Location: Sun Valley
Top Things to do in Sun Valley
Top Restaurants in Sun Valley
Countries
10 Things to Do in Sun Valley That You Shouldn't Miss
Whether you come for skiing or summer fun, beautiful Sun Valley offers recreational activities galore. Nestled in the spectacular Rocky Mountains of central Idaho, most of the action takes place around the Sun Valley Resort and its two mountains: Bald Mountain, ideal for expert skiers or snowboarders looking for steep, challenging runs, and Dollar Mountain, with gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners. Off the slopes, more winter fun awaits. Try dog sledding through miles of white powder or spend an afternoon ice fishing in the Big Wood River. Warm up at the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum which features an exhibit on the history of skiing and information about Ernest Hemingway's time in Sun Valley. Summer in Sun Valley offers just as many adventures. The Sawtooth Wilderness Area boasts over 200,000 acres of natural splendor, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, mountain biking, white-water rafting and more.
Restaurants in Sun Valley
1. Sun Valley Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
Whether it's an exciting day on the slopes of Bald Mountain, or a relaxing sleigh ride or round of golf, Idaho's famous year-round resort promises a variety of recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
Reviewed By j g - Los Angeles, California
Dollar mountain day lodge cafeteria fails to meet the high standard of Sun Valley Resort. Not only was the food extremely slow to be prepared (15 minutes for an order of French Frys, my order was given to other patrons who came long after me... over and over) but the cooks were rude! Additionally the girl at the register was put-upon when we asked her if there was any Ketchup as the bins were empty.
This reviewer gives thumbs down!
2. Bald Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By gack - thomaston, CT
we decided to try sun valley after going to snowbasin ,ut for many years,since they have the same owners. while the town is beautiful, and they both have great lodges. And while sun valley is steeper, I hate to encourage more people to go to snowbasin. Being a boarder I found that after coming out of the trees we would end up on a lot of flat trails, maybe we just didn't know are way around. I do know that lift tickets and lodging are quite a bit cheaper down at snowbasin. So save yourself some money, and skip this overpriced mtn.
3. Dollar Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By DogDoggie - WorldWide
Dollar Mountain is a great place for a first time skier or kids. It's big enough so its impressive but small enough not to intimidate anyone. Its a fun little mountain...but once you become experienced you'll want to hit big brother, Bald Mountain.
4. Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By LanSluderBelize - Asheville, North Carolina
The Sawtooth Botanical Garden isn't very well known, but it should be. It's a relaxing stop near Hailey and Ketchum. You can stroll the gardens and see many flowers and trees native to the high elevation areas of Idaho and the West.
A real gem here is the prayer wheel, donated in 2005 by the Dali Lama of Tibet and one of only two in North America blessed by His Holiness. Admission is by donation (suggest donation $5 a person/$10 a family).
5. Get Your Shoot On!
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
Get Your Shoot On Idaho! was created for the Sun Valley Visitor who is looking for something different and REALLY FUN to do. We are an independent company operating out of a local Sun Valley Shooting / Gun range. Get Your Shoot On offers a variety of shooting range experiences from "Fun Shoots" to private firearm lessons. A fantastic selection of firearms await you. We have "family friendly" firearms. This is the best Sun Valley Shooting experience in the valley. Contact us and we will tailor an event specific to your needs. safety is our #1 priority. Everything is included, firearms, ammo and instruction. Get Your Shoot On is open 365 days a year by appointment. We now accept VISA & MasterCard.
Reviewed By screen42 - Athens, Georgia
I stumbled on Jeff's website while looking for activities in Sun Valley when the rivers were out. It turned out to be a lucky find. Jeff was a great instructor with a focus on safety and proper technique. My daughter who hadn't shot before was...MoreThank you for the very positive review! You two were GREAT students and I hope you continue to shoot in the future. If you return to our lovely valley, please call. You are ready for the 201 class!
6. White Otter Outdoor Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Paul M - Corvallis, Oregon, Usa
White Otter did a great job with a large group in Sun Valley for a medical conference. Entire crew was accommodating, knowledgeable, professional, and fun. The gear was great and the lunch excellent. The owner, Doug's love of the river and rafting spills over into all of his guides. Sunny was the best!
7. Ketchum Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By kevinas312 - Helena, Arkansas
This was the last stop on my trail that included the room where Hemingway born, fished in Michigan and stayed on his honeymoon, Pamplona, Paris, Italy, Africa, Key West, Bimini, Cuba, Arkansas, Wyoming, Montana and finally, last but certainly not least, Idaho -- his final resting place. I left something from every place as well as a fifth of Pilar Rum -- the family rum -- and some Arkansas moonshine. RIP Papa.
8. Bald Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
Low elevation hiking trail that culminates in a scenic overlook on Bald Mountain.
Reviewed By Kim B - Newport Beach, California
Last year we hiked to the top of Bald Mountain, and this year we decided to hike down. From the top, it is about a 2 ½ hour hike down the 5 mile trail. It was hard on our knees and ankles, but we were more focused on the beauty of the hike rather than our hurting bodies! I would suggest going early in the morning to beat the heat of the sun. My husband and I only brought one water bottle each, but we easily could have consumed more. One thing is for sure, it is a lot easier going down than up!
9. Sun Valley Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By jfadds - chicago
Sharing a space with the town Starbucks- you basically have a wall of tourist info and an old bank vault lined with pictures of Hemingway - that's all Go,for the Starbucks
10. Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
This small museum chronicles the area's history on and off the slopes.
Reviewed By 387indy - Coral Springs, Florida
The curator is very knowledgeable and interesting and tells you a lot about the history of the area. But it wasn't Idaho potato's I was here to learn about a long history of sheep herding. Twenty years ago the Trailing of the Sheep Festival was born in southern Idaho's Wood River Valley. The festival name pays homage to the annual movement of the sheep from their summer mountain home to the winter grazing areas. This year its Oct 5-9 They have cooking classes, specials in restaurants, workshops, knitting, dyeing, weaving, spinning, shearing and even some dancing.
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