Sun Valley, Idaho is famous for being the “First Destination Ski Resort in America.” People came here to enjoy the new ski slopes and to get away from society. Ernest Hemingway ended up falling in love with Sun Valley, making it his final home, and completing his novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” there. As soon as you drive into Sun Valley, you will be blown away by the gorgeous Sawtooth Mountains sitting over the charming towns.
This area is the perfect home base for adventurous endeavors. People flock here to enjoy a number of activities from mountain biking to skiing. One of my best friend’s family has had a home in Ketchum for many years. I have had the incredible fortune of getting to visit numerous times and I’ve enjoyed many of the fun activities!
What to Do in Sun Valley:
1. Go on a hike
My friend likes to say that it’s not a Sun Valley Hike, if it’s not making you huff and puff. But don’t fear, there are so many different trails that you can enjoy in Sun Valley, ranging from difficult backcountry trekking to easy strolls through the landscape. Hikes in this area provide views of stunning mountains, pristine lakes, running rivers, large valleys, and colorful wildflowers.
Best Hikes in Sun Valley:
- Pioneer Cabin
- Norton Lakes
- Kane Lake
- Read more here!
2. Enjoy the Ski Slopes
No matter the season, you can always enjoy the view from the top of Bald Mountain. The gondola runs at all times of year, so you can take a ride to the top! Many people flock to Sun Valley Resort during the winter to hit the slopes. There are plenty of runs to enjoy and the towns nearby are incredibly charming.
3. Ride a Bike
Sun Valley is the perfect spot for those who are avid mountain bikers. There are plenty of trails throughout the valley that are great for an adventurous ride. It’s such a wonderful spot for mountain biking, that every year there is a huge mountain bike race over Labor Day Weekend called Rebecca’s Private Idaho.
For those who aren’t experienced bikers, there are also beautiful paths for road bikes. Take a serene bike ride along the trail that runs through the town of Ketchum and bask in the beauty all around you.
4. Spend a Day by the Lake
Ready to go for a swim? Whenever I tell my grandpa that I’m going to Sun Valley, he always says that I must go to Redfish Lake. As you drive up to the lake, you’ll see plenty of people heading from town and towing their boats. This alpine lake is stunning, but a bit on the chilly side.
Once you get there you’ll find people having picnics, fishing along the shore, and boating around the lake. If you don’t mind the cold, you can jump in for a dip. There are other options for smaller, less busy lakes throughout the area. My friends and I spent an entire day at Alturas Lake spending time in the sun and picnicking by the shore.
5. Practice Your Golf Game
Even if you don’t enjoy golfing, you’ll want to visit the golf courses for the stunning landscapes. You’ll be greeted by expanses of green lawn that sits under the austere mountains above. The courses themselves are great and many golfers will agree that they love them.
Sun Valley Resort was even named in one of the best 75 golf courses in the country! Every year my friends and I enjoy a putting game on a wonderful putting course at the Sun Valley location. I am currently on a two year win streak, so I obviously am a big fan.
6. Catch some Fish
There are plenty of great fishing holes amongst the mountains. As you hike along trails, you’ll see lots of fishermen that are casting their lines trying to get a bite. People go to Sun Valley to fly fish and try their luck at a big catch!
You can find a lot of great fly fishing areas, where you’ll catch a few big fish if you’re fortunate enough. This past year, we brought fishing rods on the Norton Lakes hike and we spent a couple hours trying our luck. We were able to catch 3 fish! We practiced catch and release, so we sent them back into the lake to live on.
Final Thoughts
You are guaranteed to find something to do in the beautiful Sun Valley area. If you love the outdoors, then you need to add this spot to your bucket list. I can’t wait for my next trip here in July!
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LOVE!!! Hope I catch a fish next year.