The Trail Less Traveled

Have a Summer to Remember in Sun Valley Idaho

07.20.2022

Sometimes it’s the trails less traveled that bring memories most cherished. Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a change of pace and scenery that inspires a sense of wonder and a feeling of rejuvenation. Slow down and live in the moment by taking to its rivers and less traveled trails for a summer to remember.

The Wheel Deal

mountain bike Sun Valley Idaho

mountain bike Sun Valley Idaho

For those who like their adventures best on two wheels, Sun Valley is your soul-mate destination. The 400+ mile network of scenic terrain is heavenly, and all you have to do is go with the flow … or rather, flowy trails! Sun Valley Resort has lift-accessed biking on Bald Mountain, making gravity do most of the work!

Near Ketchum, Adam’s Gulch Area has the Forbidden Fruit Trail, a one-way mountain-bike-only favorite for advanced riders.

If cross-country is more your style, check out the variety of bike options around Galena Lodge. The lodge is surrounded by 47 miles of singletrack trails created for all levels … beginner, intermediate, and advanced. (Hikers enjoy this area too.) Go easy on the Lodge Loop, get a little edgier with Psycho Ridge, or go all in on the heart-thumping Gladiator Pass Trail. Check out the Galena Summer Trails.

GUIDED TIP: One of the best ways to have an amazing bike experience in Sun Valley is by going with pro guides who know the terrain better than anyone, can tailor adventures to everyone’s comfort level, and can show you the secret terrain. Shhh….

Discover Bike Trails in Sun Valley, Idaho

Ketchum If You Can!

Hiking Proctor Mountain

hiking Sun Valley

hiking Sun Valley

Within just a 5-mile radius of Sun Valley’s Ketchum you’ll find over 90 miles of hiking trails … so, take your pick! The Fox Creek trails system features well-traveled routes like the 5-mile Chocolate Gulch Loop. For fewer miles—and fewer people—go for the 2.5-mile North Fork Loop.

If you like your hike to combine a little literary history, head to the Hemingway Memorial and do the 4.8-mile Proctor Mountain Loop … its sweeping alpine views, vibrant wildflowers, and history as the home to the world’s first chairlift are storybook-worthy.

GUIDED TIP: For a premier hiking experience, go with the guides. They’ll tailor a hike to fit your needs and maximize your scenery without the crowds.

Discover Hiking in Sun Valley, Idaho

Rock the Boat!

whitewater rafting Sun Valley

Idaho is known to have some of the country’s best river rafting, and Sun Valley features some bucket-list whitewater adventures. Combine pristine waters and sensational scenery on a half-day, full-day, or full-week river trip with a local outfitter.

Sections of the Salmon River are ideal for families seeking a mix of gentle stretches and thrilling rapids. Whether you go for mellow and serene or class IV adrenaline-pumping, river rafting in Sun Valley is a bonanza of wilderness scenery that includes forest, mountains, and the third deepest canyon in the country.

Check out the crown-jewel of rafting adventures and find your perfect outfitter and guides.

STAY, EAT, PLAY, FLY! Nonstop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles get you to Sun Valley with comfort and ease. Start planning your Sun Valley vacation today.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View