Bald Mountain Trail to Viewpoint

The Trail

This moderate trail is about 1.6 miles one way with about a 930 foot elevation change. It goes to a nice viewpoint of the Sun Valley area.

Topographical Map (red = to viewpoint)

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

This trail starts out nicely shaded. It is easy to follow and well maintained by the ski resort.

Trailhead

The trail opens up as hikers climb toward the viewing platform.

Approaching viewing platform

From the platform, you can see fantastic view of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Looking up toward Bald Mountain

If you wish to go further, the trail does continue to the top of Bald Mountain. If you go during the summer season, then you can ride the lift down after reaching the top, which is my favorite way to do this trail. However, the lift was closed for the season when we went on this trip, and we did not have time to hike all the way up and down.

The trail is opened to leashed dogs, and there are even some dog drinking fountains along the trail to the top. Bathrooms are available at the resort when it's open.

Directions

This trail is located near Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho. To get here, take ID-75 north to Second Ave/Serenade Ln. and turn left. Then turn left onto Third Ave. and continue to follow the road as it curves around and becomes Pennay's Way/Seattle Ridge Ln. There is parking here, and you can walk up to the ski resort/lift area. The trail is to the north of the lift and lodge.

GPS Coordinates: N43° 40.279' W114° 22.132'