Why did you go to Idaho? What is there? Where is Ketchum? These are the three questions you’ll here when returning from Ketchum. The answers are simple: It is absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful mountains, great people, and good food. There is also a life-size Barbie box photo booth, but we’ll get to that later. For families seeking unforgettable experiences, look no further than Ketchum, Idaho, the Wood River Valley, and the Sawtooth Mountains.
Ketchum, Idaho, nestled in the picturesque Wood River Valley, is a quintessential mountain town renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Boulder Mountains and the pristine landscapes of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Ketchum is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. In the winter, it transforms into a winter sports paradise, attracting skiers and snowboarders to the nearby Sun Valley Resort, America’s first destination ski resort. The resort offers world-class skiing opportunities across Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, complemented by scenic cross-country trails and exhilarating snowshoeing adventures. In the summer Sun Valley transforms into a hiking, biking, and summer wonderland.
Beyond its winter allure, Ketchum blooms in the summer with endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The area boasts numerous trails that wind through alpine forests and meadows, leading to stunning vistas and tranquil mountain lakes. Sun Valley Resort continues to draw visitors with its summer activities, including golfing on its renowned courses and enjoying live outdoor concerts under the clear Idaho skies. The town itself exudes a laid-back charm, with art galleries showcasing local talent, charming boutiques offering unique finds, and a variety of dining options ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants.
Ketchum’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with events and festivals that celebrate its heritage and natural surroundings. Throughout the year, residents and visitors alike come together to enjoy music festivals, art walks, film screenings, and community gatherings that reflect the town’s vibrant arts scene and close-knit community spirit. Whether seeking adventure on the slopes, tranquility in nature, or inspiration from local artists, Ketchum, Idaho, promises an unforgettable experience immersed in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
The Limelight Ketchum
The Limelight is located right in the heart of Ketchum, Idaho and is the place to be. This modern hotel is within walking distance of almost everything in town, including rental stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping. Biking, hiking, and other outdoor adventures are just minutes away from this central hotspot. If you are heading somewhere, the hotel does offer a shuttle service. The staff at the concierge’s desk were extremely helpful in offering guidance to some of the best hiking trails with breath-taking views and how to find the hot springs in the area. Sturtevants, a 30-foot walk out the front door, is also helpful in recommendations for outdoor adventure in the area. They rent skis and bikes.
Amenities at the Limelight Ketchum
The Lounge and patio area is Ketchum’s local destination for swapping stories over food and drinks. Every morning begins with a complimentary buffet-style breakfast spread that will energize you for the day ahead, and you’ll need it. When the afternoon rolls around, it’s time for après–the perfect way to kick back and refuel after an epic day. Sip a cocktail, share creative appetizer, and take in a little live music.
The rooms at the Limelight are contemporary with clean lines and a neutral color scheme – pops of color are added to the space with lime pillows and sleak yellow (or orange depending on the room) SMEG refrigerators. We enjoyed in-room coffee each morning before heading downstairs for breakfast. (also included in our room: sink, glassware and silverware and microwave)
For those of you that enjoy getting your morning started with a workout, but don’t want to venture outside, the Limelight has a workout room with free weights, TRX bands, treadmills, bikes, rowing machines and more.
10 things to do in Ketchum, Idaho
1. Hiking & Trail Running
With hundreds of miles of trail (if not thousands) within easy reach of downtown, Ketchum and Sun Valley are a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly hike that you can finish before lunch, or an all-day epic trip through the Sawtooth Mountains, the area has you covered
White Clouds Loop: The White Clouds Loop is a 4-mile trail in the Sun Valley Resort, and the trailhead is located across the street from the Sun Valley Lodge. The loop starts out with a climb to an overlook of Ketchum, then rolls over gentle hills with stellar mountain views. The last part of the loop is along the paved Trail Creek Path. Rated Easy
Norton Lake: If you’ve never hiked to an alpine lake, make the 4-mile Norton Lake loop your first. Norton Lake’s turquoise water, edged with deep green pine trees, makes it one of the most memorable yet accessible alpine lakes in the area. If you are in descent shape, Don’t be scared by the elevation gain, the trail is a gradual climb with such beautiful scenery you’ll forget you’re working your lungs and legs. Rated Intermediate
2. Mountain Biking, Gravel Riding and Ebikes
For something on the more mellow side, rent Ebikes from Sturtevants, just in front to the Limelight, and take the 22-mile round trip route into Hailey, Idaho, and have a snack. The route follows the Big Wood River and is a nice, easy ride. Cyclist can also head out to Sun Valley Villlage and experience more breathtaking views and stunning houses.
