Mountain biking Sun Valley includes buff singletrack, flow, and views for miles on over 400 miles of trails. Also, Sun Valley is the town dreams are made of, seriously. It’s like you stepped back in time on one hand and are in a trendy modern town on the other. It’s also one of the few towns where it seems all trails users get along even on a busy summer weekend. Kids love it because there are town splash pads, swimming holes, swimming pools, bike parks and hot springs. Also, when I write “Sun Valley” I also include Ketchum, Hailey and Stanley which are all close together. Read on for where to mountain bike, eat and sleep in Sun Valley.
Mountain Biking Sun Valley
Things to Know
Sun Valley is one of the top mountain biking destinations that doesn’t get a lot of hype. It’s a bike-friendly town, with tons of singletrack you can access from town. In general, the trails near Hailey dry out and open the earliest, with some mid-valley trail opportunities usually opening soon there after. The highest trails, and those with more northern aspects, may remain closed until June. In 2023 you should see more lift accessed options at Sun Valley Resort.
Things can be really hot and dry in the summer but you can ride until 9PM so take advantage of those long days.
The Blaine County Recreation District Summer Traillink website is a helpful for local trail information, trail updates, and news about what trails are open and which might be closed.
Top Mountain Bike Routes in Sun Valley
Forbidden Fruit: From the Adams Gulch parking lot climb Sunny Side to Eves Gulch. You’ll pass the exit for Forbidden Fruit but continue up Eve’s to the top of Forbidden Fruit. Descend and take Shady Side back to parking lot.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, but it takes a bit of work to get up there. So plan on lots of stops for those without the stamina.
Corral Creek: Fun downhill run. Super flow. Some people do climb this as well so watch out! Great option is you are camping up on Trail Creek Road. Also used to link into the White Cloud loop.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, especially if you shuttle to the start. If need there is also a bail out at where Forest Road 51 intersects with Forest Road 137.
Greenhorn/Imperial Loop: Steady climbing up the Gulch rewards you with great views and some very fun downhill. You’ll feel like you’re in the backcountry but will never be too far from the trailhead. 10 mile loop. From the trailhead, keep left on Greenhorn Trail, and stay left. You’ll start to climb as the trail crosses through sagebrush to aspen trees before climbing through dense pine and fir forest to a high ridge. At the intersection with Imperial Gulch Trail turn left and go uphill for another 1/2 mile to the high point, then it’s a fun and fast descent. You will have one short climb again, then a another fun downhill to the trailhead.
»Kid Friendly: It’s a solid intermediate ride with a fair amount of steep climbing.
Galena Lodge: 24 miles north of Sun Valley is the Galena Lodge and trail system. It’s owned and managed by the Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) for the community so recreation and maintenance of the trails is top priority. It’s a hub for families and groups because people can ride and regroup back at the lodge. Get there early on the weekends because the parking lot fills up quickly.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, the Galena View loop is a good trail to start on with just one steep hill that you might need to watch little one on going down and help them going up.
Fisher Creek Loop: This is one of my all time favorite loops. Although it’s technically in Stanley it’s worth the drive. If you’re looking for a backcountry ride with the safety of not being too far out this one is it. You will also be rewarded with lots of flowing singletrack while making your way back to the car.
»Kid Friendly: The road climb makes this a mentally tough one for kids but if they can get through those first 5 miles they will be loving this ride.
Road Biking Sun Valley
Road biking is limited here but there are options that will get you some miles.
Wood River Bike Path: While you’ll have to share with walkers and others out for a casual stroll this is a great option to get in some miles or link to quieter roads. The path runs 34 miles starting at Sage Rd. and SR 75 (north of Ketchum) and ending at Gannett Rd. east of SR 75/S. Main St. (Bellevue).
Galena Summit: Head north on 75 out of Ketchum. This is a beautiful stretch of highway that provides views of the Boulder Mountains and Sawtooth Mountains. Galena Pass is manageable some shoulders.
Trail Creek Road: From downtown Ketchum, this road travels east out of Sun Valley and over Trail Creek Pass and eventually Mackay. It’s paved for the first 6 miles. This is the course for Rebecca’s Private Idaho, a gravel road race. Watch out for fast traffic.
Elkhorn Loop: A paved loop around Dollar Mountain through the village of Elkhorn, this road ride is a great way to link into the bike path or get in some beautiful scenery on perfect pavement.
