Wood River Trail

The Wood River Trails are a Sun Valley staple. During the summer months they offer 20+ miles of hiking, jogging and biking paths. But during the winter months they turn into a nordic skiers’ dream with groomed trails from Ketchum to Hailey and Bellevue. The trails are free to use and are also open to snowshoers, walkers and fat bikers.

While there is much trail to explore, one great (and easy to access) section begins from Sun Valley Resort’s River Run Day Lodge. Begin by parking in the main lot here (note that it can get pretty packed with skiers, especially on weekends) and walk down to the trail.

You can then follow the Wood River Trail as it heads in a southerly direction. The trail is easy going with minimal elevation change. If you are walking you won’t need snowshoes unless you wish to use them.

The trail passes close to the Big Wood River, and there are a couple access points.

You can continue onward for as far as you wish, but a good turnaround point for a short trip is when you reach the crossing with Meadow Circle Road. You can then retrace your steps back to the trailhead where you began.