An insider’s guide to a summer getaway in the high country of Idaho
Our lives run hard and fast. Work demands, tight timelines, texts pinging us, to-dos pilling up, kid activities, endless cart-arounds, social media check-ins, workout schedules (what is that?), etc. It’s just a fact that we haft to come to terms with, but alas we have the coveted summer getaway. The family escape to reboot and reconnect.
While there are tons of options and everyone has their favorite dream destination, I’ve found one that, for me, brings me closer to what I love in summer, fall, or winter – the high country of central Idaho. Idaho? Really, WTH!?! No really, Idaho!
It’s a forgotten zone of natural beauty, enlightening adventures, and family fun. In particular, the Ketchum / Sun Valley area is a perfect landing zone for adventures of all kinds. I’ve been exploring and enjoying the area since my childhood and it never disappoints. It’s magical in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho and accessible from nearly everywhere with direct flights or a few hours driving in the family truckster. Honestly, it’s worth consideration for your next summer (or winter) getaway…
So here are a few insider tips to boost your interest and help in planning for an epic summer getaway in Idaho. Think of it as a family getaway that has potential to bring out that ever elusive smile on a 13 year old or a comment like, “That was a lot of work…but it was pretty cool.” Plus, as a bonus, you’ll find a little part of the Wild West to revel in. Consider your options and venture on…
The To-Do List for Ketchum | Sun Valley
Summer in the high country is the greatest with the opportunity to hike, bike, boat, fish, laugh, swim, skateboard, scooter, pickleball, golf, etc. The list goes on, so you’ll need to choose your own adventure.
Here are a few ideas for a quick win:
Frenchman’s Natural Hot Spring (20-min from Ketchum)
Just a quick 20-minute drive from Ketchum out Warm Springs Road you’ll find an adventure that will truly amaze: Frenchman’s Hot Springs. A natural hot springs that pop up and warm the water to 110-degrees along Warm Springs Creek. Easily accessible from the road, but note that the best pools are just a simple, although cold-AF, wade to the far side of the creek. Soak and enjoy the refreshingly healing waters and amaze the kids with your deft handle of the origin of a warm springs. (For a cheaters guide to warm springs formation, click here. Carry on…)
Redfish Lake (60-min from Ketchum) – Highly Recommended
I would put this on my list of truly magical places, and this year we FINALLY did it right. It’s a pristine alpine lake about 60-min drive from Ketchum that will give you a whole new perspective. And if there was ever a place where smartphones disappear and conversations fade to take in the beauty, this is the place. Outside of the vistas, the Redfish Lake Lodge and Marina are the main attractions. Great spot for locking down for a day of fun on the lake or an extended stay at the rustic lodge.
So, how did we do it right? Well, we’ve always ventured to Redfish and enjoyed the lake, but this year we rented a small boat and ventured to the far (south) end of the lake. It’s a 25-min boat ride to the far end and you’ll find it to be majestic, quiet, and a memorable voyage for the family. Don’t worry if you’re not a nautical wizard (I’m not) – the Red Fish Lake Marina has your back. The boats are so simple and worth the $110 for the 4 hours filled with swimming, rock jumping, exploring and solitude on the water. Don’t miss it or you’ll forever be sorry…
Sturdo’s Bike Rentals
Looking for bike rentals for getting around town, hit up Sturtevants for great deals.
Around Town Highlights
Historic, renovated, and beautiful – worth checking out the whole village and staying for lunch. If you have a rainy day or just want to stay chill for an afternoon, checkout the bowling alley and arcade on the bottom floor that’s open to the public – beers, bowling and fun times…
I’m not a big golfer (anymore), but this place is great and worth the greens fees. Beautiful views on the Trail Creek Course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Elkhorn Village Courts & Swimming
You’ll need a pass to get in, but the Elkhorn area is ideal for locking down as home base for the week and enjoying the pools, tennis courts and pickleball courts. Fun for all and low key area for the stay.
Lifestyle of the Rich & Famous
Many a Hollywood star and Fortune 500 CEO has a fortress out in the Wood River Valley. So ask around and you might hear something, or just go venturing around to see the great homes and architecture. The area is certainly dotted with the famous and uber-rich, but it’s still down-home, rustic Americana, so enjoy and map your #squadgoal homes.
Eats Around Town
With all that adventuring, you’re gonna need to know where to go to grub and grab drinks. Here are a few of my recommendations, that have been winners for the family.
Breakfast
Outstanding, big breakfast, big crowds, so go early pre-10 o’clock. It’s rustically charming and occasionally you’ll see someone of note: Arnold “Get to the Choppa” Schwarzenegger, Miley Cyrus, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Hanks, etc. Keep your eyes peeled…
Great breakfast and sandwiches – simple and quick. Great for grabbing to-go food for the local hiking getaway, two locations Giacobbi Square in central Ketchum or the industrial district in Ketchum.
Lunch
A local’s joint that welcomes the wallets of visitors – on corner of Washington and Sixth street. Great grub and beers, this place isn’t fancy, but refreshing on the back porch in the summer. Grab a table, pop to the front to order up, and then settle in for a great lunch. Do note that the sandwiches are huge, so splitting is recommended. Bonus: Ms. PacMan can be found near the front door for the OG Hustlers.
Irving Red Hots
My kid’s favorite spot for a quick hot dog. It’s a food cart that is typically located at Main and Fourth street in the summertime.
Dinner
This is that one spot that everyone knows and hits up for that true Sun Valley dining experience. Expect the Wild West at it’s finest. It’s always packed, so go early and get your name on the list then walk town a bit. Great steak, trout, bison, and baked potatoes, of course, it’s not cheap but it’s worth it.
A new hotel in Ketchum run by Aspen Groups. It’s right off Main Street as you enter town. Think W Hotels x Sun Valley – a much-needed non-rustic spot in town. The back deck and main bar are great for people watching, drinks and appetizers, kids are welcome and it’s fabulous.
Authentic pizza joint with arcade for the kids – great for a quick, simple meal
Drinking / Partying
This is quintessential Ketchum – rustic, big crowds on live performance nights. Good for an evening out with friends, but a place that you may not love come the next morning…
Grocery Shopping
If you can, avoid grocery shopping in Ketchum due to massively inflated prices. Venture down valley to Hailey and shop Atkinson’s Market, good selection and better pricing
For more information and insights for the visit, checkout:
A trip to the high country of Idaho will refresh you and the family, build new connections, and great memories. I promise there will be ZERO ‘grumpy’ tractors on this adventure. Rise up as one and enjoy life together! Epic adventures await in the Valley of the Sun*.
Note: If you have additional insights and shares, drop it in the comments.
* Please note that I have no affiliation with nor reimbursement from Sun Valley resorts. I’m just a dude, sharing knowledge and finding new ways to connect with family…
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