Hiking the White Clouds Elk Trail (in Sun Valley, Idaho)

While spending the month of May in Sun Valley, Idaho, we walked to Earl’s Trailhead (across from the Sun Valley Club) to hike the White Clouds Elk Trail.

We hiked it because it was the only section of the White Clouds Loop that I’d not yet hiked and I wasn’t sure when we’d next be back in Sun Valley, Idaho.

I find the White Clouds Loop super easy to hike—unless I go during the heat of the day, without water, protective clothing, or a sun hat. It is then that I find this (or any) hike brutal.

The trails were dry, with grass mostly green, and wildflowers blossoming. Snow was still falling at night under freezing temperatures that warmed to 70 or so during the day.

I love the ease, peace, and simplicity of hiking the White Clouds Loop while in Sun Valley. I rarely see other hikers on this climb to about 6100 feet above sea level.

Did I mention that we saw a Mountain Bluebird? It’s sitting atop an evergreen tree in one of the photos below. I have always wanted to see a Mountain Bluebird. I still can’t believe we saw it.

I also think the Elk Trail section of the White Clouds Loop has some of the prettiest mountains in May. I love the diverse mountain ranges.

I especially loved looking toward the north, where the Boulder Mountains (of the Rocky Mountains) protrude at over 11,000’ in elevation.