moderate
Half-day to full-day options
A moderate fitness level is advised, especially for all-day snowmobile or e-bike trips requiring endurance and balance.
From snowmobile tours across snowy backcountry to electric mountain bike rides through pine forests, Smiley Creek Lodge in Ketchum offers gear rentals and guided trips that open Idaho’s wild landscapes for every adventurer. Discover true mountain freedom and local hospitality at this outdoor hub.
Smiley Creek Lodge, located near Ketchum, Idaho, offers an authentic gateway to the rugged outdoor world of the Sawtooth Mountains. This family-run lodge stands as a hub for action-packed winter and summer rentals, including snowmobiles, inflatable paddle boards, and electric mountain bikes. Its proximity to the Sawtooth Range means visitors have direct access to diverse terrain carved by glaciers and dotted with alpine lakes, spruce forests, and rolling meadows.
In winter, Smiley Creek Lodge's snowmobile half-day and full-day rentals, along with guided snowmobile tours, deliver an adrenaline-fueled way to traverse the backcountry and access powdery slopes and frozen lakes. Guided tours tailor routes to experience the area’s pristine powder and spectacular views of jagged peaks capped in snow. Summer visitors gravitate to the lodge for inflatable paddle boards on nearby rivers and lakes, perfect for gentle strokes amid sun-dappled water and forested shores.
Electric mountain bike rentals cater to those looking to ascend forest trails with less strain, opening options for long-distance rides through groves of lodgepole pine and fir. The lodge itself exudes a welcoming vibe, reflected in enthusiastic reviews praising friendly staff and hearty fare like burgers and huckleberry milkshakes — a local flavor highlight. This combination of high-quality gear rentals, expert guidance, and genuine hospitality makes Smiley Creek Lodge a standout destination for outdoor adventurers seeking an immersive, hands-on experience in central Idaho’s outdoors.
For visitors, Smiley Creek Lodge serves not just as a rental spot but as a launchpad into Idaho’s wild landscapes — a place where ready access to winter powder or summer waters meets reliable equipment and local insight. Whether carving tracks on a snowmobile or paddling calm water, guests gain a memorable outdoor playground at one of the region’s most dependable and welcoming bases.
Idaho mountain weather can shift quickly, so bring moisture-wicking layers and a windproof shell, especially for snowmobiling.
Whether paddling or biking, staying hydrated at higher elevations is crucial to maintain energy and focus.
Weekends and holidays fill up fast, especially for guided snowmobile tours and e-bike rentals, so book in advance.
Mountain conditions vary drastically; call ahead to Smiley Creek Lodge for updates on snow depth or river levels.
The Sawtooth Mountains have long been a place of significance for Indigenous peoples and early trappers who traversed these rugged routes.
Efforts are underway to minimize trail impact through responsible rental use and educating visitors on Leave No Trace principles.
Protects your head on snowmobiles and e-bikes; rentals typically include helmets.
winter specific
Keeps hands warm and dry on cold snowmobile rides through frozen terrain.
winter specific
Sunscreen and sunglasses shield skin and eyes from high-altitude sun during paddling and biking.
summer specific
Hands-free water access keeps you fueled on longer rides or paddle sessions.
summer|null specific