Fall Hikes in Sun Valley

You can’t beat fall in Sun Valley -- crisp air, blue skies, colorful leaves and fabulous hikes.

The sweltering heat of summer limits when and where you can hike, but the fall offers a feast of trails to enjoy at any time of day. Thankfully, very few trails remain closed due to the fire so there are still plenty of paths to choose from. Here is a preview of areas where you should trek this fall:

Adams Gulch: This system of trails offers a wide variety of hiking levels and distances to choose from. It is quite popular with hikers, bikers and horseback riders, so if you’re looking for solitude, try elsewhere. Also, note that a few areas of Adams Gulch are closed due to fire damage. The trailhead is only 1.6 miles north of town, turn west off of Highway 75 onto Adams Gulch Road.

Oregon Gulch/Fox Creek: 7.5 miles north of town is the Oregon Gulch trailhead. This loop trail system is rated moderate to difficult but if you are looking for something less demanding, choose either the Oregon Gulch trail or Fox Creek instead of the whole loop.

Pioneer Cabin: Feeling ambitious? Trek up to Pioneer Cabin. The trailhead begins south of Ketchum off of Hyndman Creek Road and continues up to the 1937 built Pioneer Cabin, giving way to unrivaled views. This hike is 10 miles, but you can also crossover with friends who start at Corral Creek, switch car keys, and hike down to opposite trailheads.

Tips for fall hiking:
• Bring plenty of water. You can still get dehydrated in the cool fall air.
• Wear layers. It can get pretty chilly when hiking to higher elevations.
• Use trail etiquette. Properly yield to bikes and horses, don’t litter, and no cross-cutting trails.

Check Bigwood Back Country Trails for trail updates and get out there and enjoy the Wood River Valley’s spectacular fall.