Where the Mountains Meet Miles of Golden Aspens

There's something undeniably special about autumn in Sun Valley. As summer's crowds disperse and the first crisp mountain air settles into the valley, the landscape transforms into a hiker's paradise. With plenty of adventures all within 20 minutes of Sun Valley Lodge and Village, you'll find both easily accessible walking paths and more challenging courses that welcome you and your four-legged companions to explore some of the most beautiful terrain in the Mountain West. 

Wood River Trail (Easy)  

Don't overlook this delightful, paved pathway stretching from Bellevue north of Ketchum. Perfect for walking, running, or biking, the Wood River Trail offers an uninterrupted route with numerous entry and exit points, making it ideal for custom distances and easy family adventures. Suggested routes: 

• Adam’s Gulch Road to W Sage Road and back | 2.4 miles round trip | 50 min | Out & back | Directions
• River Run base area to the Big Wood River Bridge and back | 2.8 miles round trip | 1 hr | Out & back | Directions

White Cloud Nine Trail (Moderate)  

3.8 miles | 419 ft elevation gain | 1 hr 30 min | Loop 

Perfect for those seeking stunning views without a major workout, this moderate loop starts right across from the Sun Valley Lodge entrance. After an initial uphill section, the trail mellows into an easy, enjoyable walk with limited elevation gain. The fully exposed route rewards you with panoramic views of Baldy, the Sun Valley golf courses, and the surrounding mountain landscape. Plan for morning or evening adventures to avoid the midday sun and take advantage of the large parking area at the Sun Valley Lodge and Village. 

Directions to TrailheadAllTrails Route Map

Proctor Mountain Trail (Moderate)  

4.2 miles | 1,069 ft elevation gain | 2 hr 20 min | Loop 

Starting just 1.4 miles from Sun Valley Village, this scenic loop begins at the Hemingway Memorial off Trail Creek Road. You'll wind through golden aspen groves and climb along ridgelines that offer sweeping views of Baldy, the village below, Ketchum, and the surrounding mountains. The trail takes you past a piece of local history—a plaque marking the site of the area's first chairlift. With a mix of shaded forest sections and exposed ridge walking, morning or evening hikes offer the most comfortable conditions. Parking is available in a small lot off the bike trail, with additional spaces directly across the road. 

Directions to TrailheadAllTrails Route Map

Chocolate Gulch Trail (Moderate)  

4.5 miles | 813 ft elevation gain | 2 hrs | Loop  

This gorgeous 4.5-mile loop, starting 3.7 miles north of the resort, showcases the best of Boulder Mountain views, the Big Wood River, alpine meadows, and mixed pine and aspen forests. What makes this trail special is its consistent, manageable pitch that lets you soak in the scenery while you hike. On sunny days, hikers will appreciate the numerous shaded sections of this trail. The route winds through diverse terrain including forests, meadows, creeks, and rocky stretches. Cell service is limited, so plan accordingly and bring bug spray. Start at the Fox Creek Trailhead parking lot. Once you cross the bridge, the Chocolate Gulch Trail begins immediately to your right—look for the wooden trail marker. 

Directions to TrailheadAllTrails Route Map

Fox Creek Trail (Moderate)  

5.3 miles | 787 ft elevation gain | 2 hr 20 min | Loop 

Located just 3.7 miles north of Sun Valley Resort on Highway 75, this scenic loop offers incredible variety. You'll traverse meadows, walk alongside the Big Wood River, and pass through beautiful cottonwood and aspen stands before climbing to sweeping vistas of the Boulder Mountains. The trail offers a nice mix of sun and shade, though cell service can be spotty. For the best experience, hike counterclockwise to tackle the elevation gain early, and don't forget the bug spray. 

Directions to TrailheadAllTrails Route Map

Adam's Gulch Trail (Moderate)  

6 miles | 770 ft elevation gain | 2.5 hrs | Loop 

Just 2.8 miles north of the resort, Adam's Gulch offers incredible flexibility with numerous trail options and distances. The full loop provides a perfect contrast: start with the sunny, exposed climb to a scenic picnic table at the peak (about 1.4 miles in), where you can rest and enjoy beautiful views of the trail below and surrounding mountains. The second half descends through a shaded mixed forest alongside a creek. With many offshoot trails available, bring a map or trails app to navigate your preferred route. The large parking lot makes this a convenient choice for groups. 

Directions to TrailheadAllTrails Route Map

Pioneer Cabin Trail (Hard)  

7.5 miles | 2,562 ft elevation gain | 5 hrs | Out & back 

Ready for a real challenge? This iconic Sun Valley adventure climbs over 23 switchbacks through forested ridges and across sunny plateaus to reach the famous Pioneer Cabin. Built in 1938 by the Sun Valley Company as backcountry shelter for alpine touring, this European-style hut still serves backpackers and backcountry skiers today. The cabin's roof bears the memorable phrase "The higher you get, the higher you get," and the views of Duncan Peak, Hyndman Peak, and Cobb Peak are truly awe-inspiring. The trailhead is located 7.6 miles north of the resort via Trail Creek Road and Forest Service Road 137. 

Directions to TrailheadAllTrails Route Map

Happy Trails Ahead 

Fall hiking in Sun Valley offers something truly magical—the perfect blend of accessible adventure and breathtaking beauty. As you plan your mountain explorations, remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray, and appropriate footwear. Research your routes ahead of time and let someone know your hiking plans, especially since some trails have limited cell service. Most importantly, pay attention to trail signs and markers to ensure you stay on the right path. The mountains are waiting to share their autumn splendor with you—get out there and discover why Sun Valley's fall hiking season is one of nature's greatest shows.