Ketchum Ranger District


The Ketchum Ranger District is located in the northwest portion of the Sawtooth National Forest. The District covers 321,544 acres of mountains and hills filled with sage, aspen, pine and fir. Five hundred miles of streams course through the District and the major river drainage is the Big Wood River whose headwaters are located north of Ketchum on Galena Summit. In addition to these waterways, there are over 90 lakes located on the Ketchum District. The highest point of elevation of the Sawtooth National Forest, Hyndman Peak at 12,009 ft. elevation, is found on the District in the Boulder Mountain Range. Bald Mountain, one of the country's best-loved ski areas, is located in the Ketchum District. Recreation is the most popular activity on the Distict and opportunities are numerous for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and scenic driving. The roads and trails range from those suitable for novices to high country trails suitable only for experienced outdoor recreationists. The Pioneer Cabin and the Lakes Trails are good examples of the popular day hikes available on the District. Mountain bike riding is also a popular activity and a rider can cover 25 to 30 miles on a trip through beautiful mountain scenery in one day. The Ketchum Ranger District offers outstanding opportunities for motorcycle trail riding and numerous roads and trails provide access to spectacular scenery, excellent fishing, and remote campsites. There are a number of drives in the Ketchum District that provide visitors with a chance to see some beautiful country without the investment of time and energy associated with walking, biking, or horseback riding. The drive over Trail Creek Summit stretches from Sun Valley, over the Pioneer Mountains and into the Lost River drainage to Mackay, Idaho. Dollarhide Road, which follows the Warm Springs drainage over Dollarhide Summit, runs southwest from the town of Ketchum, past Bald Mountain and on into the Smokey Mountains.

Our office, with the exception of mission-critical activities, is operating virtually. To protect the health and safety of our employees and customers, we are scheduling face-to-face meetings only if business cannot be resolved via the virtual environment. Be prepared to meet outdoors.  However, continuing our service to you during this time is very important. We are ready and available to help you!

Customer service representatives will be staffing our phone lines to provide information about the Forest or to assist your needs in ways besides face-to-face.  You can reach the Supervisors Office at 208-423-7500, the Ketchum Ranger District at 208-622-0090, the Fairfield Ranger District at 208-764-3202, the Stanley Ranger Station at 208-774-3000, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Headquarters at 208-727-5000 and the Minidoka Ranger District at 208-678-0430.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is a fun way of exploring the backcountry. The Ketchum/Sun Valley area has a large and varied trail system that makes for unlimited bike trips into the backcountry for the experienced rider. Beginners are advised to start out on the many dirt roads that are accessible from the main roads and are relatively flat.

Areas for Mountain Biking at Ketchum Ranger District

Campground Camping

Areas for Campground Camping at Ketchum Ranger District

Lake and Pond Fishing

Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Ketchum Ranger District

River and Stream Fishing

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Ketchum Ranger District

Day Hiking

Over 40 miles of trail are located within a 5-mile radius of Ketchum. Many are used as "exercise trails" by Ketchum area residents, who often run or bike the same trails daily. For quick recreation, these trails are unparalleled--from long views atop Bald Mountain to golden aspen groves in Corral Creek. But if solitude is what you are seeking, choose a trail further away from town. Due to the tremendous recreation pressure they receive, these trails are closed to use each spring during the runoff months. Please respect these closures so that the trails will remain in good condition for future use. If you must bring a dog, please leash it and remove its waste from the trail and at trailheads as a courtesy to other trail users.

Areas for Day Hiking at Ketchum Ranger District

Backpacking

Areas for Backpacking at Ketchum Ranger District

Horse Riding

Areas for Horse Riding at Ketchum Ranger District

OHV Trail Riding

The following roads and trails on the Ketchum District are suitable for OHV riding and provide maximum enjoyment from the backcountry. The Warm Springs- Deer Creek Area is an extensive area of interconnecting loop back-country trails #58, #156 and #157 are suitable for the intermediate trail rider. The Smoky Mountains Area ¿ East Fork of Baker Creek Road #168 is popular with OHV riders. Ride up East Fork of Baker Creek Road and then take trail #142 west along the ridge to Lost Shirt Gulch and back down to Baker Creek Road or trail #168 to Warm Springs Road. Also ride Oregon Gulch Trail (#183). The road and trail are open from May 1 to the start of archery hunting season, approximately August 31st. Riders can access the East Fork of the Wood River Area into Bear Gulch via the Hyndman Creek Road. Turn off at 2.5 miles to Bear Gulch. The trail is open to motorized vehicle use to Amicus Mine. To Reach Paymaster Gulch take the East Fork Road go past the Federal Gulch Campground. Turn left at Paymaster Gulch. The trail is open to motorized vehicles only up to the Sunshine Mine. To access Cove Creek, ride up Cove Creek Road to Baugh Creek and make a loop out of Fisher and Porcupine Creek trails #131 and #172. Riders wanting to access to the scenic Little Wood River Area ¿ Mormon Hill area can start in Bellevue and ride up Copper Creek Road in Muldoon Canyon. Ride up Mormon Gulch Road to the ridge trail, over to Deadman Creek Trail (#176) and down to Copper Creek Road.

Picnicking

Areas for Picnicking at Ketchum Ranger District

Scenic Driving

Areas for Scenic Driving at Ketchum Ranger District

Swimming

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Ketchum Ranger District

Snowmobiling

Areas for Snowmobiling at Ketchum Ranger District

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
43.68523

  Longitude : 
-114.360373