by Kate Kennedy

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: November 26, 2011

With the spectacular Sawtooth Wilderness at its backdoo, the opportunities for warm weather, outdoor adventures in Sun Valley are limited only by your imagination or, although most won't admit it, a tiny bit of fear. Whether you like battling the extremes of these mountains or desire a more family friendly excursion, the 200,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area is a nature-lovers playground for every level of expertise.

Water Sports

The varied personality of the Salmon River offers every river experience from gentle but exhilarating rapids to wild and heart pounding Class lll white-water. Just remember that the Salmon is a high mountain river that, even in the summer, is very cold. If you happen to fall in, be prepared for a shock. If the warm sunshine is making you sleepy, you will be wide-awake after an unplanned dip in that crystal clear water.

There are three high alpine lakes forty-five minutes north of Sun Valley where abundant opportunities for windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, swimming and scuba diving await. For the uninitiated or unprepared, classes, river guide outfitters and equipment rentals are all conveniently located in the Sun Valley area.

Mountain biking and hiking

Whether you are taking a leisurely hike to view wildflowers or tackling extreme downhill switchbacks on a mountain bike, the twenty-eight miles of trails on Bald Mountain promise everyone an enjoyable daytrip. No level of expertise is required for the wildflower viewing but if you intend to take the mountain bike challenge, check with the local experts before you begin the day.

Fishing

Maybe you are a novice or maybe you are the best fly-fisherman in the world, but no matter your skill level, take advantage of Silver Creek, which is recognized as one of the best areas in the region for catching "the big one".

Horseback riding

There is nothing like the view of the surrounding wilderness than from atop a horse. Whether it is a day trip or a lengthier excursion deeper into the forest, the local outfitters will take you anywhere you want to go. Never fear of getting lost: they know those mountains like the back of their hand.

Another popular trail experience for the whole family is a guided day hike with llamas. These cute creatures with the long eyelashes carry all of your stuff, leaving you with nothing to do but put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the stunning scenery.

If you are still hesitant about a warm weather vacation in Sun Valley, there is a common local saying: "I came for the skiing but stayed for the summers." that should cast all your doubts aside. Sun Valley is truly a nature lover's paradise, which is no more apparent than during the warm days of summer.

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