#7 GO WILD
Action: Go Wild Intention: Inspiring scenery is abundant in and around the Wood River Valley. When wildlife crosses your path, take a moment to take it in. Information: Phantom Hill is just north of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters, approximately 8 miles north of Ketchum on Hwy. 75. You can see deer, elk, moose, the occasional wolf, and pronghorn in this area. Early morning or late evening is best for wildlife viewing. If driving after dark, drive under the recommended speed limit as wildlife may be on the road. You can typically see elk just north of Hailey on Hwy. 75; hence, the reduced nighttime speed limit. For additional bird and wildlife viewing—and world-renowned trout fishing—visit The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve. Take Hwy. 75 south through Bellevue and take a left on Gannett Road. Follow Gannett Road until it comes to a T. Take a right (west) on Hwy. 20 for approximately 1/2 mile and look for the sign for Silver Creek Preserve. Take a left (south) onto Kilpatrick Bridge Road and follow it until you get to the Preserve Visitor Center. Silver Creek is a fly-fishing paradise and strict regulations apply. Be sure to check with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for any further wildlife questions or regulations.
#8 HAPPY TRAILS
Action: Happy Trails Intention: Looking for a steep thrill? Seek solitude along winding switchbacks on an enjoyable loop with historical ski area relics and views of Ketchum. Information: The Proctor Loop Trail can be done in either direction, but the recommended direction starts with the left fork indicated by the signpost. The trail starts out wide and flat but quickly becomes single-track with a fine gravel and dirt surface, making for very smooth, easy travel. The highpoint of the trail skirts the flank of its namesake, Proctor Mountain (7,798 feet), sweeping through scrubby sage and becoming very slightly rockier. The descent eases approaching Ruud Mountain with its single-seat chairlift, built in 1938. The Ruud chairlift, which operated until the early 1960s, was the third chairlift installed in this area. The first operating chairlift in the world was built in 1936 on Proctor Mountain, and its remnants can still be found in the grass. Bikes are not allowed on this trail. To get there from Sun Valley Inn, turn left on Dollar Road and follow it to the four-way stop sign. Continue straight onto Fairway Road and park at the end of the road.
counterclockwise puts most of the “up” in the shade. Crossing the creek at the trailhead, the path climbs steadily up 23 switchbacks through a cool forest. The trail continues up, becoming more high alpine and opening into a meadow. Finally, a last push toward the saddle rewards with spectacular views of Hyndman and Cobb peaks and ridges in every direction, as well as the historic Pioneer Cabin just below. Pack a snack to enjoy at Pioneer Cabin, originally built by Sun Valley Company in the 1930s to encourage alpine skiing. The roof of the cabin offers an Idaho-style motto, “The Higher You Get, The Higher You Get.” Information: Stop in at the Ketchum Ranger District office at 206 Sun Valley Road in downtown Ketchum for a free map and to get the latest trail conditions. To get to the trailhead, head east on Sun Valley Road from Starbucks for 2.3 miles, continue onto NF-51/Trail Creek Road for 2.7 miles, turn right onto NF137 and continue for 3.8 miles, then make a slight right onto Forest Road 137. Your destination will be on the left.
#10 WALK WITH GOATS
Action: Walk With Goats Intention: Advanced hikers love the Norton Lakes hike. This 6.8-mile hike has a total elevation gain of 2,250 feet and takes 3 to 4 hours. Information: To get to the trailhead from downtown Ketchum, drive north on Hwy. 75 for 15 miles. Turn left, or west, between mile markers 143 and 144, onto Baker Creek Road, also known as Forest Road 162. Follow FR 162 for 5.9 miles to FR 170. Turn right and follow this dirt road another 1.3 miles to the road’s end. All roads are suitable for passenger cars. Hike to the upper Norton Lake. From there, cross the outlet stream. With each step, the views down to the Norton lakes become more and more remarkable. Look for mountain goats, which can often be seen teetering on the rocky edges near the top! For a great lunch spot, go left, or southwest, along the saddle for 500 feet to a rock outcropping. From the saddle, there is a path that leads north and climbs 450 feet to the top of Norton Peak. For more information contact the Ketchum Ranger District at (208) 622-5371.
#9 TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
Action: Take the High Road Intention: For the avid hiker, a steadily climbing loop hike in the Pioneer Mountains offers sweeping views of peaks in the Pioneer, Smoky and Boulder mountains. This dog-friendly, 8.5-mile loop takes about three to five hours. Hiking the loop 16
PUBLISHED BY WOOD RIVER WEEKLY
101 Things To Do | Summer & Fall 2022
