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
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.
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.
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 Wilderness 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 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.
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.
