Hike to the Summit of Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

Bald Statement

Hike to the Summit of Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

07.13.2022
Hiker on Bald Mountain Summit Trail in Sun Valley Idaho

If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, and bragging rights to boot, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. Starting at the base of the River Run Plaza, this 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down the mountain. Hey, you will have earned it!

Hiker at Bald Mountain Summit in Sun Valley Idaho

Hiker at the Scenic Overlook on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

Hiker at summit of Bald Mountain overlooking the ski area in Sun Valley Idaho

The trail starts by paralleling the Big Wood River and transitions to switchbacks under the canopy of trees and out on exposed grassy hills all the way to the brilliant Scenic Overlook. Built by the Bureau of Land Management and located 1.6 miles in, this wooden platform opens to an eye-max view of Sun Valley and Ketchum below. It’s pure wow. Some folks turn around here and head back the way they came for a 3.2-mile (round-trip) scenic adventure.

Two hikers overlooking Ketchum from the Scenic Overlook on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

If you’re heading for the top, keep going, passing fields of vibrant wildflowers and gaining bigger alpine views. Aspen trees and evergreens add some mix to the setting. At 3 miles there’s an option to take a trail to the Roundhouse Gondola and Restaurant or … keep on keeping on, passing under chairlifts as you wind your way up the mountain and begin to see snow-capped peaks in the distance. At the top, spin around as a human compass—views leap in all directions across the valley.

Two feet in picture of coming down a chairlift on Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho during summer

There’s an expansive patio with some picnic tables and chairs, so consider bringing lunch. Or, take the chairlift (no charge) down to the Roundhouse Gondola and Restaurant as a mightily deserved bonus for your peak-bagging feat. Note: Roundhouse Restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The gondola ride down is pure fun, and more views!

Two people inside a gondola on the Roundhouse Gondola in Sun Valley Idaho

TIP: For those who cannot or don’t want to do the hike from base to summit, you can buy a Roundhouse Gondola ticket at the base of the mountain and ride the Gondola to its 7,700-foot destination, then explore around there. From that vantage you can also take the chairlift to the apex of Bald Mountain (ticket required). Hey, it’s still summiting Bald Mountain. And that’s just plain sunny.

The Roundhouse Gondola at Bald Mountain in Sun Valley Idaho

Get more trip ideas and inspiration for visiting Sun Valley, Idaho!

The hike starts from the River Run Plaza at Sun Valley Resort. There’s a trailhead sign. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View