High Ridge Trail

There are plenty of reliable sources of water spaced along the hike.

From downtown Ketchum, it is a 14.3-mile drive up Sun Valley Road/Trail Creek Road with the last 5 miles on a winding, bumpy dirt road.  Still, most passenger cars will be able to handle the route.  Trail Creek Road narrows to one lane at times with turnouts.  Uphill traffic has the right of way. Click here for directions to the trailhead.  The parking area has room for about 10 cars

There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead.

July through early October

Click Here for a PDF of the Route

The trail begins by descending to Trail Creek and you will likely have to make a wet crossing.

Trail Creek Crossing

Be sure to cross to the right of the sign pictured below.  If you go too far left, you will have to cross another stream that runs into Trail Creek.

The sign is a tribute to Anne Hollingshead, who was a beloved Wood River Valley hiker and co-author of the original Day Hiking Near Sun Valley guidebook, first published in 1987. Long before GPS apps and online trail guides, Anne and her co-author Gloria Moore introduced thousands of people to the region’s trails through their pioneering hiking guide. The memorial’s inscription—”who so generously shared her love of these mountains and valleys with us all”—captures the impact she had on the local hiking community and serves as a reminder that today’s hikers are following in the footsteps of those who helped preserve and share these mountains.

After the crossing, the trail rises gently through the lodgepole forest but starts to climb aggressively at about the half-mile mark. Over the next mile there are periods of flat terrain and even some short descents, but it is mainly tough climbs.

At about 1.3 miles, enter a small clearing with views towards the mountains above Cold Creek Canyon. There is another hard climb before the trail descends to the creek.

Cold Creek

The views in this large canyon are magnificent, so take them in as you begin another tough ascent through the open field.  Just before the 2-mile mark, cross another small stream and begin yet another climb passing through six switchbacks.

At about 2.4 miles, the trail levels out as it crosses over a 9100 foot saddle and then descends towards another stream that runs through Basin Gulch.

Stream in Basin Gulch

Cross the stream and begin to climb again, first through a field and then through the trees.  After a series of switchbacks, the trail levels at the 3-mile mark.  Pass through some small pines and onto an open hillside.  The trail rises gradually to another shoulder at 3.75 miles.  This is the destination.  Find a place to sit and enjoy the amazing views.

Destination

Views from the Destination