Idaho Vacation: Best Family Hikes near Sun Valley

Not just for the rich and famous––Sun Valley, Idaho has a trail for everyone!

Jesse Weber

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Baker Lake

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Description

Sun Valley is Idaho’s most famous resort town, best known for winter sports and as a celebrity retreat. Once you visit Sun Valley and the adjacent town of Ketchum, though, you’ll find it’s not such an exclusive place after all. It’s very much still Idaho––welcoming outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities to abundant public lands and endless trails. Families who love hiking will feel right at home during the warmer months in Sun Valley. After the snow melts, the leaves and wildflowers come out, the creeks swell, and the mountains turn into a hiker’s paradise. It gets even better in the fall when the leaves change color, and the cool air is perfect for longer adventures.

While staying in Sun Valley or Ketchum, you’ll have endless trails starting practically at your back door. From here, Idaho’s vast outdoors are easy to reach and free to access, with hikes that range from strolling by the golf course to trekking high into the mountains. No matter what kind of adventure you seek, find it on these family-friendly trails close to Sun Valley.

Adventures

Valley View Loop

A quick hike near Sun Valley Lodge, with nice views of the resort and the town.

Lake Creek Trails

A stroll along the Big Wood River, through forest and fields that gorgeous in all seasons.

Baker Lake

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

Pioneer Cabin

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

Titus Lake

A family-friendly hike at high elevation, reaching a refreshing alpine lake.