FATMAP by Strava
Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness near Sun Valley, Idaho

Summer in Sun Valley: All the Best Outdoors

When the snow melts and the ski resort closes, all new adventures take over in Idaho's mountains.

Alpine Climbing, Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Hiking, Road Biking, Sailing, Trail Running Easy, Moderate, Difficult

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Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness near Sun Valley, Idaho
Sawtooth Mountains Wilderness near Sun Valley, Idaho Photo: Shutterstock

Description

You might know of Ketchum and Sun Valley for the skiing, but when the snow melts, a whole new wave of adventure hits this Idaho mountain town. As the weather warms up, the trails dry out. The lakes thaw, the creeks flow, leaves return to the trees, and flowers start to bloom. It’s hiking season, to be sure, but there’s way more to do as well. You might try cycling around town, mountain biking in the hills, paddling an alpine lake, or scrambling to the top of a peak.

Looking at a map of roads and trails can be overwhelming though because there’s so much to explore in this area. That’s why we’ve featured this list of favorite adventures for the summer and fall––from easy to hard, and ranging from local in-town to way out in the mountains. With so many possibilities, you won’t want to limit yourself to one activity near Sun Valley. To get the most of your trip, get out there and try something new!

Routes included

Galena Grinder

Galena Grinder

A fast and flowy trail with tough climbs that give way to beautiful views and ripping descents.

Difficult Mountain Biking

Distance
33 km
Ascent
946 m
Descent
946 m

Adam's Gulch Loop: Medium

Adam's Gulch Loop: Medium

The medium-length—and most popular—variant of the Adam's Gulch Loop.

Difficult Mountain Biking

Distance
12 km
Ascent
453 m
Descent
453 m

Proctor and Ruud Mountain Loop

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

Baker Lake

Baker Lake

A clear blue lake high in the mountains, perfect for cooling off in the heat of summer.

Moderate Hiking

Distance
5.3 km
Ascent
273 m
Descent
273 m

Pioneer Cabin

Pioneer Cabin

Head into the mountains to reach a high pass, and find a historic cabin with a dramatic backdrop.

Difficult Hiking

Distance
12 km
Ascent
802 m
Descent
802 m

Hyndman Peak: East Ridge

Hyndman Peak: East Ridge

The tallest peak in the Pioneer Mountains, and one of only nine in Idaho exceeding 12,000 feet.

Easy Alpine Climbing

Distance
19 km
Ascent
1.5 km
Descent
1.5 km

Trail Creek Road to Summit

Trail Creek Road to Summit

All the way up and back down the jaw-dropping Trail Creek Road, from Sun Valley into the mountains.

Difficult Gravel Biking

Distance
28 km
Ascent
599 m
Descent
599 m

Redfish Lake Paddling

Redfish Lake Paddling

Reach the best views by paddling round the corner on the Sawtooths' largest lake.

Easy Sailing

Distance
11 km
Ascent
0 m
Descent
0 m

Wood River Trail: Hailey to Ketchum

Wood River Trail: Hailey to Ketchum

A paved path through the valley that's not only scenic, but also useful for getting around by bicycle.

Easy Road Biking

Distance
21 km
Ascent
177 m
Descent
26 m

Fox Creek Loop

Fox Creek Loop

A go-to loop in the hills near Ketchum, with inspiring views to the bigger mountains.

Moderate Trail Running

Distance
9.3 km
Ascent
269 m
Descent
269 m

White Clouds Loop

White Clouds Loop

Stretch the legs and get a feel for Sun Valley on this convenient loop near the resort lodge.

Easy Trail Running

Distance
6.5 km
Ascent
129 m
Descent
129 m
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Related guidebooks

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