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24hrs with a Local, Summer

24hrs with a Local: Mike McKenna, July

In this monthly series, we check in with one of our adventurous locals to find out how they would spend a perfect 24 hours in Sun Valley. And just like that, summer is here! From north to south throughout the Valley, visitors and locals are getting out to enjoy the area’s uncrowded trails, tasty dining, and cultural activities. It seems that everyone is determined to make the most of our socially distanced summer, and we invite you to join us in experiencing everything the season has to offer. For this July edition of 24Hrs Sun Valley, we caught up with Mike McKenna, the Executive Director of The Chamber of Hailey & the Wood River Valley. Mike is an award-winning journalist and author, passionate fly fisherman, and youth sports coach. He explores the Wood River Valley with his wife Brooke and his two sons, Jack and Sam. What does Mike’s perfect July day look like? Hint: it involves more than one round of fly fishing! Read on to learn more about Mike’s favorite spots in the Valley. What’s for breakfast on your perfect July day? I’d order a Bowl of Soul and “The Usual” (a toasted bagel with cream cheese, tomato, and …

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Hiking, Summer

Guide to Hiking Sun Valley – Part II

With hundreds of miles of trail within easy reach of downtown, Ketchum and Sun Valley are a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly hike that you can finish before lunch, or an all-day epic that will make you earn your schooner of beer from Grumpy’s, we have you covered. Here are some of our favorite hikes in and around Sun Valley. Hikes Close to Sun Valley White Clouds Loop The White Clouds Loop was built in 2008 by Sun Valley Resort, and the trailhead is located across the street from the Sun Valley Lodge. The loop starts out with a climb to an overlook of Ketchum, then rolls over gentle hills with stellar mountain views. The last part of the loop is along the paved Trail Creek Path. Taylor Canyon Taylor Canyon is close enough to town to run over for a quick hike after lunch, but far enough that you won’t see many people. The loop begins as a gentle climb through an open canyon before making big, lazy switchbacks up to a ridgeline with great views of Bald Mountain.  Titus Lake Just before reaching the top of Galena Pass you’ll notice a crowded parking area on the …

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Hiking, Summer

Hiking in Sun Valley, Idaho: A Summer Guide

Every spring, the Sun Valley, Idaho area transforms from a skiing and snowboarding Mecca into a lush, wildflower-filled valley with miles of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding five mountain ranges. From mellow loops skirting lakes and rivers, to 12,000-foot rocky mountain peaks, there are plenty of hiking trails to please all levels of hikers throughout Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley and beyond.

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Dining, Summer

Outdoor Dining for Summer 2020

Sun Valley has always been known for its access to the outdoors and accessibly to activites. It should come as no surprise when things get challenging we resort to our most abundant resource… the outdoors. Restaurants and bars are now open in the valley but things will be a little different this summer. While many were able to rearrange for distanced dining, they and others are still offering plenty of to-go menu options. But with plenty of sun and fresh air don’t feel like you have to head straight home to eat. Instead we’ve compiled a list of the best places to enjoy your to-go meals around the valley. The Streets No, we are not talking about laying out the picnic blanket in the middle of Sun Valley Road during rush hour. But the City of Ketchum has closed down parts of 4th street between Leadville and Walnut (except cross streets) and has placed tables and umbrellas to expand the already great outdoor space of Town Square. This location is central to tons of great restaurants and is flooded with sun all times of day. Also keep an eye out for tables out on sidewalks and tucked away in nooks cause there will …

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Arts & Culture

Sun Valley vs. Ketchum… What is the difference?

If you are just beginning your research about the area or maybe you’ve even visited a few times you might be wondering, “What is the difference between Sun Valley and Ketchum?” The short answer to that question is not a whole lot, but there is way more to the story and history of how these two came to be. Ketchum Lets start with Ketchum since it came first in history. Trappers were the first to venture here in 1824. But it wasn’t until the 1870s when prospectors begin to populate the valley in search of fortune. By the early 1880s, Ketchum was not only a booming mining town, but it also was famous for its healing hot springs. The Guyer Hot Springs Resort, located on Warm Springs Road, was popular with people from around the country for its mineral waters, croquet, tennis, and fun. By the end of 1884, Ketchum boasted 13 saloons, four restaurants, two hotels, and all types of businesses necessary for a thriving town. Originally named Leadville the town was renamed after David Ketchum, a trapper, guide, and one of the first permeant residents to set up near what is now modern day Giacobbi Square. The area …

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Biking, Bucket List, Summer

Sun Valley, Idaho: Your Next Mountain Biking Bucket List Destination

Bucket list — it’s a term often used to describe mountain biking in Sun Valley. What makes this place deserving of such a lofty moniker? First, there’s literally hundreds of miles of prime Idaho singletrack, and because the valley flies under the radar of mainstream mountain bike enthusiasts, there’s not a ton of folks competing for real estate. Heard of the movie Private Idaho? It’s pretty common to feel like you’ve got the place pretty much to yourself. With so many options, where do you start? Well, it’s helpful to size up what kind of riding you’re looking for. Are you the meadow-skipping sort who’s in it for stunning scenery more than white-knuckle descending, or are you rip ready for a rugged, sub-alpine adventure that will leave your legs and arms feeling like a raw tartare you might find on a French menu? Never fear, because we’ve got it all here and can steer you in the right direction.