The Numbers
3.65-mile out and back
490 total elevation gain
Ascent Grade: 4.1% (Easy)
Water
There is very little water on this route and during dry seasons any sources are contaminated by the golf course above. Though the climb is moderate, much of the hike is in the sun, so keep some water handy for you and your dogs.
Route
From the Sun Valley Lodge, follow the main driveway that leads to the Trail Creek Road and use the crosswalk that leads to the large trailhead sign. Keep that sign to your left and come to two intersections within the first 65 feet. Stay right at the first intersection and then turn hard left at the second junction, which is signed.
The trail rises moderately along an open hillside. As you climb, there are good southerly views to Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. At .2 miles, come to a jumble of intersections. At the bench, turn left. (Those looking for a somewhat easier hike should stay straight and take a left at the signed intersection with Valley View Loop.)
The climb intensifies significantly after the turn. At .28 miles, come to a Y-junction and veer left. As you continue to climb, there are good views of downtown Ketchum with Bald Mountain rising above. At .35 miles there is a spur to the right, but continue straight up the hill. Soon after that, come to a T-junction and continue straight. A short path leads to a grassy area with views down the White Clouds difficult 5th hole. There is also a bench honoring Kelley Elizabeth Goldmanis, a young woman who died of cancer in 2021. Her memory is marked with a reminder to “Look around, take a deep breath. . .”
After taking that deep breath, enjoy the 360° views before heading back to the main trail and turning right. The path levels out and begins to wind around an open hillside, sweeping along the contours of small valleys that cut through the hillside. Views open to Ketchum’s Bigwood neighborhood and the golf course that shares its name.
You begin to ease away from civilization as the foothills of the Boulder Mountains rise before you. At 1.82 miles, come to a signed junction which serves as the turnaround point. If you decide to continue on, the trail runs for just less than a mile and ends near the Sun Valley Golf Clubhouse on Trail Creek Road.