Explore Sun Valley
Enjoy a Day on the Town
While there are countless events to attend in Sun Valley and Ketchum, it’s nice to take a day to simply relax and take a stroll throughout the scenic town. As America’s original ski destination, Ketchum is home to so many amazing shops and delicious restaurants. Explore everything from outdoor gear shops to high-end boutiques. Browse our favorite shops and restaurants before heading out!
Sawtooth Botanical Garden Center
The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a great way to learn about the Wood River Valley’s native and cultivated plants before exploring the area. An hour or two spent exploring the Sawtooth Botanical Garden Center is the thing to do when you want to learn about what mother nature does for our town. Besides – it might just satisfy your inner green thumb.
Fall Colors
Autumn is a beautiful time in the Rocky Mountains. The Wood River Valley is an especially wonderful place to discover the amazing array of colors from the fire-orange aspens to the golden cottonwoods, all in contrast to the dark evergreens. Take a stroll in downtown Ketchum or along the trail system and you will see why Ketchum is designated as a “Tree City USA.” Head out of the valley in any direction by bike or by car and you don’t have to go far to feel like you are deep into the wilderness. Learn about our favorite scenic drives for leaf peeping in Sun Valley.
Spend A Day At Scenic Redfish Lake
Another way to escape civilization is to take a day trip up to the Scenic Redfish Lake. The lake is surrounded by the craggy Sawtooth Mountains and offers a number of activities for everyone. You can rent paddle boards, paddle boats, kayaks/canoes, jump off the dock and even take a tour of the lake on a motorboat. A staff favorite is to rent a pontoon boat and take it to the other side of the lake. Once you are there, go to the famous Redfish Rock, which is perfect to jump off and into the water. Be sure to check out the camping options as well!
Contact Information:
Redfish Lake Lodge: 208.774.3536
For more information, please click here
Farmers Markets
A sure sign of spring and summer in the Wood River Valley are the weekly farmers’ markets which begin in June and run through the first week in October.
The Ketchum market is every Tuesday and is located at the base of Bald Mountain at River Run. In Hailey the market is every Thursday and is located at Roberta McKercher Park on South Main Street. Both markets begin promptly at 2 p.m. and close at 6 p.m. The Ketchum market is open to browse 2 to 5 pm and is reserved for online order pick-up from 5 to 6 pm.
An eclectic array of items is available: fruits, vegetables, breads and baked goods, beverages and grass- fed meats. As the growing season progresses the variety of available goodies changes. All food is grown or made in the Wood River Valley or other communities in Southeast Idaho.
You can also buy “eat it right now” food. If you have an urge for pie, get there early and be prepared to wait in line – there are never leftovers and they sell out early at the pie booth.
Hand crafted items such as pottery and quilts are also offered for sale.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to get outside, visit with your friends and neighbors or make new friends while buying fresh, healthy food and enjoying live music.
Ride the Gondola
Ride up the high tech, beautiful Gondola which spans Baldy all the way to the historic Roundhouse. View the amazing scenery of Sun Valley suspended high in the air.
Have dinner at 7,700 feet! Lunch or dinner at the Roundhouse offers delicious seasonal choices. Lunch is served à la carte with starters such the famous “Fondue for Two”, a Mother Earth Salad, or Bison Chili. For a main course try Harriman’s Croque Monsieur, a lobster roll, or a lamb burger with lingonberry jam. Dinner is a pre-set five course meal with your choice of soup/salad and entree and desert is the Roundhouse Chocolate Fondue. In summer you can sit on the patio and enjoy expansive views of the whole valley, then take the gondola or hike back down the mountain. In winter, gondola tickets are available for non-skiers for lunch or dinner.
For more information about the Roundhouse, please click here or call 208.622.2800.