Sun Valley and Beyond
A Central Idaho Adventure
After exploring Sun Valley’s outdoor experiences, star-studded history and its 200+ days of sunshine, soak up more adventure and discover the cities beyond Sun Valley.
Pick a Town and Start Exploring
USS Hawkbill submarine, Arco. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism.
Arco
In July 1955, the little town of Arco made history, becoming the first town in the world to be lit by atomic power. Named after George Von Arco, a German scientist, this humble town is known as the gateway to the Lost River Valley. Queue up your favorite road trip playlist and get ready to experience out-of-this-world geological sites and historical monuments.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Discover the rugged beauty of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve with an easy drive on Loop Road. This route offers access to trails, caves and scenic overlooks.
- Learn about Arco’s atomic history and see four nuclear reactors, including two aircraft nuclear propulsion prototypes, a reactor control room and more at the Experimental Breeder Reactor Atomic Museum (EBR-I); a National Historic Landmark.
- Located on the southern portion of King Mountain, the King Mountain Natural Arch is an eighty-foot-high limestone arch. The half-mile King Mountain Natural Arch Trail is an uphill path showcasing stunning rock formations. (There are no facilities, so be prepared, know your limits and Leave No Trace.)
- Stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Pickle’s Place or take a homemade sack lunch to go, for an afternoon of on-the-go exploring.
- Get your sandwich fix and nosh on pizza and salad at The Deli Sandwich Shop or enjoy barbecue at the Mountain View Arco RV Park Restaurant.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Soldier Mountain, Fairfield. Photo credit: Soldier Mountain.
Fairfield
Fairfield, bordering the Sawtooth National Forest, is a quaint town with peaks that stand against the sky and lush, wide-open prairie as far as the eye can see. Fairfield is a place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Solider Mountain offers 7.7 miles of gravity trails for riders of all experience levels.
- Each spring, the Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area turns into a sea of purple and blue during the camas lily bloom. This 3,100-acre wildlife management area is also home to thousands of birds, making it the perfect spot for bird watching.
- Dip your toes or drop a line in Mormon Reservoir for a relaxing day by the water. Fish for rainbow trout, sleep under the stars, go boating, or explore the area by bike.
- Enjoy live music, an extensive beer selection and pub fare at Soldier Creek Brewing Company.
- Pull up a chair at Iron Mountain Inn, a family diner featuring homestyle plates, spirits and sports entertainment.
- Offering microbrews on tap, wild Alaskan seafood, jalapeno bacon burgers and bar fare, The Cliff Bar and Grille is a great place to enjoy a cold one, listen to music and hang out with friends.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Little City of Rocks, near Gooding. Photo credit: Visit Southern Idaho.
Gooding
Named after Frank R. Gooding, a former Idaho Governor and U.S. Senator, Gooding has been coined as the “gateway to the good life” and for good reason. Home to dramatic rock formations and plenty of unique caves, Gooding is a rockhound haven for hiking, biking, rock climbing and bouldering.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Wander through towering hoodoos, rock arches and canyon walls at the Little City of Rocks. A Bureau of Land Management Wilderness Study Area, the Little City of Rocks is a place to enjoy hiking, camping and mountain biking. The area is out of cell service, so be prepared, know your limits and Leave No Trace.
- Found in the desert north of Gooding, Tea Kettle Cave is a locally treasured adventure. Named after its shape, this cave rewards hikers with a blanket of delicate ferns inside. Be sure to walk around the ferns, when possible, Leave No Trace and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended to access the cave.
- Originally built in the late 1880s, the Gooding Hotel Bed & Breakfast is steeped in local history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Locally owned and operated for 30 years, Zeppes treats guests to hand-tossed pizza, burgers, sub sandwiches, salads, wraps and eight rotating ice cream flavors.
- Take a bite out of Gooding’s food scene at El Cazador or try breakfast or brunch at the Western Cafe.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
