Bored? Head North of Sun Valley

June 26th, 2007 8:31am

Sun Valley visitors Jane and Brian Greig pose in front of the Sawtooth Mountains

Feeling a bit cramped in Ketchum?  Head north up State Highway 75 and over Galena Summit for breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains.   

You can hike Titus Lake, which is located just south of the summit. It’s an easy trail, three miles round trip, with an alpine lake at the end. Reward yourself with a dip in the bottle glass green water if you dare; it can be a bit chilly.   

For more aggressive hikers, there’s Horton Peak Lookout located north of the summit, to the east of Highway 75. Once you reach the top you’ll have awesome panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.   

If hiking isn’t your thing, continue north (about 60 miles from Ketchum) to Redfish Lake. Spend a day on the water – swimming, boating, floating. Rent a motorboat to water ski, wakeboard or simply cruise.

No matter what you do, if you go north you must stop at Smiley Creek Lodge, 37 miles north of Ketchum, on the west side of Highway 75. They blend the best milkshakes in the valley (and perhaps the whole country). While waiting for your thick  and creamy hand-made-one-at-a-time treat, snack on some tater tots or play a game of oversized checkers.  

Photo Gallery

Check out what's happening up and over Galena Summit. Panaromic views of the Sawtooth Mountains and alpine lakes will make you want to bust a move and climb a montain or two.