Ketchum Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Wood River Valley, Ketchum is a charming city located in the stunning state of Idaho, United States. Surrounded by towering mountain peaks and blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, this idyllic destination offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Ketchum is renowned for its close proximity to the world-famous Sun Valley Resort, a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With its well-groomed slopes and state-of-the-art facilities, Sun Valley offers an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding experience. After a day on the slopes, visitors can unwind in the cozy lodges and indulge in après-ski activities, including fine dining, shopping, and live entertainment.

Beyond the winter wonderland, Ketchum also offers a plethora of outdoor activities during the summer months. Hiking and biking trails wind through the breathtaking Sawtooth National Recreation Area, where adventurers can explore rugged peaks, crystal clear lakes, and lush alpine meadows. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, fly fishing in the pristine rivers and streams is a popular pastime.

In addition to its natural wonders, Ketchum boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts showcases a diverse range of exhibitions and performances, featuring both local and internationally renowned artists. The city also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sun Valley Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world.

When it comes to dining, Ketchum offers a delightful array of culinary experiences. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, visitors can savor a range of cuisines, including farm-to-table delights showcasing the region's fresh produce. After dinner, the city's lively bars and breweries provide the perfect setting to unwind and mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

Alternative names: Founded: 1880 (144 years ago)Population: 2.7 thous. (2019)Area: 3.25 mi²Elevation: 5837 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°40'53"N, 114°21'58"W

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IdahoUnited States

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Ketchum Top Attractions

Ketchum Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ketchum offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum, Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Fly Sun Valley - Paragliding, Gilman Contemporary. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum
Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum is the official museum of Ketchum Sun Valley located in Ketchum, Idaho. Founded in 1995, it has collections in skiing, mining Sun Valley, sheep, and Hemingway. Additionally, it contains an archive of documents and Historical photographs.
Museum • Art museum
Sun Valley Center for the Arts
Sun Valley Museum of Art is the oldest arts organization in central Idaho’s Wood River Valley. Founded in 1971, The Museum has grown from a few people presenting classes and events to an organization that has over 25,000 people attend events annually. More than half of those who attended, attended free programs.
43°40'46"N • 114°22'1"W
Fly Sun Valley - Paragliding
Nature • Outdoor activities • Natural attraction

43°40'60"N • 114°21'40"W
Gilman Contemporary
Art gallery • Museum • Shopping
43°40'49"N • 114°21'58"W
Gail Severn Gallery
Art gallery • Museum • Shopping
43°37'35"N • 114°21'14"W
Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Garden • Park
Museum • History museum • Vernacular architecture
Ketchum Ranger District Administrative Site
The Ketchum Ranger District Administrative Site is a historic site at 131/171 River St. in Ketchum, Idaho. Significance of the site dates to 1929. It has also been known as Ketchum Ranger Station and as the Heritage and Ski Museum.
43°40'44"N • 114°21'43"W
Bald Mountain Hot Springs
Bald Mountain Hot Springs in Ketchum, Idaho was a historic resort. Located at Main and 1st St. in Ketchum, the complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Day trips

Ketchum – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ketchum, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Little Redfish Lake (Sawtooth National Recreation Area), Hell Roaring Lake (Sawtooth Wilderness), Alpine Lake (Sawtooth Wilderness).

43 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Little Redfish Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Little Redfish Lake is a name given to two different alpine lakes in central Idaho, both in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Custer County.
37 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Hell Roaring Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness
Hell Roaring Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located in the Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is approximately 13.3 miles southwest of Stanley. The lake can be accessed from State Highway 75 in the Sawtooth Valley.
49 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Alpine Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness
Alpine Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located high in the Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is approximately 6.3 mi southwest of Stanley. A trail from the Iron Creek trailhead and campground leads approximately 5 miles to Sawtooth Lake.
43 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Baron Lake, Sawtooth Wilderness
Baron Lake is an alpine lake in Boise County, Idaho, United States, located in the Sawtooth Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Sawtooth National Forest trail 101 goes to the lake.
28 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Fourth of July Lake, Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Fourth of July Lake is an alpine lake in Custer County, Idaho, United States, located in the White Cloud Mountains in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The lake is accessed from Sawtooth National Forest trail 109.