenging we resort to our most abundant resource… the outdoors. Restaurants and bars are now open in the valley but things will be a little different this summer. While many were able to rearrange for distanced dining, they and others are still offering plenty of to-go menu options. But with plenty of sun and fresh air don’t feel like you have to head straight home to eat. Instead we’ve compiled a list of the best places to enjoy your to-go meals around the valley. The Streets No, we are not talking about laying out the picnic blanket in the middle of Sun Valley Road during rush hour. But the City of Ketchum has closed down parts of 4th street between Leadville and Walnut (except cross streets) and has placed tables and umbrellas to expand the already great outdoor space of Town Square. This location is central to tons of great restaurants and is flooded with sun all times of day. Also keep an eye out for tables out on sidewalks and tucked away in nooks cause there will …
Sun Valley, Idaho: Your Next Mountain Biking Bucket List Destination
Bucket list — it’s a term often used to describe mountain biking in Sun Valley. What makes this place deserving of such a lofty moniker? First, there’s literally hundreds of miles of prime Idaho singletrack, and because the valley flies under the radar of mainstream mountain bike enthusiasts, there’s not a ton of folks competing for real estate. Heard of the movie Private Idaho? It’s pretty common to feel like you’ve got the place pretty much to yourself. With so many options, where do you start? Well, it’s helpful to size up what kind of riding you’re looking for. Are you the meadow-skipping sort who’s in it for stunning scenery more than white-knuckle descending, or are you rip ready for a rugged, sub-alpine adventure that will leave your legs and arms feeling like a raw tartare you might find on a French menu? Never fear, because we’ve got it all here and can steer you in the right direction.
Top 5 Day Trips out of Sun Valley
Sun Valley is located perfectly in the center of Idaho allowing for endless drives of exploration. Summer 2020 is looking to be the summer of road-trips. So break out your atlas and roll down the windows because here are some of our favorite drives that are easily tackled within a day. Craters of the Moon National Monument The desolate landscape of never ending black lava flows across the Southern Idaho plain. What might seem like an empty expanse actually holds some of the best exploring around. You can choose to check into the visitors center and learn about the geologic and human history in the area. Take a hike up the fine silt mounds that were once lively volcanos and peer deep into their craters. Unique plant and animal life somehow hold on in such a harsh landscape so be sure to keep and eye out. For those looking for a little more adventure the Craters of the Moon is a spelunkers paradise. Spelunking is the exploration of caves and Craters has miles of lava tubes that are super fun to explore and are a great escape from the desert heat. Be sure to pack a flashlight. Stanley and the …
The Great Central Idaho Road-trip
Idaho has over 30 scenic byways criss-crossing all over and providing access to the Gem State’s grandeur. With gas prices already low and predicted to drop even more heading into this summer we’ve put together the Great Central Idaho Road-trip for you to get out and see some of the best parts of the state. The driving tour loops start in Boise but can be joined at any point and links into cross country routes Interstate 84 and US Highway 20 for fun little detours. Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway – Highway 21 Driving north out of Boise almost immediately is Lucky Peak State Park and Arrow Rock Reservoir with plenty of water sports and relaxing beaches. Be sure to stop in the historic mining town of Idaho City and transport back to the days of the ole west. Stops can be made at many historical markers along the highway and interpretive trails and signs. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the Payette is some of the funnest and most accessible whitewater in the state. As you pass over into the Sawtooth valley be sure to stop at Stanley Lake for great evening …
Best Early Season Mountain Bike Rides in Sun Valley
Five months of snow-induced activities tend to leave one yearning for change. When the temperatures jump in to the 60’s here in Sun Valley, an eagerness to mix up the daily routine sweeps the town. This is a biking community after all and the first chance to hop on those beautiful two-wheeled mechanical devices is met with open arms. Nevermind the ghostly white legs, extra winter weight, creaking bike parts and dismal Strava times, it’s all about embracing the first glimpse of spring. We’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of the best early season mountain bike rides. Get out there and enjoy!
Sun Valley Daydreaming: Waiting for COVID-19 to Subside
This too shall pass Do you have the wanderlust bug but you’re stuck in self-isolation? Well, just as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, eventually the COVID-19 pandemic will come to an end and life will return to its daily rhythms. In the meantime there are plenty of ways to stay busy like we listed here or you can start envisioning your next visit! To help you get your Sun Valley daydreaming on, we’ve put together a few things to help you map out your trip here when this is all over. Road Trip With oil prices plunging and gas prices expected to drop, the summer of 2020 may shape up to be the year people take to the road. With every highway leading to Sun Valley being designated a scenic byway what better way to enjoy getting here. Or use Sun Valley as your basecamp for the many great day trips just a short cruise away. America’s longest road, U.S. Highway 20, stretches from Newport, Oregon all the way to Boston, Massachusetts and passes only a half hour south of Sun Valley. As the ultimate cross country road-trip, be sure to plan a stop and …
Oh, Kale Yeah! It’s Time for the Wood River Farmers Markets
Life rolls at a more relaxed pace in the mountains, and those minutes between when an event is supposed to start, and when it actually starts, is what we like to call “Ketchum-time.” There’s always some wiggle room…which means a little extra time on the trail, or for a lingering lunch with friends. Or, at least, so I thought. Turns out that “Ketchum-time” doesn’t apply at the Wood River Farmers Markets. “You should have been here earlier,” one farmer told me when I looked sadly at an empty bin labeled ‘broccoli.’ “Those sold within the first thirty minutes.” When it comes to supporting local producers—and eating the freshest, tastiest fruits, meats, and vegetables—the people of this Valley don’t mess around. It’s ‘be there or be square,’ and I’ve learned my lesson. Ketchum Farmers Market The Wood River Farmers Markets hold two markets each week through the summer. The first, on Tuesdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, is hosted at the River Run Parking Lot on Serenade Lane in Ketchum. Dozens of local vendors set up for four hours and offer locals and visitors the change to purchase locally-grown produce, meats, and dairy products alongside artisan crafts and flowers. Food …
Sun Valley: A Pro Skier’s Summer Playground
Pro skier, Andy Mahre and his pro photographer fiancé, Shannon Skouras, traded in their skis in favor of mountain bikes & paddleboards to seek-out the post-snow side of things here in the Sun Valley area. Dive in for a deeper look at how these two took on our summer playground.
