Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sun Valley?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sun Valley?

Most visitors spend three to seven days in Sun Valley when visiting. The outdoorsy town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the skiing, the hiking, the food, and the beautiful scenery.

Sun Valley is a popular resort town and ski destination in Idaho. Skiing is popular at nearby Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. During the warmer months the area has many great hikes and a relaxed atmosphere.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit Sun Valley? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one week enough time in Sun Valley?

With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Sun Valley has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel, spend more time hiking, or use Sun Valley as a base for day trips to nearby mountain towns. You'll be able to relax while enjoying the skiing, the hiking, and the food at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend a week in Sun Valley

Snow skiing takes the spotlight during the winter season, so set aside at least a day to hit the slopes. There are plenty of slopes that are accessible by lift as well as backcountry terrain for those who are more adventurous. The ski areas include Bald Mountain, which is next to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, by Sun Valley. Bald Mountain is best for advanced skiers and Dollar Mountain has options for beginners and intermediates.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Many restaurants pride themselves in using local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. You'll find everything from cafes and bakeries to sushi, pizza, and Mediterranean.

Sun Valley is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's easy to walk to almost anything you need if you stay at a conveniently located hotel.

Known for it's hiking, Sun Valley sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. During the warmer months you'll enjoy miles of hiking trails in the area that take you by fields of wildflowers and to scenic mountain overlooks. White Cloud Trails is a relatively easy 4 mile trail that many visitors enjoy. Baker Lake and Taylor Canyon are also nice options.

Sun Valley is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The resort town is surrounded by impressive mountains and pristine natural beauty.

The public transit in Sun Valley is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. There are free shuttle buses that run through Wood River Valley including connections between the Village and Dollar and Bald Mountains. It's also connected to Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Perhaps the most famous spot in Sun Valley is Sawtooth National Recreation Area, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It's a low key town with relaxing bars and breweries where you can enjoy a cold drink after a day on the slopes. It's not a party town that's high energy, but there are plenty of places where you can hang out in a mellow setting.

Shopping in Sun Valley is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. While most visitors spend their time adventuring outdoors, there are also plenty of shopping options in the area. Whether you need to pick up hiking or ski gear, or you want to browse some local boutiques, you'll find shops that meet your need.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Sun Valley.

After you've explored most of Sun Valley, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Sun Valley. Plenty of amazing options are available.

With added time, spend another day on the ski slopes. After all, that's one of the main attractions here. You'll probably improve your skills every day, so check out some of the runs you haven't spent much time on yet.

Is 2 weeks enough time in Sun Valley?

Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Sun Valley, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to hit the ski slopes, discover the nearby hiking trails, taste delicious cuisine, and admire the wonderful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Sun Valley as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.

Sun Valley, Idaho

How to spend 2 weeks in Sun Valley

With 2 weeks in Sun Valley, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time skiing on the slopes and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Sun Valley, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.