Quigley Hill

There is no water enroute. Given that the tough ascent is fully exposed, carry more water than you think you need.

From downtown Ketchum, it is an easy 13.8-mile drive all on paved roads. Click here for directions to the trailhead. There are about 15-20 parking spots, but they can get scarce by mid-morning during the summer.

There are no bathroom facilities at the trailhead.

Mid-April through mid-November

This hike is broken into two sections:
• Section 1: A .55-mile intense climb up Quigley Hill
• Section 2: A mile long descent and a .4-mile stroll along the Quigley Valley

Just past the trailhead sign, turn left and head towards the green metal post fence line. The trail rises quickly, paralleling the fence. As it climbs, the trail braids, but all paths lead to the same destination. There are good over-the-shoulder views towards the Quigley Valley and Wood River High School.

Come to a junction at .2 miles. This is your opportunity to bail on the climb as the trail to the right descends gently along a ridge, re-connecting with this route at the bottom of a gulch close to the valley floor. Stay left to continue climbing.

The trail plays a bit of a trick on you, hiding the peak of the climb behind a knob. At about .4 miles, crest what had looked like the peak and gaze up to see the final push.

Finally, at the .55-mile mark, the climb ends, marked by a large cairn. Stop and enjoy the views and then begin the gentle descent along the sagebrush-covered mountaintop. At .8 miles, come to a posted junction and stay right.

As you continue on the narrow rocky path, a small gulch will open to your right. The trail curls through the gulch and then the descent becomes slightly more aggressive as it slices straight through to the valley floor. Just after the 1.5-mile mark, come to the first of two signed intersections, staying right at each of them. That bail-out descent at the .2-mile mark of this hike re-connects with this trail between the junctions.

Parallel the Quigley Valley on the high road – the path below you is part of the Quigley Loop hike.  As you continue towards the trailhead, Quigley Hill rises straight in front of you, a reminder of what you just accomplished.