Mindfulness in the Mountains
We like to think that the fastest way to Sun Valley, Idaho is to slow down. Visiting and living in a community lucky enough to have endless trails and waterways, cultural touch points old and new, can be a lot. Take a moment to embrace where you are, how you got here, and where you are heading.
Mindfulness in the Mountains envelopes several touch-points that include recreating responsibly, friendliness & stewardship, health & safety awareness as well as developing an understanding of our mountain town culture.
We thank you in advance for doing your part by building your awareness and understanding our community and the land we play on!
Recreating Responsibly
Now is a great time to explore the great outdoors that the Sun Valley area has to offer. With the limited resources our local recreation districts have this year, it is even more vital to be up to date on recreating etiquette! As we venture out to recreate, we kindly ask that you inform yourself on the proper information for recreating responsibly. This includes but is not limited to knowing proper trail etiquette, knowing where you can and can't go, how to clean-up after yourself (this includes when nature calls), knowing what you need in order to be prepared out in the elements, and knowing how to stay safe out there. Below are a few resources to help you #RecreateResponsibly.
Tips for Getting Out There
- Know before you go. Check the weather and road reports before venturing out.
- Know where you can and can't go based on land usage and activity base.
- Be prepared to be self-sufficient. Make sure you have the proper clothing, food, water, and supplies for getting out of a situation and beyond.
- Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
- Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Principle 2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly
- Remember to pack out toilet paper and hygiene products
- Principle 4: Leave What You Find
- Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Principle 6: Respect Wildlife
- Principle 7: Be Considerate of Others
- Build an inclusive outdoor environment that welcomes and educates all identities and abilities.
- #TagResponsibly - to avoid overcrowding and potentially pointing underprepared people to areas that are out of their ability levels to reach, we ask that you avoid specific geotagging of recreation areas.
Share the Trails
Be prepared to encounter other people on the trail – whether it be walkers, mountain bikers, runners, horseback riders, motorcycles, ATVs, etc. In general, yield the trail to uphill traffic. Mountain bikers and motorized trail users should slow down when approaching blind corners to avoid any conflicts with people coming from the other direction.
- On non-motorized trails, mountain bikers should yield to walkers, runners and horseback riders. Slow down when you approach other trail users.
- If you encounter a horseback rider on the trail, stop, step off the trail and talk to the rider as they approach and say “Hi.” That lets the horse know you’re human.
- If you’re mountain biking on a trail, and you approach a horseback rider from behind, say “Hi” and let them know you’re approaching. They will pull off to the side and let you pass. Talk to the rider and let the horse know you’re human. And continue with your ride.
Recreating in the Sawtooth Wilderness & SNRA
Know the 10-Day Camping Stay Limit
When camping in both developed campgrounds and designated dispersed camping sites, there is a 10-day stay limit at the same site or within a 30-mile radius of the same site, within a 30-day period from May 1 to September 15.
- Learn more about the Sawtooth National Recreation Area – Occupancy and Use HERE.
- See the SNRA Occupancy and Use Order and Map HERE.
- Please note that the Ketchum Ranger District has different stay limits; make sure to follow posted signs. if you’re camping outside of the Sawtooth NRA, make sure to call ahead or check with the appropriate Ranger District for their specific camping stay limits
Be Bear Aware!
Properly store food and other attractants to prevent interactions with bears. Store items in a locked, hard-sided vehicle, bear-resistant container, or hang them 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree.
A food storage order is in place from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day outside of designated wilderness areas.
Know the River Regulations
There are salmon protection rules in place on the Upper Main Salmon River from August 15 to the beginning of September, along with a full closure for most of September. Also, ensure you have adequate river permits.
Endangered Chinook Salmon Spawning
- Starting Aug 15 the OPEN River section are
- Stanley Bridge to Morman Bend (Class I/II)
- Yankee Fork to Snyder Springs (Class III)
- Portage required at Indian Riffles Aug 29-Sept 2
- The River is CLOSED to float boating Sept 3 thru Sept 23 but is open to bank and wade fishing.
- Stop by any of the Stanley fly shops for the most up-to-date info.
Know the Group Size Limits
Before entering the Sawtooth Wilderness, visitors should familiarize themselves with the Sawtooth Wilderness Occupancy and Use Order. All Sawtooth Wilderness users must have a free Wilderness Use Permit.
- Groups of eight to twelve hikers or those intending to use stock overnight must contact a Forest Service Office to obtain a permit.
- Groups may not exceed 12 people and 14 head of stock May 1 - November 31 and are limited to 20 people and 14 head of stock December 1 – April 30.
- Learn more about the Sawtooth Wilderness Rules & Regulations HERE.
- Learn more about the Sawtooth Wilderness Area Occupancy and Use HERE.
Know the Fire Rules
- No ground campfires are allowed anywhere within the Sawtooth Wilderness. All campfires must be a Leave-No-Trace fire on a fire pan or fire blanket.
- Areas closed to campfires are shown in the Sawtooth Wilderness Regulations Map.
- Learn more about wilderness restrictions HERE.
- Fire restrictions may change with the conditions. For the most up-to-date restrictions, learn more HERE
- Fire stage explanations found HERE.
Know How to Go in the Woods
- Dispersed camping means no bathrooms and no outhouses. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- W.A.G. bags are also a great option. Learn how to use it HERE
- For those with camp trailers, dispose of waste and grey water at dumping stations located at many Forest Service campgrounds.
- Learn more about Dispersed Camping HERE.
Doggy Details
Dogs might outnumber locals here in Sun Valley and we absolutely love them. To keep the good dog vibes rolling, there are a few things that we ask you to remember when you're out and about with your pup.
Pick Up After Your Dog
- Clean trails are happy trails. We ask that you pick up your dogs business and dispose of your bags. Dog bag left on the side of a trail taint the expereince.
- Every time dog waste is left on the trail, it adds to the pollution of our local waterways – the waterways that we depend on for drinking, irrigation, and recreation.
- Through the Pick Up for the Planet (PUP) program, the Environmental Resource Center (ERC) provides educational signage, baggies, and weekly bin servicing to 16 highly-trafficked trailheads valley-wide. This service is provided at no cost to the community and is funded through individual donations and grants.
Leash Regulations
- From July 1-Labor Day dogs are required to be on leash for all trails due to the increase in user traffic.
- Dog are always required to be on leash at campgrounds and beaches.
Informational Videos
Recreating Responsibly
Putting Out Your Campfire
How to Use a W.A.G. Bag
Informational Recreation Resources
Recreational Guides
Helpful Links
Stay up to date with the latest information from the local authorities.
