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A very popular and satisfying route to the top of Bald Mountain.


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.5

KM

Point to Point

8,993' 2,741 m

High

5,764' 1,757 m

Low

3,229' 984 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildflowers

Open to uphill and downhill hikers/runners and uphill bikers (no downhill biking)

Overview

This trail is a wonderful way to enjoy Bald Mountain in the warm months. The trail offers plentiful views and wildflowers.

Description

Starting at the River Run Plaza (Sun Valley ski area base area) head past the shops then to the right of the River Run Express chair lift. The trail parallels the Big Wood River briefly before switch backing up the sides of a heavily wooded, shady valley. Emerge onto grassy hillsides for a hot, dry climb to the wooden overlook platform. Continue to ascend across numerous ski runs, where the views become increasingly expansive the higher you go.

Small aspen groves alternate with stands of mature evergreens as the route continues past abundant wildflowers. Use caution when crossing the two downhill bike runs (Traverse Trail and Saddle-Up Trail). Just after the junction with the foot traffic-only Roundhouse Connector trail you'll find the stone Louis Stur memorial and water fountain.

The trail surface is generally packed dirt and small gravel, with only occasional short sections of looser rock. Mercifully, the climb ends just west of the top of the Challenger ski lift where the reward is magnificent views in all directions.

In the summer months the chairlift runs, so a popular option for hikers and runners is going up the Bald Mountain Trail for a workout and then riding the lift down to save wear on the knees. Alternately, ride the lift up and hike/run down for a more mellow journey.

Flora & Fauna

There are wildflowers all over this mountain.

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 12 votes

#2646

Overall
  4.2 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#30

in Idaho

#2,646

Overall
21 Views Last Month
18,654 Since Nov 17, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
17%
8%
75%
0%

Photos

Switch backing up the Bald Mountain Trail
Nov 17, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
More wildflowers than you can shake a stick at
Nov 17, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
Enjoying the open slopes above Ketchum
Nov 17, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
'Hills are alive' country
Nov 17, 2014 near Ketchum, ID
Scenic Lookout
Jul 8, 2018 near Ketchum, ID
Bald Mountain Trail starts out paralleling the Big Wood River
Nov 17, 2014 near Ketchum, ID

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Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Jul 26, 2019
David Dalton
With Shelby 5.3mi — 2h 30m
Jul 12, 2019
Buddy Coleman
3.8mi
Aug 15, 2018
Kenn Lamson
Jul 1, 2018
Jason Marenda
4.1mi — 1h 52m
Jun 23, 2018
Joel Ripke
Good hike! Up was about 2 hours of good pace and down took 1:45. 5.3mi
Jun 16, 2018
P S
Sep 21, 2017
Carrie Berg
Rigorous Hike. Could have used my poles up at the top where there was snowfall. Lots of mule deer on the trail. View blocked with clouds. 5.3mi — 2h 30m
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