Next month, 1,000 sheep will take over one of the West’s most underrated mountain towns as Sun Valley, Idaho celebrates the 30th anniversary of The Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Oct. 7–11. This truly one-of-a-kind fall celebration honors the region’s ranching heritage with sheep parades through downtown, local eats, wool-crafting classes, storytelling and more.
I’d love to get the festival on your radar for fall travel coverage, along with two boutique stays: Hotel Ketchum (fall rates from $199/night) and Knob Hill Inn (from $239/night).
A few additional Sun Valley story angles:
- Fall Foliage: Golden aspen groves, mountain trails and panoramic views from the Roundhouse Express Gondola make fall a beautiful time to visit.
- Easy Mountain Escape: Direct flights connect Sun Valley with cities including Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles.
- Four-Season Adventure: From hiking and fly-fishing to mountain biking, skiing and stargazing, Sun Valley offers plenty to do year-round.
For lodging, Hotel Ketchum offers a more casual, adventure-focused stay in the heart of downtown, with a complimentary outdoor equipment, a heated pool and hot tub, a sheep-themed community dining space, plus easy access to local shops, restaurants and breweries. Knob Hill Inn provides a more intimate, European-chalet-inspired retreat, with mountain-view suites, an indoor heated pool, cozy fireplaces and more luxe amenities.