Looking for singletrack? You don’t have to look far for singletrack around town. Trails start just a few miles outside of town with the Adam’s Gulch and Greenhorn trail system or pack up for the day and head out towards Gelena Lodge. Miles and miles of world-class single track will keep you engaged as you navigate the mountainous terrain.
Sun Valley offers lift access for mountain bikers on Bald Mountain (also known as Mt. Baldy); this is a great place to spend the day if you don’t enjoy peddling uphill. The mountain hosts around 40 miles of downhill singletrack all accessible from the main lift.
Gravel roads adorn the Wood River Valley and are waiting to be ridden. Looking for an epic climb? Try Trail Creek Road, and for something a little more mellow, head towards the hot springs or Lake Norman.
3. Shopping
Shopping here is not your everyday experience. Shopping in Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a blend of charming local boutiques, upscale shops, and unique finds. Exploring the area you can expect to find everything from locally-owned stores, boutiques and specialty shops, art galleries, an antiques and vintage store, and an outdoor gear store on every other street corner. If you’re around during the summer months, you can check out local farmer’s markets for fresh produce, handmade goods, and local delicacies.
Summer is also a GREAT time to stock up on ski gear before hitting the slopes this winter. There was an abundance of ski apparel 40 to 50% off all over town and in Sun Valley.
Oh and be sure to get your photo in the Barbie Box!
4. Hot Springs
The closest hot spring to downtown Ketchum is Frenchman’s Bend Hot Spring, roughly 10 miles from Ketchum. This hot spring is a great spot for family soaks and has three different pools varying in temperature. It is right on the river so when you overheat, you can take an icy dip to cool off! These springs tend to get busy in the evenings and more so on the weekends, so plan your excursion wisely.
You will pass through several subdivisions, and and it can seem you like are lost, but keep going. Right after you pass Croney Cove Ranch, you will arrive at wide pull-off on the right side of the road. From the parking space, walk ¼ of a mile upriver, and the springs will be on your left. View how to get to Frenchman’s Hot Springs..
5. Fly Fishing
The Sun Valley area offers an incredible diversity of fly fishing opportunities for everyone from the casual novice to the ambitious expert. Time to buy a stack of postcards for Mom, because you’ll have plenty of fish stories to tell after wading the local waters.
6. Paddleboarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding is one of the most enjoyable, relaxing and accessible ways to get yourself onto Southern Idaho’s beautiful lakes and rivers, both in the desert and in the high country. Places to paddleboard in Sun Valley include the iconic Redfish, The Snake River, Magic Reservoir, Alturas Lake, and Petit Lake. More details on standup paddleboarding in Sun Valley can be found here.
7. Horseback Riding
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Sun Valley’s iconic Western heritage than by experiencing the trail via horseback. Their are numerous outfitters in the area and you can do rides that range from 1 or 2 hours up to a half-day.
8. Live Music, Festivals, and Markets
Depending on the day and week, there always seems to be the Summer Music Series or some sort of festival going in the area. This could be music on a Tuesday night or a farmer’s market on Wednesday morning. This is a great time to relax and take in the local culture.
9. Relax at the Pool
Vacations are meant to be relaxing, so why not sit by the pool and enjoy the sun with a cool drink? The Limelight has a great pool with with food and beverage service to go with the great views. In the summer, enjoy one of the hot tubs after a big day of exploring, and in the winter relax after tackling the slopes.
10. Stargazing
While not a dedicated “dark sky area,” just miles outside of Ketchum, you can find dark skies that offer amazing stargazing. Just head out past Sun Valley Lodge on Deer Creek Road to experience the sky like never before.
