Here Comes The Sun

Inhale, exhale, and stay sunny this summer. Sun Valley, Idaho, is famous for its epic outdoors, but nature nurtures in so many different ways here: mountain yoga, summit hikes filled with flowing waters, wildflowers and vast alpine views, and car-free bike trails to botanical gardens plus fresh food stops. Oh, and those romantic dark sky starry nights...

Week: 07.13.2022
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Storied Trail

Hike Proctor Mountain Trail in Sun Valley Idaho

Hiker on Proctor Mountain Loop Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
The Hemingway Memorial in Sun Valley Idaho
Hiker among wildflowers at Proctor Mountain Trail in Sun Valley
Two hikers looking out at mountain scenery on the Proctor Mountain Loop Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
If ever there was a fairy trail, this 6.8-mile lollipop loop on Sun Valley’s Proctor Mountain is it. The Proctor Mountain Trail is a storied route in more ways than one, starting with its tranquil oasis memorial for a famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.
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Two Wheels to Zen

Bike the Wood River Trail to the Sawtooth Botanical Garden in Sun Valley Idaho

Two bikers on the Wood River Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
Two bikers on the Wood River Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
Biker on Wood River Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
Cyclist saying hi to a horse on the Wood River Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
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Sun Valley Salutations

Outdoor Yoga at River Run in Sun Valley Idaho

Yoga at River Run Lodge in Sun Valley Idaho
Yoga at River Run in Sun Valley Idaho
Yoga at River Run in Sun Valley
Yoga class at River Run in Sun Valley Idaho
Sun Valley’s popular Yoga at River Run is located outdoors at the base of beautiful Bald Mountain, amid pine-scented air, the sound of a flowing river, and mountain-to-valley scenery.
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Bald Statement

Hike to the Summit of Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

Hiker on Bald Mountain Summit Trail in Sun Valley Idaho
Hiker at Bald Mountain Summit in Sun Valley Idaho
Hiker at the Scenic Overlook on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho
Hiker at summit of Bald Mountain overlooking the ski area in Sun Valley Idaho
If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.
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Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley

Sunsets and Starry Nights at the Dark Sky Reserve in Sun Valley Idaho

Two people on a bench at Knob Hill Natural Area in Ketchum
Entrance to Knob Hill Natural Area in Ketchum Sun Valley Idaho
Two people enjoying beer and food at Warfield Distillery in Ketchum Idaho
River Run Farmers Market in Sun Valley Idaho
Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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