Things To Do
27th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival
The Festival runs October 4-8, 2023 Many events are free, while some require tickets which you can purchase from the website. We highly recommend sticking around Sunday to see the sheep run through town! October 6th (Friday) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sheep Dog Trials 2400 Buttercup Road, Hailey, ID 83333 The National Point Qualifying Sheepdog Trials during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival is a must-see for all animal enthusiasts who have wondered who is in charge of the sheep and how the dogs are trained to respond to their handlers. October 8th (Sunday) noon Big Sheep Parade 300 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340 Join an authentic trailing of the sheep down Ketchum’s Main Street as part of their annual migration to winter pastures. A band of 1,500 sheep parade down Main Street with sheep ranching family members and herders headed south.
Scenic overlook via Bald Mountain Trail
This is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that takes an average of 2h to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Getting there: Starting at the River Run Plaza (Sun Valley ski area base area) head past the shops then to the right of the River Run Express chair lift. The trail parallels the Big Wood River briefly before switch backing up the sides of a heavily wooded, shady valley. Emerge onto grassy hillsides for a hot, dry climb to the wooden overlook platform.
Hemingway Memorial
Ernest Hemingway fished, hunted, and wrote in the Sun Valley, Idaho area. You can pay your respects at the Hemingway Memorial, at the Ketchum Cemetery (1026 N Main Street) or by visiting his favorite haunts via tour at The Community Library in Ketchum. The Hemingway memorial makes for a wonderful walk down the bike path if you desire fresh air and crisp fall leaves! Getting there: The monument is located 1.5 miles east of the Sun Valley Lodge, on Trail Creek Road. Go about a quarter mile north of Golf Lane (where some maps show that Trail Creek Road turns into NFD FH51 Rd.) Look for a sign on the right that says "Hemingway Memorial" and take the short trail going downhill.
Hailey Farmers' Market
The Hailey Market is on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Enjoy live music, seasonal fruits and vegetables, pastured meat, artisan baked goods, jewelry and crafts, and much more.
Redfish Lake Lodge
The surface elevation of Redfish Lake is 6,500 feet. The lake is comprised entirely of snow melt and is crystal clear. You can explore the beauty of Redfish Lake by paddleboat or take out a kayak or canoe. The Redfish Lake Lodge has a general store and restaurant. Getting there: Go north on Highway 75 out of Ketchum for 60 miles. You’ll pass over Galena Summit before heading through Sawtooth City and Obsidian. The turn for Redfish Lake is just before the bridge at the junction of Redfish Lake Creek and the Salmon River. Hint: The turn is near mile marker 185. If you reach Stanley, you’ve gone about five miles too far north.
Wood River Community YMCA
For guests who never want to miss a workout, or just take a leisurely swim, the Wood River YMCA in Ketchum has short-term passes available for individuals and families.
The Kneadery
Arguably the best Ketchum breakfast! They do not take reservations, so get there early to snag a table. Breakfast/Lunch served daily from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
Despo’s
We cant get enough of Despo's homemade chips and salsa. If you're craving Mexican food, Despo's is your place! They do not offer take-out, so plan to sit and enjoy your meal.
Starbucks
The Starbucks in Ketchum was voted one of "The Ultimate Bucket List Of Unique Starbucks Locations Around The World" by The Tasting Table. A former Wells Fargo Bank (complete with a meeting room in vault), this Starbucks is connected to the Sun Valley Visitor Center, so you can enjoy a familiar beverage while you learn about a new place! Open 6am-6pm daily.
Sun Valley Lodge
The Sun Valley Lodge is the go-to spot for a five-star experience in Sun Valley. Dating back to 1936, it’s also the former residence of Ernest Hemingway, whose room here is said to still house his typewriter. The legendary Duchin Lounge serves up cocktails, regional craft beers on tap, and an extensive wine list as well as quick bites. The hotel’s bowling alley is one of the oldest in the Northwest and is open 3pm - 9pm daily. $75 includes shoes + one hour of bowling for up to six (6) people per lane.