Camping in Sun Valley
Trail Creek Road: This is our go to dispersed camping because it’s close to town and you can grab a cell signal (at some sites). Heading out on Sun Valley Rd it soon changes to FSR51. There is dispersed camping all along there and it’s only 10 minutes from town. This location also gives you great access to the upper part of Corral Creek trail which you can then link to the White Cloud Trail. $Free
Boundary Campground: This is the closest campground to town and you’ll have access to pit toilets, garbage and water. Also a great place to start mountain/road rides or hikes. $10
Lake Creek Road: Another favorite place for dispersed camping close to Ketchum. The first half of the road is marked as having a 3-day limit while the second half has a 10-day limit. Like all spots in the area the Ranger will pay you a visit so it’s hard to overstay. $Free
Dumpstations: If you need water or to dump the black tanks it’s pretty easy in the Sun Valley area. There is the Sawtooth NRA dump station and one in Hailey.
Sun Valley Idaho Lodging
Camping not your style? Here are your best bets for lodging in the Sun Valley area.
Limelight Hotel – Like the Limelight Hotel in Aspen, this fairly new hotel features large guest rooms, an expansive and open lounge, expanded continental breakfast and a lobby restaurant. The property includes 99 hotel rooms and suites plus 14 free market residential units. The Limelight Hotel Ketchum is known for its vibrant atmosphere, spacious guest rooms, being pet friendly and adventure programming for guests.
Tamarak Lodge – Steps away from all the great dining, shopping, and nightlife in town, right on Sun Valley Road. Our hospitality is only matched by our luxurious and spacious guest rooms. Stroll over to one of the delicious breakfast in town before you head into the great outdoors to explore all the great things to do in the Wood River Valley.
Sun Valley Resort – The ultimate place to stay in Sun Valley. If you can afford the rate, do it! The kids will love you for all the fun stuff to do there.
Best Places to Eat in Sun Valley
The Sun Valley area does not lack great places to eat. And a bonus for families is that many of them are kid-friendly. Here are a few of our favorites or you can read more here.
KB’s: This is our go to burrito place after rides. They are unique, fresh and hit the spot.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, the Hailey location even has a kid’s area.
Rickshaw: Casual place that is usually busy. They serve ethic street-type food family style from Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, there is outside seating and it’s a louder atmosphere inside.
Lefty’s Bar and Grill: Yummy burgers and subs with a huge outdoor deck and lots of beers on tap. Order at the counter and grab a seat.
»Kid Friendly: Totally, they even have video games.
Wiseguy Pizza: Solid NY style pizza in Ketchum or Hailey.
»Kid Friendly: It’s pizza, of course!
Power House Pub and Brewery: Local grass-fed burgers, handmade fries and homemade ketchup all in this bike shop turned pub. We love to ride our rides down to Hailey from Sun Valley and stop in here for lunch. Bonus: there is usually a bike video or race on the TV. Note: We haven’t been here in a few years. If you’ve been lately drop us a comment.
»Kid Friendly: Yes, they have large tables inside or spots outside. They also have a kids menu.
Smiley Creek Lodge: While not technically in Sun Valley this is a must stop for a milkshake and/or burger. Seriously the milkshakes are some of the best!
Sun Valley Bike Shops and Bike Rentals
There are a few bike shops to choose from in Sun Valley. Honestly none of them ever stand out to me as overly friendly or available to help with last minute mechanicals except Galena Lodge which is small but mighty.
If you need a bike rental check out TripOutside for the best prices and locations.
- Sturtevants of Sun Valley
- Elephants Perch
- Pete Lanes
Post Ride Adventures
Ketchum Pump Track: Fun little place to hand out for an hour. There is also a splash pad and kid’s park across the street.
The Bowling Alley and Game Room in the Sun Valley Lodge is one of the Northwest’s oldest bowling alleys. Full of 1950s soul, it’s a favorite across generations. It’s open year-round and is now bigger, better and high tech.
Wood River YMCA : Great pool area for kids, place to cool off and take a shower!
Swimming holes: Some of our favorite places are Red Fish Lake and Alturas Lake. In town there is Big Rock (aka Church Rock) near the Big Wood church and the spot near the hospital. Don’t forget your floatie if you go.
Hot Springs: One of the best near town is Frenchman’s Bend. Kids love it and parents can relax a bit.
Sun Valley Resources
Rascal Rides blog post about riding Sun Valley with kids
Blaine Country Recreation District
Our other blog posts about Sun Valley
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