Proctor and Ruud Mountain Loop
Hilltop views in a steep hike close to town, and one of the world's oldest chairlifts.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.8 km
- Ascent
- 517 m
- Descent
- 517 m
Visiting in the summer or fall? Don't miss out on these trails among the best of Sun Valley's incredible outdoor adventures.
Alpine Climbing, Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Sun Valley Resort and the town of Ketchum are cradled by mountain ranges on all sides, making it Idaho’s mecca for skiing in the winter. The area remains popular the rest of the year as well, but in the absence of snow, a lot of people drive on through to reach the Sawtooth Mountains farther north. Those who do stop and explore, however, will find an incredible amount of scenery outside the bounds of this resort town.
Just standing on the street in Ketchum, you’ll look up at steep foothills or perhaps down at the flowing river, but much bigger mountains lie just out of view. Take to the trails to find snowy summits, swaths of forest, snowmelt creeks, secluded lakes, and unpopulated vistas reachable only on foot. You can quickly leave the resort bustle behind and disappear into this vast landscape of Idaho mountains.
The best seasons for hiking here are late spring through mid-fall. After the snow has melted, the trails dry out, and wildflowers color the meadows. By midsummer, it can get hot and hazy, but you’ll enjoy cool air in the shade of subalpine forests. As temperatures drop in the fall, the leaves burst with color, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect for hiking.
A wealth of trails begin practically in town, so whether you seek a quick jaunt or an all-day excursion, there’s an ideal trail for you. Here we’ve shared a few which are not to be missed. To get the most out of your Idaho vacation, be sure to explore at least one of these most-scenic hikes near Sun Valley.
Hilltop views in a steep hike close to town, and one of the world's oldest chairlifts.
Difficult Hiking
A great workout with mountain vistas and summer wildflowers.
Difficult Hiking
Head into the mountains to reach a high pass, and find a historic cabin with a dramatic backdrop.
Difficult Hiking
The tallest peak in the Pioneer Mountains, and one of only nine in Idaho exceeding 12,000 feet.
Easy Alpine Climbing
A local favorite trail with nicely varied scenery and elevated views.
Moderate Hiking
5 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
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13 routes · Alpine Climbing · Mountain Biking · Gravel Biking · Hiking · Road Biking · Sailing · Trail Running
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13 routes · Hiking
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10 routes · Hiking