City in Idaho known for its world-famous skiing, fishing, hiking, trail riding, tennis, shopping, art galleries, and more
General Information
Idaho Falls, 140 miles
How to Get There
From Twin Falls, ID (85 mi): Take US-93 North to Shoshone, then continue on ID-75 North through the Wood River Valley to reach downtown Ketchum.
Overview
Ketchum (elevation 5,853 feet) is a mountain town next to Sun Valley, gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains. It began as the smelting center of the Warm Springs mining district and was called Leadville until it was renamed in 1880 for trapper David Ketchum. Ernest Hemingway lived and is buried here.
Highlights
- Bald Mountain ("Baldy"): 13 chairlifts, 65 runs, 2,054 acres, and 3,400 feet of vertical
- Sawtooth Botanical Garden and the Ketchum Sun Valley Heritage & Ski Museum
- Sawtooth National Recreation Area: north of town
Things to Do
Discover Idaho's Premier Mountain Town
Ketchum is a vibrant mountain community in central Idaho that serves as the gateway to Sun Valley Resort and the Sawtooth Mountains. Known for its world-class skiing, outdoor recreation, arts scene, and rich history, Ketchum offers visitors year-round opportunities to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the American West.
Explore Historic Downtown Ketchum
Downtown Ketchum features locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions. The walkable downtown area blends western heritage with a modern mountain-town atmosphere and serves as the center of community life throughout the year.
Experience Sun Valley Resort
Located adjacent to Ketchum, Sun Valley Resort is recognized as America's first destination ski resort and offers skiing, snowboarding, scenic gondola rides, golf, tennis, horseback riding, ice skating, and numerous summer recreation opportunities.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Memorial and Legacy Sites
Ketchum is closely associated with Ernest Hemingway, who spent time living and writing in the area. Visitors can explore locations connected to his life, including memorials and historical sites that celebrate his lasting connection to the Wood River Valley.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures in the Sawtooth Region
The mountains surrounding Ketchum provide exceptional opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, rafting, camping, climbing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The region is known for its extensive trail network and access to multiple mountain ranges.
Top Trails
Adams Gulch Trail
Length: Approximately 5 to 10 miles depending on route
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the most popular trail systems near Ketchum, Adams Gulch offers scenic mountain views, forested terrain, wildflowers, and excellent opportunities for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Bald Mountain Trail
Length: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,000 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
This challenging route climbs Sun Valley's iconic Bald Mountain and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Wood River Valley, surrounding mountain ranges, and the Sawtooth region.
Proctor Mountain Trail
Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
A favorite local hike, Proctor Mountain Trail offers scenic overlooks above Ketchum and provides excellent views of Bald Mountain and downtown Ketchum below.
Wood River Trail
Length: Approximately 20+ miles one way
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This paved multi-use pathway connects Ketchum with nearby communities throughout the Wood River Valley. The route is ideal for walking, running, cycling, wildlife viewing, and enjoying mountain scenery.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Visit Sun Valley - Things To Do, Visit Sun Valley - Attractions, Sun Valley Resort Activities, Ketchum, Idaho, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
