Things to Do in Sun Valley: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Sun Valley in central Idaho was America's first destination ski resort, built in 1936 around a grand lodge and the long, steady slopes of Bald Mountain. Next door, the old mining town of Ketchum has galleries, restaurants and Hemingway's grave, and in summer the valley turns to hiking, biking and fly fishing.
This guide covers the best things to do in Sun Valley, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Ketchum, Redfish Lake, the Sawtooths and Craters of the Moon, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see in Sun Valley
Bald Mountain
Over 3,000 feet of continuous vertical.
Dollar Mountain
Gentle slopes and terrain parks.
Ketchum
Galleries, bars and restaurants.
Sun Valley Lodge
The historic 1936 resort.
Hemingway Memorial
A quiet spot by Trail Creek.
Wood River Trail
Paved path along the valley.
Redfish Lake
Alpine lake below the Sawtooths.
Craters of the Moon
Volcanic lava fields.
Sun Valley in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Ketchum and the lodge
Start in downtown Ketchum with coffee and a walk past its galleries and outfitters, then visit the Ketchum Cemetery where Ernest Hemingway is buried. Have lunch in town. In the afternoon go to Sun Valley Lodge and the village, see the photographs of celebrity guests in the hallways and skate on the outdoor rink. End with dinner in Ketchum and a drink at a historic saloon.
2Day 2 · On the mountain
In winter, spend the day skiing Bald Mountain, known for its long groomed runs and lack of wind, or learn on Dollar Mountain. In summer, take the gondola up Baldy for wildflower hikes and mountain-bike trails. Have lunch at a mountaintop lodge. In the late afternoon relax in a hot tub and have dinner with a view of the slopes.
3Day 3 · Trail Creek and the bike path
Ride the Wood River Trail by bike from Ketchum toward Hailey, or walk the Trail Creek path to the Hemingway Memorial. Have a picnic lunch by the river. In the afternoon try fly fishing on Silver Creek with a guide or go horseback riding in the hills. Finish with a summer concert at the Sun Valley Pavilion.
Sun Valley in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Sawtooth Mountains
Drive north over Galena Summit, stop at the overlook above the headwaters of the Salmon River and continue to Redfish Lake below jagged peaks. Have lunch at the lodge, paddle or swim in the afternoon and return by the same scenic road.
5Day 5 · Stanley and hot springs
Visit the tiny town of Stanley, one of the coldest in the lower 48, raft a calm stretch of the Salmon River and soak in a riverside hot spring. Have lunch in Stanley and drive back to Sun Valley in the evening.
Sun Valley in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Craters of the Moon
Head east to Craters of the Moon National Monument for lava tubes, cinder cones and a strange black landscape. Bring a headlamp for the caves and lunch, and return via Arco, the first town lit by nuclear power.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have a final breakfast in Ketchum, buy local art, huckleberry treats and outdoor gear, and enjoy a farewell lunch. Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey is about twenty minutes away, and Boise is about two and a half hours by car.
What to do in Sun Valley on a weekend
For a weekend in Sun Valley, combine Ketchum, the lodge and a day on Bald Mountain.
Add the Sawtooths with a third day.
What to do in Sun Valley in the evening
Evenings mean après-ski in Ketchum, summer concerts at the pavilion, ice shows at the outdoor rink and dinner by a fireplace.
The valley is quiet after ten.
Sun Valley for couples
Couples will enjoy a sleigh-ride dinner in winter, a hot spring soak and sunset over the Sawtooths.
Sun Valley with kids
With kids, try Dollar Mountain, ice skating, bike rides on the Wood River Trail and swimming at Redfish Lake.
What to eat in Sun Valley
Idaho trout
Fresh from local rivers.
Huckleberry desserts
A mountain favorite.
Elk burger
Served in Ketchum's saloons.
Idaho potatoes
In every form.
Craft beer
From valley breweries.
Where to stay in Sun Valley: best areas
Sun Valley Village
Historic lodge and inn.
Ketchum
Walk to restaurants.
Warm Springs
Next to the gondola.
Hailey
Quieter and cheaper.
What to do in Sun Valley when it rains
On rainy days, visit the Sun Valley Museum of Art, the Ketchum history museum, the spa or the indoor ice rink.
How much does a trip to Sun Valley cost?
Expect $250–500 per night, $20–40 for lunch and about $180–250 for a lift ticket.
Practical tips for Sun Valley
Best time to visit
December to March for skiing, June to September for hiking.
Getting around
Free Mountain Rides buses connect town and slopes.
Our practical tips
- Buy lift tickets online in advance.
- Use the free bus.
- Bring layers in summer.
- Book Redfish Lake early.
- Check road conditions in winter.
- Visit Hemingway's grave.
Mistakes to avoid
- Driving Galena Summit without checking snow.
- Peak-season dates without bookings.
- Underestimating altitude.
- Skipping the Sawtooths.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Sun Valley?
Ski Bald Mountain, explore Ketchum and visit the Sawtooths.
How many days do you need?
Three days, a week with the region.
Is Sun Valley good in summer?
Yes, for hiking, biking and concerts.
How do you get there?
Fly to Hailey or drive from Boise.