Bald Mountain Trail

Bald Mountain Trail is part of the greater Sun Valley Resort and is a popular route to explore for intermediate and advanced outdoor recreationists. The trail is also open to cyclists as a shared path. It’s always a good idea to set out on this trail as early as possible in the morning for the most tranquil trekking experience possible. Bald Mountain Trail can be accessed at the River Run base area and passes through steep, forested slopes above the Big Wood River. Hikers will need to cross to reach the south facing slopes where a viewing platform can be enjoyed overlooking Ketchum. If you do this portion as an out-and-back route, you’ll have completed 3.4 miles of the trail’s total 7.24 miles to be explored.

Hikers who continue on to the top of the route from the platform will climb through woods and across ski trails along a 3,300-foot vertical gain. If you’re exploring on a mountain bike, the Mindbender route offers up a freeride trail to take you to the top while Pale Rider takes you along the River Run side of the mountain instead. It’s important to keep in mind that these cycling routes are designed for advanced bikers to explore. That said, whether you trek your way to the top of Bald Mountain Trail or pedal your way there, you’ll want to make sure you have your camera in hand. The views out over the mountain and town from the top are truly breathtaking and something you’re going to want to remember long after you’ve left Sun Valley.