Warm Weather Adventures

Enjoy the best of Sun Valley by getting out into nature, starting at Silver Creek Preserve, where you can fly fish for trout and spot moose in the high desert. Looking for a challenge? The 12-kilometer-long Pioneer Cabin hike crosses through forests, plateaus and mountains before reaching a rustic 1938 cabin. For an easier, more landscaped experience, pop by Sawtooth Botanical Garden, where winding walking paths are lined with thriving greenery, blooming flowers and lively water features. Stroll or bike along the Wood River Trails to spot the nature-inspired Spur sculpture by artist John Grade. When night rolls around in Sun Valley, the nature adventures don’t have to stop. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of just 14 International Dark-Sky Association-designated areas in the world, which means its stargazing opportunities are top-tier. While you can often look up anywhere in Sun Valley and see the Milky Way, head out of town and further into nature – Redfish Lake is a favorite – for more incredible night sky views.

A Winter Wonderland

While the warmer months in Sun Valley are great for hiking, golfing and fly fishing, winter brings its own outdoor excitement. In addition to having minimal crowds, these months offer epic winter sport opportunities. Galena Lodge boasts 24 kilometers of snowshoeing trails, framed by jaw-dropping mountain views. Bald Mountain in particular is a hit with skiers and snowboarders, with even the pros hitting these slopes to train. So many of the USA’s greatest Olympic athletes have raced down these slopes that there’s a dedicated bronze statue collection called the Olympic Ladies in Festival Meadow, depicting such accomplished Olympians as Kaitlyn Farrington, Christin Cooper and Muffy Davis.

Historic Hotspots

Beyond its natural beauty, Sun Valley's history runs deep. The famous writer Ernest Hemingway first visited Sun Valley in 1939. He completed his novel, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” at the historic Sun Valley Lodge, where you can still book a room. In 1959, Hemingway and his wife Martha Gellhorn moved toIdaho. He was buried at Ketchum Cemetery, which is now home to the Ernest Hemingway Memorial & Grave. The Wood River Museum of History & Culture dives deeper into Hemingway’s life and work, a treat for the most enthusiastic literary fans. The museum's immersive exhibit galleries also include the Tribal Room, dedicated to the history and ongoing legacy of the Shoshone and Bannock Tribes, and the Cabinet of Wonders, a fascinating array of local historical artifacts.

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In 2017, the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve became the first International Dark-Sky Association designated area in the USA.

Photo: Oliver Guy / Visit Sun Valley

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