moderate
Half day to full day
Moderate fitness needed, especially for extended paddleboarding or mountain biking
From snowmobile trails that weave through Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains to serene paddleboarding on alpine lakes, Smiley Creek Lodge in Ketchum offers gear rentals and guided tours that bring the wilderness within reach. Here’s what makes this lodge a key player in the region’s outdoor adventure scene.
Smiley Creek Lodge operates as one of the premier outdoor hubs in Ketchum, Idaho, offering an unmatched lineup of rental adventures and guided snowmobile tours that dive deep into the rugged backcountry of the Sawtooth Mountains. Sitting east of the bustling mountain town of Ketchum, this lodge serves as a gateway to winter and summer pursuits that blend adrenaline with Idaho’s wild landscapes. With options like half-day and full-day snowmobile rentals, visitors can roar through snowy forests and frozen riverbeds under the guidance of experienced operators or take to the trails independently on well-maintained machines. For those drawn to water, inflatable paddle board rentals provide a fresh way to navigate calm alpine lakes surrounded by steep granite peaks, a striking contrast to the snowy scene in winter. Winter travelers seeking deeper immersion often opt for guided snowmobile tour packages, unlocking access to pristine terrain and panoramic views of Sawtooth spires and wildlife sightings like deer and eagles.
When the snow melts, electric mountain bike rentals bring an exhilarating twist to exploring dirt trails, forest roads, and mountain descents with less strain and more endurance. Smiley Creek Lodge has built its reputation not only on gear and guides but also on the warmth of its atmosphere—repeatedly praised for its welcoming staff and standout food offerings like highly recommended burgers and huckleberry milkshakes. This combination of rugged adventure equipment and genuine hospitality sets the lodge apart as a cornerstone of the region's outdoor scene. Whether fueling up for the day or winding down after a high-octane ride, the lodge acts as a dependable home base near one of Idaho’s most spectacular mountain playgrounds. For locals and visitors alike, Smiley Creek Lodge delivers a memorable gateway to the Sawtooth area’s wild outdoor recreation year-round.
Popular in winter, guided snowmobile tours can fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Weather in the Sawtooths can change rapidly, so bring moisture-wicking base layers plus windproof outerwear.
Check boards for punctures before launching and avoid rocky shorelines to extend rental life.
Helmets are crucial for safety on technical trails and downhill sections around Ketchum’s rugged terrain.
The Sawtooth Mountains area has long been a hunting ground for Native American tribes and later a cherished spot for outdoor recreation since early 20th century American settlers.
Smiley Creek Lodge emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect fragile alpine ecosystems and educates visitors on minimizing impact while enjoying the wilderness.
Keeps you warm and dry during cold snowmobile rides or chilly mountain bike trails.
winter specific
Protects hands from the cold and wind while riding snowmobiles.
winter specific
Critical safety gear for mountain biking and snowmobile trips.
summer|winter specific
Protect your skin during paddleboarding and long outdoor excursions.
spring|summer|fall specific