A Sun Valley Insider’s Guide to Fall Shoulder Season
WHAT IS SHOULDER SEASON?
Mountain resort towns like ours have what are colloquially known as “shoulder seasons,” those months in the spring and the fall when the ski area is closed and the weather is not optimal and the days are shorter. It has also historically meant there are fewer people visiting town recreating, and has been a time for locals to get out of the area for extended times, closing businesses and the like.
Interestingly, there is no consensus on where the term “shoulder season” comes from, or what it even refers to. If the spring and fall are “shoulders,” are winter and summer the head? Or is it a reference to the side of the main road? No sites on the internet seem to know!
In the pages that follow, there are several options for things to do during the offpeak seasons in the Sun Valley area. Certainly, this is a limited look at all there is to do in the fall in Central Idaho, and the idea is that you will have your own private list of “must-dos” between sumer and winter.
So, look at this Insider’s Guide as just a bunch of things you can do in the area, and hopefully it will spark you on to ever more Sun Valley adventures. As locals tend to say, “There are no bad turns in Sun Valley” (meaning, every road and trail and path leads to somewhere excellent!).
FALL COLORS
No matter which gulch or gulley or road or trail or path you choose, you will find spectacular colors from mid-September through late October. All that needs to be said is, “Enjoy!” More info.
FALL FLY FISHING
So much diversity for anglers - the Big Wood River, Silver Creek, Magic Reservoir, and the dozens of lakes and streams throughout Central Idaho. VisitSunValley has a great fishing guide to learn more about access points.
LOCAL TRAILS
For many locals, Fall is the best time to go hiking. It’s not as hot, the trees are stunning, and the crowds (such that they are in Sun Valley) are much smaller. There are lots of useful apps and websites to help you find your perfect trail (out of hundreds of choices); try the BCRD’s SummerLink for great trail condition info (and sheep!)
GRAVEL ROAD RIDING
The Wood River Valley is a wanderer’s delight, as there are hundreds of miles of backroads perfectly suited to gravel and mountain biking. Most obvious is the Harriman Trail, from the valley floor up to Galena Lodge. Beyond this popular trail, every other gravel road in the valley leads to somewhere beautiful. More info.
SHOSHONE & MAMMOTH ICE CAVES
These two different cave systems are just off of Hwy 75, between the blinking light at Hwy 20 and Shoshone. Tours at the Shoshone Cave will take you 100 feet deep into the earth, while the Mammoth Cave also features a natural history museum. More Shoshone info. More Mammoth info.
CRATERS OF THE MOON
Prepare to truly feel like you’ve gone interstellar at Craters of the Moon, between Carey and Arco on Hwy 20. Hiking, exploring, camping--there are a lot of options here. More info.
GOODING CITY OF ROCKS
If you like rocks and wandering through gulleys and canyons, then pack a lunch and lots of water, and head to Gooding City of Rocks (not to be confused with the larger City of Rocks southeast of Twin Falls). A truly alien landscape that will make you wish you studied geology in school! More info.
TRAIL CREEK SUMMIT
Trail Creek Road leaves Sun Valley (Sun Valley Road turns into Trail Creek) heading Northeast. After a few paved miles, it transforms into a steep, somewhat narrow, and sometimes exposed road that takes you three slow miles up to Trail Creek Summit. Passenger cars are certainly fine, but you’ll want to take it slow. There are so many hikes and lakes and backroads and campsites off of Trail Creek Road and along the Big Lost River, you could spend a lifetime back there. Just make sure it’s still open before you head out there (it closes in mid-Fall to end of May, typically). More info.
THE SAWTOOTH BASIN
One hour northwest of Sun Valley are the Sawtooth Mountains, all of which already get enough attention and visitors. Known as “America’s Alps,” photos and words do not do the Sawtooth Basin justice. It’s best just to fill up your tank and head to Stanley. From there, a world of unlimited recreation and views awaits. More info.
OTHER IDAHO RESOURCES
Atlas Obscura
Idaho Fish & Game
The Outbound
Outdoor Project
Visit Idaho
Visit Sun Valley
