Sun Valley, Idaho • June 14-19 / August 16-21 / October 4-9, 2010

TRIP DESCRIPTION:
Day hikes around the Sun Valley area can be anything from a stroll along the Wood River to a strenuous hike into the domain of nearby 12,000 foot mountains.  Within but a few minutes from town one can enjoy the solitude of a wilderness setting  punctuated with a beautiful array of wildflowers and birds and the possibility of seeing deer, elk, mountain goats and any number of other creatures in their natural environment.  

We say that it’s the winter and the fabulous skiing that first brings people to Sun Valley but that it’s the summer that brings them back.  Be it summer or winter, this is truly a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors and we will make every effort to tailor your desires to explore this area in a way that we hope will make you too want to return.

ITINERARY:
A day outdoors in the Sun Valley area is a breath of fresh mountain air; the sweet smell of lupine; the rustle of aspen leaves being moved by a gentle breeze from the high desert below….it can be anything and everything one expects to see in a mountain setting.   Spring ushers in an ever-expanding carpet of wildflowers that stay in bloom into late summer and the surrounding hills offer a maze of trails through these areas to many beautiful panoramic vistas.  Our day hikes will be tailored to the desires of those wishing to get out into the local area and will be sensitive to the age and physical abilities of the participants. 

Examples of hikes that may be taken include but are not limited to:  Loop hikes close to town lasting two to three hours taking in colorful views looking down on the towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley with Bald Mountain in the background; Loop hikes of three to four hours (longer if desired) to a variety of vistas looking at the Pioneer/Boulder Mountain range; and day hikes of four to six hours exploring nearby high mountain lakes. 

The potential for going beyond the immediate Sun Valley/Ketchum area on trips lasting more than a day are endless and will include hiking along wilderness trails, crossing over mountain passes, visiting high mountain lakes, and viewing spectacular alpine scenery reserved for only those with a deep appreciation of all that wilderness areas stand for and a willingness to expend the requisite energy to get there.  Day one would include a drive to the appropriate trailhead and a short hike to the first nights camp.  Day two would generally get us deep into the wilderness area and from that point on the trip would be tailored to the particular desires of those participating.  Suffice to say that there are numerous lakes to camp near and mountain scenery to absorb which can all be weaved into an itinerary of moving on and seeing as much as possible in a short time or once at a pleasant setting taking advantage of the peace and solitude of simply kicking back, shedding the backpack, and taking day excursions in and around that particular area.  This is paradise – and it should be viewed and enjoyed in a manner that suits your particular philosophy. 

TRIP LEADERS:

Bob Jonas, Wild Gift Founder and Executive Director

Bob is a resident and native of the Wood River Valley in central Idaho.  He has degrees in wildlife biology and education.  He has worked as a fishery biologist in Alaska and Greenland; as a wilderness ranger and middle school teacher in Idaho.  At 68, Bob has explored a lot of wild Idaho and Alaska, his favorite country.  He’s shared many trails with new and old friends as an outfitter and guide who founded Sun Valley Trekking Company and Wild Gift.   His trip leader qualifications include alpine, nordic and backcountry ski and avalanche certifications plus Wilderness First Responder.  To explore remote, off-trail wild country in all seasons he has become a competent trekker comfortable on all land terrains, snow/glaciers, river systems and oceans as a backcountry skier, backpacker, rafter and kayaker.   Bob has explored, by inflatable kayak or raft, the length of the South and East forks of the Owyhee River, its main stem to the Owyhee Reservoir and the Deep Creek drainage.   Hiked its side canyons and rims.  Hunted in the high country.  Has done over a dozen spring and autumn trips from a week to three weeks duration in all weather conditions from snow to heat. 

Ted Angle, Wild Gift Board President

Ted has lived in "Fun Valley" for 25 years and has explored every nook and cranny, every mountain top vista, and every bit of flora and fauna indigenous to this area.  He is very active in a variety of community activities and brings to the trip a sharp eye and a keen knowledge of local history.  Ted’s appreciation of all things wild has been nurtured over a life time in the out of doors and he is anxious to share his observations and lessons learned with those who have a similar appreciation and desire to preserve the values of wildness.