Sun Valley★5.0

How to Get There

From Salt Lake City (294 miles): Get on I-15 N. Follow I-15 N and I-84 W to US-93 N in Jerome County. Take exit 173 from I-84 W. Follow US-93 N and State Hwy 75 N to Inn Entry Ln in Sun Valley.

Overview

Sun Valley is America's first destination ski resort, and skiers use the name for the alpine area on Bald Mountain ("Baldy," summit 9,150 feet) next to Ketchum, while beginners and lower intermediates head to Dollar Mountain. The city is split by a small saddle into two sections.

Areas

• Sun Valley village: centered on Sun Valley Lodge and Inn, with shops, condos, and the original golf course winding up Trail Creek
• Elkhorn: a separate, drier area near Dollar Mountain, developed in 1972, with its own golf course
• Ketchum: the older town center, a mile down Trail Creek

Things to Do

Experience Idaho's Original Mountain Resort Destination

Sun Valley is one of America's most famous mountain destinations, known for its world-class skiing, scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, the area offers year-round opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Explore Miles of Hiking Trails

The Sun Valley area features an extensive network of hiking trails ranging from easy valley walks to challenging mountain summits. Visitors can explore trails throughout the Wood River Valley, Bald Mountain, the Sawtooth Mountains, Pioneer Mountains, Boulder Mountains, and surrounding wilderness areas.

Visit Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain is the iconic centerpiece of Sun Valley and offers spectacular views of Ketchum, Sun Valley, and the surrounding mountains. During the summer season, visitors can hike mountain trails and enjoy panoramic alpine scenery.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreation in Every Season

The region offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, golf, skiing, snowboarding, and scenic drives. Its combination of mountain terrain and accessible trails makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

Explore the Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Located a short drive from Sun Valley, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area features dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, rivers, and extensive hiking opportunities. It is one of Idaho's premier destinations for backpacking, camping, photography, and wilderness exploration.

Discover Ketchum and Sun Valley Village

Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, galleries, festivals, and cultural attractions throughout the Sun Valley and Ketchum area. The communities blend outdoor adventure with resort amenities and historic mountain-town charm.

Top Trails

Pioneer Cabin Trail

Length: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,600 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

One of the most iconic hikes near Sun Valley, Pioneer Cabin rewards hikers with spectacular alpine scenery and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The famous cabin is known for its photo-worthy setting and unforgettable vistas.

Proctor Mountain Trail

Length: Approximately 3.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

A popular local hike near Sun Valley, Proctor Mountain offers excellent views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding valley. The trail passes through forests and mountain terrain while providing a rewarding workout close to town.

Fox Creek Trail

Length: Approximately 5 to 7 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 to 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic trail follows portions of the Big Wood River and passes through forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes. Fox Creek is popular with both hikers and mountain bikers and offers beautiful views throughout the route.

Adam's Gulch Trail

Length: Approximately 6.1 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 780 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

One of the area's most popular trails, Adam's Gulch features mountain scenery, streams, wildflowers, and diverse terrain. The trail network allows visitors to customize their route based on desired distance and difficulty.

Baker Lake Trail

Length: Approximately 3 to 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 870 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

This family-friendly hike leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountain scenery. Baker Lake is a favorite destination for hiking, fishing, photography, and relaxing beside the water.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article and official pages for Visit Sun Valley - Hiking, Sun Valley Summer Hiking Guide, Our 5 Favorite Hikes in Sun Valley, Sun Valley, Idaho, released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.