Prospector Loop

Winter Hike/Snowshoe

There is no reliable source of water on this hike.

From downtown Ketchum, it is an easy 3.2-mile drive all on paved roads. Click here for directions. There is parking for only about 4-5 cars, so get your hike started early.

There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.

Dry seasons:  To avoid damaging the trail, do not hike this trail unless the ground is frozen.  Bring spikes for icy sections.

Snowy seasons:  After the peak, which is just before the mile mark, snowshoes will likely be necessary to complete the loop.

The first 500 feet of the trail is along a narrow asphalt driveway that leads to a short, squat water tank.  The trail bends right and at .2 miles come to the signed junction (“Prospector Loop”) that marks the start of the loop.  Turn right.

The trail is moderately steep as it winds up and around the open hillside.  Much of this section gets hit hard by the morning sun, so be ready for icy sections and, during dry years, large swaths of mud.  As such, please avoid the trail unless the ground is frozen.

As you wind along the path, solid views of Dollar Mountain framed by its big sister, Bald Mountain come into focus.  There are even better views of both the Sun Valley Company’s ski mountains later in the hike.

At .45 miles, stay right at the junction.  The trail flattens a bit but continues rising to a saddle marked by an old fence line at .9 miles.  The trail shoots off to the left and right and there is a small sign pointing towards the “SV Loop.”  Stay straight and begin to descend into the valley.

During normal snow years, snowshoes will come in handy as you start the descent through the open, quiet valley.  Views to the northwest open to the foothills of the Boulder Mountain range. Up and to the right there is an abandoned ski lift which parallels the beginning of the Ruud Mountain hike, an extremely challenging summer trek.

Just after the 1.5-mile mark as you wind to the left, Bald Mountain once again becomes the dominating fixture on the near horizon, with Dollar Mountain sitting just to its left.

During dry years, ice and mud once again become prevalent at about the 1.7-mile mark. There is usually evidence of trail degradation by hikers who ignored warnings to avoid this trail during warmer periods.

At 2.3 miles, you will come alongside another old fence line before coming to the final junction at 2.7 miles.  Though you will feel like bending right, stay left.

Within a tenth of a mile, you will come to the end of the loop marked by the “Prospector Loop” sign.  Turn right and back down to the parking lot.

Disclaimer: Trail info and routes on HikeSV.com are for reference only. Conditions, closures, and access may vary — plan ahead and hike smart!