Proctor Mountain

Proctor Mountain is situated behind and above Sun Valley. From several points on the trail there are panoramic views of Sun Valley, Ketchum, Bald Mountain, and even the Boulder Mountains to the north. This trail has a number of easy-to-moderate climbs, with several obvious stops along the way to rest and enjoy the views. It is a looped trail that winds through a pine forest, sage bluffs and an aspen grove. This trail is for foot traffic only and is closed to Mtn. Bikes.

To The Trail:
From the stoplight at Main & Sun Valley Road in Ketchum, drive east from Ketchum on Sun Valley/Trail Creek Road for 3.7 miles and turn right at the sign for Trail Creek Trailhead Parking just past Boundary Campground. There is a gravel parking lot right next to Trail Creek Road.

The path starts from the east side of the parking area near a reader board. Follow the trail a short distance along Trail Creek and turn right, crossing the steel footbridge and climbing a short hill up to the large field of sage above. Here there is a crossroad of several paths and a sign indicating Corral Creek, Aspen Loop & Proctor Loop. Following the sign, head across the field to the base of the mountain where the trail meets the junction with Corral Creek Trail. Head right here, following the sign for Proctor Loop. The path skirts the base of the hillside, thru a small aspen forest and out across the field of sage. As you reach the hillsides at the far end of the field there is another junction with the Aspen Loop Trail, which branches up to the left. Continue past here, the trail widens into two lanes of dirt road and curves down into the pines. Shortly thereafter Proctor Loop heads off to the left at the sign indicating Foot Traffic Only. From here the path climbs through the aspen & pine to a bare ridge looking over Trail Creek to the northeast. Continue along the ridge until you come to another fork. For those of you who are ready to pack it in: go to the right and descend back down to Trail Creek Cabin. Otherwise, head left and follow the ridge around to the west where you will get your first views of Sun Valley.

Once around the west side of the mountain, the trail will take a 180-degree turn, climbing up and around to a shelf in the side of the mountain. Climb to the shelf and enjoy the views from this breather spot. At the three forks: go straight for a good hike to the top; take the middle trail to for an easier hike the top; or take the trail all the way to the right to begin your descent back to Trail Creek Cabin. Before the top of the ridge, you will notice that the two trails heading up converge. Don’t be confused. Continue to climb and you’ll be fine.

At the top, veer to the right and enjoy the views from Proctor Mountain. The trail begins to descend, but we don’t recommend you go any farther, as the trail enters private property. On your way back to the three forks, take the trail to your far left. Go all the way down to the dirt road and go right for .3 miles to Trail Creek Cabin and the parking lot.

Check local conditions from the nearby SnoTel Site.