Sun Valley, Idaho is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers! In the summer it’s a haven for mountain biking and hiking, and in the winter it’s all about skiing and snowboarding. But, nothing compares to the Sun Valley hikes.
One of my closest friends has a house in the beautiful town of Ketchum. For the past three Labor Days, I have had the pleasure of getting to visit her in this lovely place. We spend our time hiking, cooking, and laughing a bunch.
We have now been for five years in a row, so I can tell you some of the very best hikes in the area. Below you will find some of the trails that I have enjoyed the most! There are still plenty of hikes that I want to do on my next trips to Sun Valley including Proctor Mountain, Bald Mountain, and Kane Lake.
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5 Amazing Sun Valley Hikes
#1 Adam’s Gulch (6.1 miles, 780 ft)
There are plenty of trails that you can take in the Adam’s Gulch area, so it’s kind of a choose your own adventure. There are plenty of short Sun Valley hikes to choose from. It’s a nice spot to go after work to get out for a nice, relatively easy hike. The trail is located just a short ten minute drive from the city of Ketchum.
The trails aren’t hard but it’s really nice to spend some time in the peace and quiet there. Some of the trail goes through the forest and the other makes its way through the valley. This is also a popular spot for mountain bikers, so be ready to move to the side of the trail.
#2 Chocolate Gulch (3 miles, 630 ft)
You can access this trail from multiple spots, where you can follow the looped path. Watch out though, because it can be easy to miss the signs for the trail or go the wrong way! We ended up on the Fox Creek trail for a bit of time. Chocolate Gulch is located in the neighborhoods of Ketchum.
The Chocolate Gulch trail winds its way around the mountain side with a few ups and downs. Along the way you’ll pass by impressive homes, the lush woods, and the running river. If you are hiking on a hot day, you can find plenty of spots to dip your feet in the water to cool off. It was a lovely, peaceful hike along the river and up the mountain!
#3 Baker Lake Trail (3.6 miles, 872 ft)
Visit another stunning Alpine Lake when you hike to Baker Lake! You have to climb uphill for a while until you reach a beautiful open valley. We even stopped to eat sandwiches in this idyllic location! Continue on and you will make it to the lake!
It’s a pretty cold lake, but if you’re feeling brave, then you can go for a swim! People love to hang by the lake, swim in it, or fish by the edge! It’s a great short day hike to make you feel accomplished.
#4 Norton Lakes (4.6 miles, 1476 ft)
We did this trail for the first time this year and it became one of my favorites instantly! The trail is a pretty steady climb up, so you may want to prepare yourself. There are three lakes along this trail, but you have to do a little bit of extra work to reach the last two.
Our group went to the first two lakes (Upper and Lower Norton) and then went back to the Lower Norton to have lunch and fish. Each of these lakes were beautiful in their own way! We spent a few hours fishing, so we did not make it to Big Lost Lake. I can’t wait to do this trail again and make it to all three of these gorgeous lakes!
#5 Pioneer Cabin (8 miles, 2572 ft)
This is the quintessential hike in Sun Valley and you cannot miss it! This hike is in Hailey, Idaho and is extremely difficult and you should not take it on lightly, but it is also amazing. Make sure that you have acclimatized before you head out on this trail and take it slow!
We usually take Long Gulch to the cabin and go down the opposite way. I have done this trail twice and the first time, I suffered from altitude sickness. The trail goes up the steep mountain side, over rocky cliffs, and along through the long grass before you will reach Pioneer Cabin. Some hikers stay the night in this adorable cabin, where you will find plenty of etchings of past visitors. The views from the cabin will take your breath away (literally) and you will feel very accomplished as you take it all in.
Final Thoughts
Everytime I go to Sun Valley, I fall in love with it a little more. It’s one of my favorite places to go and the trails there will blow you away. I hope that you get the chance to explore this amazing area.
Was this guide to the 5 best Sun Valley hikes helpful? Let me know in the comments!
Take me back!!!