Idaho has over 30 scenic byways criss-crossing all over and providing access to the Gem State’s grandeur. With gas prices already low and predicted to drop even more heading into this summer we’ve put together the Great Central Idaho Road-trip for you to get out and see some of the best parts of the state. The driving tour loops start in Boise but can be joined at any point and links into cross country routes Interstate 84 and US Highway 20 for fun little detours. Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway – Highway 21 Driving north out of Boise almost immediately is Lucky Peak State Park and Arrow Rock Reservoir with plenty of water sports and relaxing beaches. Be sure to stop in the historic mining town of Idaho City and transport back to the days of the ole west. Stops can be made at many historical markers along the highway and interpretive trails and signs. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the Payette is some of the funnest and most accessible whitewater in the state. As you pass over into the Sawtooth valley be sure to stop at Stanley Lake for great evening …
Best Early Season Mountain Bike Rides in Sun Valley
Five months of snow-induced activities tend to leave one yearning for change. When the temperatures jump in to the 60’s here in Sun Valley, an eagerness to mix up the daily routine sweeps the town. This is a biking community after all and the first chance to hop on those beautiful two-wheeled mechanical devices is met with open arms. Nevermind the ghostly white legs, extra winter weight, creaking bike parts and dismal Strava times, it’s all about embracing the first glimpse of spring. We’ve compiled a quick and dirty list of the best early season mountain bike rides. Get out there and enjoy!
Oh, Kale Yeah! It’s Time for the Wood River Farmers Markets
Life rolls at a more relaxed pace in the mountains, and those minutes between when an event is supposed to start, and when it actually starts, is what we like to call “Ketchum-time.” There’s always some wiggle room…which means a little extra time on the trail, or for a lingering lunch with friends. Or, at least, so I thought. Turns out that “Ketchum-time” doesn’t apply at the Wood River Farmers Markets. “You should have been here earlier,” one farmer told me when I looked sadly at an empty bin labeled ‘broccoli.’ “Those sold within the first thirty minutes.” When it comes to supporting local producers—and eating the freshest, tastiest fruits, meats, and vegetables—the people of this Valley don’t mess around. It’s ‘be there or be square,’ and I’ve learned my lesson. Ketchum Farmers Market The Wood River Farmers Markets hold two markets each week through the summer. The first, on Tuesdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, is hosted at the River Run Parking Lot on Serenade Lane in Ketchum. Dozens of local vendors set up for four hours and offer locals and visitors the change to purchase locally-grown produce, meats, and dairy products alongside artisan crafts and flowers. Food …
Sun Valley: A Pro Skier’s Summer Playground
Pro skier, Andy Mahre and his pro photographer fiancé, Shannon Skouras, traded in their skis in favor of mountain bikes & paddleboards to seek-out the post-snow side of things here in the Sun Valley area. Dive in for a deeper look at how these two took on our summer playground.
A Day in The Dirt with Sun Valley’s Osberg Ridge Trail
To be honest, the Osberg Ridgeline Trail doesn't make any sense. It's too perfect. It's too remote, yet too close. It's singletrack is too flowy, too rolly, too buffed out and way too scenic to be so close yet so far away. It's too easy to be a backcountry trail and it's too far from town to be… well it's almost too much of everything to be real. But it is. Sitting in the middle of nowhere, 3,000' above the valley floor, unspooling from east to west, following a prominent ridge system that divides Baker Creek and Warm Springs Creek with views for tens if not hundreds of miles, this newest addition to the Sun Valley region's singletrack motherload is a mind blower.
Pink Bike Explores the Mountain Biking in Sun Valley/Ketchum, Idaho
Pink Bike explores the singletrack mountain biking around the Sun Valley & Ketchum, Idaho area.
Sun Valley’s Best Outdoor Patios
The summer season offers visitors the option of enjoying the splendor of the Wood River Valley’s scenic views from the comfort of some of the best patios and decks for dining. Whether it’s post-golfing on the patio of Sun Valley’s Clubhouse or enjoying free music on the deck at Bellevue’s Mahoney’s, these are the best spots to grab a sip or a bite and soak up some summer rays. Ketchum and Sun Valley When settling on a deck or patio to enjoy in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area, there are a few questions to consider. How much sun are you looking to get? Are you heading for an afternoon drink or want a full meal? Do you want to hear music? Lefty’s For those looking for the most sun for their buck, the deck at Lefty’s can’t be beat. With the afternoon rays hitting the area directly, you’ll find this deck packed with locals and visitors alike on weekday and weekend afternoons all summer. Musicians play here sporadically and fare includes basic pub food like burgers and drinks of the mostly beer persuasion. Grumpy’s Another mid-day local’s favorite is Grumpy’s, home of the schooner and classic pub fare. The …
This is the Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Discover the Sawtooth Botanical Garden in Ketchum, Idaho where you’ll find several south-central Idaho biomes, a prayer wheel blessed by the Dalai Lama, a variety of classes and more.
How to Maximize Your Dollar in Sun Valley This Summer
At the time, Sun Valley has the perception of being too expensive to enjoy. But like anything in life, there are usually affordable or free ways to find a good time, even especially in Sun Valley. And while we’re not saying you’re a dirtbag, the following are tips on how to live the most…money averse couple of days in Sun Valley in the summer. Getting Here Flying directly into Hailey’s Friedman Memorial Airport can be pricey over the 4th of July week but there are often deals run at various points throughout the year. We recommend checking out our Getting Here page or scoping airfarewatchdog.com for your best and most affordable options. Flying into Boise or Twin Falls and renting a car is also a viable route. Places to Stay Summer is full of inexpensive or free options to stay, the cheapest being camping. There are campsites out Sun Valley Road at both Boundary Campground, a traditional campground with bathroom facilities and grills that costs $10/night. This is a great spot as it is located close enough to town to bike if you’re really looking to cut costs. North of town by the SNRA is the North Fork Campgrounds for $16/night and have water and bathroom facilities. …
Outerbike Sun Valley
This will be the first visit for Outerbike to Sun Valley and we’re still left blushing knowing that we’ve been included in the mix. We have all the details on what Outerbike is all about.