When you think of Sun Valley, Idaho, do you think of hiking along green mountain trails, fishing in rivers that run peacefully through the landscape, and celebrating summer holidays with a bang and a cheer? More than likely you do not, thinking of our Idaho home town solely as a winter vacation destination, but we at Abode Sun Valley would like to open your eyes to a dream come true summer vacation spent celebrating our nation’s birthday while reveling in all the comforts of home. This guide to a Sun Valley 4th of July will make you realize there is so much more you have to discover about this part of the world!
Hike Where you Once Skied
July is officially the hottest month of the year in Sun Valley, but that just means the mercury rises all the way to 81 degrees, not hot by any stretch of the imagination, making a hike along the trails you may have skied in during the winter a wonderful idea for the early part of your Independence Day celebrations. Dollar Mountain doesn’t offer any lift assistance to the trails, but if you are up for the challenge, the Baldy Mountain Trail climbs over 3000 feet over 5 miles, offering stunning views of the valley surrounding you, and the Roundhouse connector trail will take you to the Gondola, which will be running and will help you take the quicker and easier way down the mountain.
Baldy Music Festival, July 4th and 5th
The music of summer plays wonderfully in the acoustically ideal River Run Plaza of Sun Valley Village with the Baldy Music Festival. Offering two days of live music played in an outdoor venue, guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and hang around long enough to watch ALL the bands. The music will range from all-American Country to soul inspiring jazz, and of course, toe tapping rock and as the verdant green and rugged beauty of Bald Mountain serves as an idyllic backdrop, to your summer adventures, you may already be planning a return for next year’s celebration. Onsite food and beverage choices will complete the picture of a beautiful celebration of mountain life and music.
4th of July Celebration in Sun Valley Village
The celebration lasts all day in Sun Valley Village, offering a sweet and retro vibe that will enchant everyone who participates. Sip and shop events at local stores will encourage travelers to enjoy some good wine while shopping for souvenirs and 4th of July sales will ensure that the best bargains are received. Live music will be playing, of course, courtesy of the Baldy Music Festival, and bounce houses, face painting, and an ice cream stand will thrill the tiniest travelers in your group. And because this is a holiday for all ages, an outdoor bar will be what thrills the adults, as everyone plays and enjoys another beautiful summer day in Sun Valley.
Fireworks at 10 PM
If there aren’t fireworks, can you even consider the holiday complete? Fortunately, that isn’t a question you will need to answer, as the Sun Valley fireworks display begins promptly at 10 PM this 4th of July in Sun Valley, lighting up the night sky with colorful pyrotechnics and the big booms that can be felt in your soul.
Hailey Days of the Old West
There will be plenty to do in Sun Valley on the 4th, but if you want choices, Hailey Days of the Old West is a three-day festival that honors the town’s humble beginnings while celebrating America’s birthday with a three-day rodeo, antique market, and a 4th of July Parade that begins at noon in downtown Hailey. Located just 13+ miles away from the front door of your Abode Sun Valley holiday hideaway, Hailey Days of the Old West is worth checking out and also includes live music at the Riverfest, taking place from 1 to 5 pm. Ending the day here with a fabulous fireworks extravaganza that starts somewhere between 9 or 9:30, this event is so fun, you may want to plan a return trip next year so you don’t have to decide between the Sun Valley celebration and this one!
Families Celebrate a Sun Valley 4th of July
Some of our favorite people (Yes, that would be you, our treasured guests!) may decide to spend the entire day of the holiday at home, celebrating in the comfort of our holiday hideaways, and that is perfectly alright with us. Make your famous potato salad in our fully equipped kitchens and let dad man the grill that adorns our decks and patios, preparing for a 4th of July barbecue you will never forget. And although you may want to drive out to where you can see the fireworks after the sun has set, coming home to soak in our hot tubs or gather round the firepits in our backyards promises to be the activities that make memories you will cherish forever. Reserve your favorite holiday haven today!