Mountain ranges around Sun Valley: Although many people proclaim that “The Sawtooths are simply breathtaking!” and they aren’t wrong about that, chances are they are not looking at the Sawtooths. Although much of the mountains surrounding Sun Valley are within the Sawtooth National Forest, it is actually impossible to see the Sawtooths from the valley. Sun Valley is actually surrounded by five distinct mountain ranges so we compiled some helpful info so that the next time your talking peaks, you sound like a local. Pioneer Mountains The great Pioneers! Idaho’s second tallest mountain range and the beautiful skyline viewed from most of the ski runs. The Pioneers rise to the east out of the valley with foothills mostly blocking the view from town, but making it more rewarding to hike into Pioneer Cabin. The range is bounded on the west by the Big Wood River, by Trail Creek, Summit Creek, and the North Fork Big Lost River on the north, and by the East Fork Big Lost River, Saint Louis Canyon, Champagne Creek, and the Cherry Creeks on the east, and on the south by the Snake River Plain. Hyndman Peak is the ninth tallest peak in Idaho earning it the last slot on …
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What We’re Made Of – The Sun Valley Wellness Festival
In 1997, a group of wellness-minded community members in Sun Valley decided to host a small event over Memorial Day weekend. Since then, the annual Sun Valley Wellness Festival and Conference (SVWFC) has grown into a major event as well as the longest-running wellness festival in the world. Each year’s festival and conference draws roughly 1,500 people to see speakers such as Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, and Arianna Huffington, and to the festival portion which includes movement classes, vendors, and the experience park. This year’s 25th annual event will be held from June 10-13, and will focus on COMING HOME. It will explore how social health & well-being define the foundation of our collective wellness, illuminating what it really means to be a community. History After its founding in 1997, the formative team behind the festival started the non-profit arm, the Sun Valley Wellness Institute (SVWI) in 2005. The festival is now run by the institute as well as a Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and current Executive Director Andria Friesen. Over the years, the date of the SVWFC has changed from taking place during the slack month of May to a busy summer event. Its location has varied over the …
5 Ways to Avoid the Crowds in Sun Valley this Summer
Have the trails seemed busier? Are you looking to get away from the crowds? Maybe you want to spice things up and explore new territory. While hiking, mountain biking, and camping are all extremely popular activities we have some less trafficked destinations that are hiding right under your nose as well as some other activities to check out. We’ve compiled 5 ways to avoid the crowds in Sun Valley. Your perfect Idaho summer vacation starts here. Hike Dollar Mountain This winter center piece is often forgotten during the summer months and is great if you don’t like traffic on the trails. It’s central location in the valley offers up some great views as well as a different perspective on the area especially during sunset. From the parking lot at the base, head up a gravel road that crosses under Half-Dollar lift. After a bit this road will stop climbing and you can either climb up the more aggressive Dragon’s Back ridge or a more mellow route traversing east towards and up Sepp’s Bowl. There are trails crisscrossing all over Dollar which creates the possibility to hike a different route each time. Disc-Golf Out Warm Springs Arguably the rowdiest of disc …
24hrs with a Local: Wellness Festival’s Heather LaMonica Deckard, August
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. The dog days of summer have arrived, and with them, our favorite combination of warm days, cool nights, and long evenings that beg to be enjoyed with close friends and a favorite beverage in hand. For this August edition of 24hrs Sun Valley, we caught up with Heather LaMonica Deckard, the Executive Director of the Sun Valley Wellness Festival & Conference. This year’s conference, Sun Valley Wellness Virtual, takes place online from August 22-23. Speakers include Dr. Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams; Seth Cohen, MD, MS, Director of Infectious Disease Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center and lead of their COVID-19 clinical program; and Nora McInerny, award-winning host of the podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking. In addition to the incredible speaker lineup, the Festival also includes guided meditations, movement classes, and sessions on finding happiness and nurturing creativity. Though hosting a virtual event wasn’t what Heather anticipated, she’s excited about the possibilities. “Because it’s virtual, participants can interact with the Festival in ways they haven’t been …
8 places to Catch Up on Work in Sun Valley, Idaho
In our hyper-connected world, it’s hard to unplug. While we hope that getting away from it all is exactly what you do on your next trip to Sun Valley, Idaho, sometimes other responsibilities beckon. If that happens, we’ve got you covered. Check out these five places to catch up on work so you can get back to enjoying your vacation
What We’re Made Of – Warfield Distillery & Brewery
At the corner of Main Street and Sun Valley Road stands the Warfield Brewery & Distillery, the only combination brewery and distillery in Idaho. This combination brewery, distillery, and gastropub opened in 2015 and has been a go-to dining and imbibing destination ever since. Whether you’re hitting the roof-top bar in the summer for drinks and to sit around a fire pit or stopping by in the winter after spotting the blue light (which means it’s snowed over three inches in town and beer specials will run until it stops snowing), the Warfield serves up food, beer, and spirits like no other. The Warfield had some big shoes to fill when taking over the building that previously housed two local institutions: The Roosevelt and Slavey’s. The property itself has been in the Werry family since 1936; the Werry siblings were even born in the Sun Valley Lodge and raised in Ketchum. In 1952, the main street saloon known as Slavey’s—or sometimes “Slimey’s” by locals due to its atmosphere and clientele—moved in. Known as Ketchum’s last “honky tonk”, Slavey’s was famous for its live music and dancing, its drinking and brawls, and its annual 4th of July tradition of a horseman …
How to Enjoy the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve with the Family
We make an adaption to an old saying around here. Instead of telling folks they need to “stop and smell the flowers,” we tell people they need to “stop and look up at the stars.” Over 1,416-square-miles of Central Idaho, including Ketchum and Sun Valley, are designated as an official Dark Sky Reserve. The first in the nation and one of just 12 worldwide, our region was selected for its pristine night sky and our efforts to limit light pollution. I often tell friends, family and even random people I meet around the valley visiting here for the first time, that star gazing is a “Must Do” in Sun Valley. It just seems like there are more stars above our skies than there are anywhere else in the world. On a clear night it makes the universe look endless and is downright awe inspiring. So spectacular, The Washington Post used “enveloped in a blaze of light among the flaming stars” in their piece “At the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, socially distanced stargazing“ Since star gazing is good here every season of the year, here’s are some tips for making the most out of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. …
Summer Fun for Kids in Sun Valley, Idaho
It’s the first morning of your Sun Valley vacation and the kids are ready for an adventure. Don’t panic; you’re in the land the family fun. Here are some of the best experiences for kids this summer in Sun Valley.
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 …
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 …