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From hiking to horseback riding to fly fishing, visiting Sun Valley in the summer season is the perfect time to enjoy this Idaho mountain town!
I don’t know about you, but there’s something so exciting about visiting a ski resort town in the summer months. I always feel things are much quieter than on busy ski weekends, and if you time it right you can have the great outdoors all to yourself.
Exploring Sun Valley in summer offers you all the natural mountain beauty that you’d expect from this part of Idaho, with some world-class outdoor activities and adventures too. It really is worth adding this place to your US bucket list.
Whether you’re thinking about hitting the trails and hiking around popular spots like Sawtooth or Bald Mountain, or saddling up on a horse or mountain bike for a more speedy experience, there’s plenty to see and do here.
Away from the trails, there are a whole host of Sun Valley summer events to check out. From the Fourth of July celebrations to Sun Valley Brewfest and beyond, there’s a little something for everyone.
If you want to explore the Sun Valley area, the summer months are some of the best times to visit in my opinion. The Sun Valley Resort area is still thriving, but unlike the winter season, the town isn’t solely focused on skiing and snowboarding.
That means there are so many other ways that visitors can appreciate this beautiful corner of the world and learn more about the Sun Valley area.
If you’re looking at exploring a few other ski resorts during summer, then bookmark my guides to Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Telluride to help plan your trip. You can also check out the best summer resorts in Colorado here.
Sun Valley summer weather
Throughout the summer season in Idaho, the temperatures vary a lot. In the daytime, you can expect highs of 27°C (80°F), but overnight it can get as cold as 4°C (39°F) in the alpine wonderland. So, you need to make sure that you pack layers for the evenings!
The rain levels are low across the summer months, around 10mm if that, so it’s the perfect time to travel to Sun Valley and get outdoors. For me though, summer is such an amazing season to visit this part of the States. Everything is so green and vibrant, and the temperatures aren’t too hot.
Things to do in Sun Valley in summer
Enjoy Ketchum’s natural swimming pools
Being a mountain town, there are so many rivers and secluded swimming spots all around Sun Valley and Ketchum. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend summer in Sun Valley than diving into a natural swimming pools on the Lost River or in the beautiful Redfish Lake. It’s the best way to cool down and relax after a long hike.
Try fly fishing at The Big Wood River
One of the most popular summer activities in Sun Valley is fly fishing. If you’re looking to enjoy the kind of classic, relaxing fishing that’s been going on for centuries, surrounded by peaceful nature, head to The Big Wood River. Here you can catch delicious rainbow trout with mountains and trails all around you.
One of the best local companies is Sun Valley Outfitters. Here you can hire equipment or go on a guided fly fishing trip. Basically, these are you guys for anything to do with fly fishing!
Go mountain biking in Sun Valley
When the snow melts and the sun comes out, everyone heads out on the biking trails. Sun Valley is a hub of mountain biking activities with insane trails all around Bald Mountain and the Sawtooth area. Beginner riders should check out the White Clouds trail for a gentle but picturesque introduction.
A couple of bike rental companies to check out are Backwoods Mountain Sports and Elephants Perch. These last guys have a range of bikes for all ages and abilities.
Paraglide off Bald Mountain
Okay, this one sounds crazy, but stay with me! Bald Mountain, affectionately known as Baldy by locals, is an icon of the Sun Valley area whether it’s snowing or the sun is shining. So, the fact that you can paraglide off Bald Mountain and get insane birds-eye views across the valley floor and out across the mountains is a must-do for any adrenaline junkies. Check out Fly Sun Valley on how to book a tour.
Hit up the Fourth of July festivities
What’s summer in the US without a Fourth of July party? Well, in the Sun Valley summer events calendar, Independence Day is marked with a huge fireworks display, a giant concert, a parade through Main Street, and even a rodeo. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Sun Valley in the summer.
