Discover the Wood River Valley Idaho — Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley & Bellevue

The Wood River Valley is a very special spot, set deep in the heart of the spectacular Central Idaho Rockies. In this place the rivers run clear, the stars shine bright, the folks are friendly, and the opportunities for discovery are everywhere.

We love it here, and you will too. It’s all good.

It’s all good...

Idaho

ARTS & CULTURE SUMMER RECREATION WINTER SPORTS... MORE

Discover

HAILEY

Photo: Carol Waller

The largest city in the Wood River Valley, Hailey is a vibrant, welcoming, family-orientated community. With a colorful western history, charm, and thriving economy it’s no surprise that Hailey has been ranked as one of the Top Small Towns in the US by Liveability.com.

In addition to having great outdoor recreation right out its back door, the city boasts exceptional arts and recreation facilities, along with distinctive places to dine, shop and sleep. And each year the city hosts unique events that draw thousands of visitors, including the popular Hailey Days of the Old West Fourth of July celebration.

Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey serves the region with nonstop flights from many major cities.

Start your adventure here.

POPULATION q

8,218

q

Hailey Skate Park is recognized as one of the top skate facilities in the nation.

did you know?

q

FOUNDED

1882

Discover

KETCHUM

Photo: Carol Waller

Located at the base of Bald Mountain and surrounded by national forest, Ketchum is the ideal place to live, work, and play. Since its founding in 1880, it has alternately been a rich mining district, the nation’s largest sheep-shipping station, and a rowdy gambling town. Today, it’s a friendly, fun resort town whose motto is aptly, “Small Town, Big Life”.

Thousands of acres of public land surround the town offering an unparalleled playground for fishing, hiking, rafting, biking, camping, and skiing. If you prefer to enjoy beauty indoors, Ketchum has a thriving retail, arts, gallery, music, and restaurant scene and plenty of interesting events happen here all year long.

So, take off your boots, grab a cocktail or a beer, and discover the many ways to enjoy the wonderful small town, big life of Ketchum.

POPULATION q

2,753

q

did you know?

Ketchum was designated an International Dark Sky Community in 2017 and is part of the nation’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

q

FOUNDED

1880

Discover

SUN VALLEY

Photo: courtesy of Sun Valley Company

It doesn’t get more iconic than Sun Valley.

Since 1936, America’s first destination ski resort has captivated the imaginations of ski bums and big-city refugees for decades. Today, Sun Valley’s 2,000 acres of skiing across Bald and Dollar Mountains, and its popular summer trail network, complement a bevy of year-round activities for the whole family.

This small city is home to the renowned Sun Valley Resort, which has been graciously welcoming guests for over 80 years. It’s fascinating history and culture is celebrated and honored – here you can still see the world’s first chairlift, spend time at the haunts of Hemingway, enjoy world class concerts and events, and relish incredible mountain vistas from expansive network of hiking and biking trails located within and adjacent to the city.

POPULATION q

1,436

q

did you know?

q

The world’s first ski chairlifts were created for

Sun Valley

Resort in 1936.

FOUNDED

1936

Discover

BELLEVUE

Photo: Nancy Glick

First settled in 1882 and situated at the southern gateway to the Wood River Valley, Bellevue blends a rich history as a mining boom town with an irresistible small-town charm and easy access to a host of off-the-beaten path experiences.

Bellevue is a perfect first stop for unforgettable snowmobiling, off-roading, and fly-fishing adventures. Lose yourself on the hiking and snowshoeing trails in the beautiful riverside Howard Preserve at the edge of town and cool off in the summertime at some of the secret swimming holes along the Big Wood River. With some of the most affordable lodging options in the area, Bellevue can be a good home base for all your Wood River Valley adventures.

POPULATION q

2,315

q

did you know?

Bellevue is home to Kaitlyn Farrington, gold -medal winner in women’s half-pipe at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

q

FOUNDED

1882

CLOSE

Stay

World-class golf with a mountain course back drop. Don’t just bring your game to a new level, bring it to a new altitude.

Pitch a tent and gather in the backcountry or hook up close to town – we’ve got your spot reserved. Dark skies and twinkling stars always included.

q

With

hundreds of miles

of world class mountain biking terrain more adrenaline is just over the next ridge. Ride On!

The Black Diamond League is gritty and fun Triple A series in the Pacific Northwest. The league-leading Sun Valley Suns regularly fill the Campion Ice House with fast action on the ice.

There is a reason Sun Valley is a designated Olympic Nordic training site - our trails are impeccably groomed for classic and skate, and we have miles and miles of them to enjoy.

Oh,

q

by the way,

Sun Valley is America’s first ski resort and skiing is in our blood. We’ve got 3,400 vertical feet and over 2000 acres of bowls, glades, and long cruises to maximize your downhill fun.

Whether it’s great finds at a thrift store, or designer brands – you’ll discover exquisite treasures around every corner.

Cool towns and craft beer just fit together. We’re proud to have two acclaimed local breweries, cozy pubs, tap rooms, and a high-end distillery. Oh, the options.

q

Bring your taste buds

and your appetite for creative local food and drink, and we’ll show you lots of unique places to enjoy it. Foodies welcome.

EVENTS

Exciting

The Sun Valley Summer Symphony is one of the top symphonies in the world, and we do it outside with a backdrop of Idaho’s beautiful Rocky Mountains. Oh, and it’s free.

Wagon Days, our signature Labor Day weekend event, features the largest non-motorized parade in the Pacific Northwest, with plenty of wheels, wagons, western cowboys (and gals) and the famous Big Hitch finale.

q

The Trailing of The Sheep festival is wild, woolly and one of a kind. Held each October, is recognized as one of the top fall festivals in the US. History, culture, food, music and of course, lots of sheep – there is simply nothing like it!

BEYOND

Venture

With the majestic, jagged Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, its hard to find a bad place for a selfie in the charming little outpost of Stanley, just two hours up the road. White water rafting, hiking, biking, boating, hot springs soaking, skiing, and snowmobiling all start from here. And the ghost towns of Custer, Bayhorse and Bonanza are nearby.

q

Make a day of it!

Redfish Lake is a stunningly beautiful place to play, and a perennial local favorite basecamp for water sports and mountain adventures.

Idaho’s famous Salmon River offers whitewater excitement in pristine wilderness. From day trips to longer, the river beckons.

Other worldly is an apt description of Craters of the Moon, a popular National Monument and preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho.

Wordly

q

wonder

At 212 ft. high, Shoshone Falls beats Niagara Falls by 45 feet. And it’s crazy beautiful.

0

84

21

10

30

miles

50

er

Twin Falls

Shoshone

info@valleychamber.org www.valleychamber.org

The Chamber Hailey, Wood River Valley, ID tel: 208-788-3484

40

S n ake

20

Fairfield

93

75

93

Bellevue

Sun Valley Ketchum

75

Hailey

75

Stanley

v

Photos courtesy of Sun Valley Company, Visit Sun Valley, Visit Idaho, Flaviu Grumazescu and Carol Waller.

20

Mountain Home

BOISE

Idaho City

21

Road Trip to Adventure!

Discover Hailey & The Wood River Valley, Idaho

Ri