Check out the hiking trails around The Wood River Valley
If flying off mountains and hurtling down at high speeds isn’t for you, and I don’t blame you, there are hundreds of hiking trails in and around Sun Valley. Some of the best hiking trails to check out in the summer months lie in The Wood River Valley.
This valley is the collective name for the valleys in the Ketchum area, including Sun Valley, and they’re surrounded by numerous mountain ranges, rivers, and valleys, so you’ll be in a hiker’s paradise here.
Visit the sustainable local restaurants of Sun Valley Village and Ketchum
After a long day of exploring the trails, you’re going to need something amazing to eat. Well, Ketchum and Sun Valley Village both have dozens of great restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy.
With so much local produce on their doorstep, many of the restaurants opt for sustainable menus that focus on seasonality and locality! A few places that are always popular are Enoteca in Ketchum, the Sawtooth Club and the Round House.
Watch live music at the Sun Valley Museum of Art Concert Series
In need of another Sun Valley summer event? Well, the Sun Valley Museum of Art Concert Series takes over during the summer months with a wide range of musical performances from a whole host of different genres. You can check out their lineup here to see what’s on while you’re in Idaho.
Go horseback riding on Dollar Mountain
Want to explore the mountainous terrain with a new friend? Head over to the Sun Valley Stables and find a four-legged pal to join you on the biking and horseback riding trails that snake all around Dollar Mountain.
The Sun Valley Stables actually offer guided horseback tours that are around an hour to an hour and a half in length, showing you all the best viewpoints and trails on Dollar Mountain.
Speed down white water rapids in The Sawtooth Wilderness Area
Located in the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains, you’ll find the Payette River and the Salmon River. While these rivers are beautiful, they’re also known for raising heart rates as they’re popular with white water rafters. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, join a whitewater rafting tour and enjoy this high-octane Sun Valley activity.
Check out the amazing local golf courses
There are actually three main golf courses in Sun Valley, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to hitting the links. Of course, summer is the perfect time for a round of golf thanks to the dry weather, and there are few courses more picturesque than White Clouds Golf Course, surrounded by mountain vistas.
See out summer at Sun Valley’s iconic Labor Day parade
Okay, so Labor Day might be technically on the 2nd of September, but it also marks the end of summer for many people, so it’s a summer festival in my eyes!
As far as Labor Day parades go, Sun Valley goes hard with Wagon Day parades that hark back to the days before automobiles, a huge bike race that goes around the gravel trails of the valley, concerts, exhibitions, and even outdoor yoga at River Run. It’s a huge deal and definitely worth trying to align your stay with this festival weekend.
Chill with the locals at Sun Valley Brewfest
Great beer and local brews are synonymous with mountain towns all around the US, so it’s no wonder that Sun Valley has its own Brewfest in the middle of June each year. Head over to the Sun Valley Festival Meadow and meet brewers from all over the state and beyond, try some interesting beers, play some games, and have a great time.
Where to stay in Sun Valley
Luxury: Sun Valley Lodge
Located in the heart of the famous Sun Valley Resort, the Sun Valley Lodge is where the rich and famous spend their time in this part of Idaho. With the Sun Valley Lodge having its own bespoke part of the resort, you can enjoy a ski cabin and chalet-style lodgings with access to a stunning spa and wellness centre, and luxury pool.
Mid-Range: The Limelight Hotel
If you’re looking for a more modern and contemporary vibe in the heart of Ketchum, book a stay at The Limelight Hotel. With a striking, geometric design, smooth and cool interiors, and a prime position directly on Main Street, it’s the perfect location for appreciating all those Sun Valley summer events.
Budget: Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge
Located just a seven-minute walk away from Ketchum town centre, the Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge is a cosy and spacious place to stay when you’re in Sun Valley in the summer months. With a decent-sized pool to rest your muscles in after a long hike or cycle, it’s a comfortable place to come back to after spending all day in the great outdoors.
So, there you have it, the best things to do in Sun Valley in the summer. Which are your favourite summertime activities on this list? Let me know in the comments below.
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