Trailing of the Sheep Festival Idaho: A Unique Experience

I came to Idaho for fall colors and crisp air — I didn’t expect to fall head over boots for a herd of woolly sisters.

But that’s precisely what happened at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum. Between the golden aspens, mountain meals and 1,200 sheep parading down Main Street, I was utterly charmed. Dressed in jeans, boots, hats and our coziest sheep sweaters, we laughed our way through the perfect girlfriend getaway. A weekend of good company, great stories and ewe-nique fun.

Whether you’re drawn by the history, the culture, the food or the fuzzy faces of 1,200 sheep marching down Main Street, this is a festival that stays with you. It’s real. It’s rooted. It’s ridiculously fun.

The writer was hosted.

Why the Trailing of the Sheep Festival Is So Special

A woolly ram named Dolly, led by a woman handler, parades down Main Street during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival as onlookers watch. — Dolly greets the waiting crowd during the Big Sheep Parade at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!

Chef Chris Kastner demonstrates lamb preparation during a hands-on cooking class at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. — Chef Chris Kastner leads a ‘Cooking with Lamb’ class — one of the many flavorful activities at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

For over 150 years, Idaho’s Wood River Valley has been sheep country. Each fall, flocks migrate from high mountain pastures down to valley grazing lands — a journey that’s more than tradition; it’s a way of life. Since 1996, the Trailing of the Sheep Festival has honored this ranching heritage with heart, humor and authenticity.

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What makes it unforgettable:

The Big Sheep Parade isn’t just for show — it’s a real part of the migration, with 1,200 sheep winding through downtown Ketchum.
The festival celebrates the cultural legacy of Basque, Scottish and Peruvian herders.
Through music, food, dance and storytelling, it connects visitors to the ranching families who shaped the West.
It’s fun, welcoming and deeply rooted in the local landscape and history.

Festival Highlights You’ll Love

Group of traditional Basque dancers in vibrant costumes performing at the outdoor Folklife Fair in Hailey, Idaho. — Traditional Basque dancers perform in colorful costumes at the Folklife Fair in Hailey during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Close-up of a beautifully prepared lamb dish from the For the Love of Lamb event at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, highlighting local culinary talent. — A flavorful lamb chili served during the For the Love of Lamb tasting event, featuring signature offerings from top restaurants across the Wood River Valley. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

A sheepdog actively herding a small group of sheep across a field during the Sheepdog Trials at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Hailey, Idaho. — A skilled sheepdog herds its flock during the Sheepdog Trials in Hailey — a festival highlight at Trailing of the Sheep. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

A band performs upbeat music on an outdoor stage as festivalgoers dance and celebrate during the Happy Trails Festival Closing Party in Ketchum, Idaho. — A lively band energizes the crowd with celebratory tunes at the Happy Trails Festival Closing Party in Ketchum. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

While the Big Sheep Parade is the heart of the weekend, the festival overflows with memorable moments.

Don’t Miss:

Sheepdog Trials – Watch lightning-fast border collies guide sheep through a course with skill and precision in Hailey
The Folklife Fair – Dancers, musicians, artisans and cooks share their heritage. I especially loved the sheep shearing demos — surprisingly hypnotic
Lamb-Focused Culinary Events – Taste inventive dishes at “For the Love of Lamb” or try your hand at a Cooking with Lamb class
Cultural Storytelling – Listen to ranchers and herders recount stories passed through generations
The Happy Trails Festival Closing Party – Wrap up your weekend with live music, food vendors and festive energy in Ketchum Town Square

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Big Sheep Parade gets crowded fast — arrive at least 30 minutes early to snag a front-row spot (and bonus: better photos of those fluffy faces trotting by).

Accommodations with Character

Spacious interior of the Limelight Hotel featuring warm wood accents, comfortable seating, and a rustic mountain-inspired design. — The inviting community space at the Limelight Hotel blends mountain style with rustic charm — a cozy spot to relax between festival events. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Hotel room at the Limelight featuring two large beds, desk area, and contemporary furnishings with warm, mountain-style design elements. — A spacious guest room at the Limelight Hotel offers modern amenities, a dedicated workspace, and mountain-inspired décor — the perfect retreat after a day of festival fun. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Where you stay sets the tone — and these two options deliver comfort, charm and convenience.

Limelight Hotel – Downtown Ketchum

A modern, mountain-chic hotel that puts you in the center of the action.

Walk to shops, restaurants and festival events.
Complimentary airport transportation to and from Hailey (SUN) — reserve in advance.
Free bikes for cruising town.
Live music in the lounge adds a fun, social vibe.
Pet-friendly, cozy and sustainability-minded.

Sun Valley Lodge – Just Minutes Away

Sun Valley Lodge entrance with stone architecture, mountain backdrop, and a swan gliding across the front pond. — The historic entrance to Sun Valley Lodge, framed by mountain views and a serene pond where a swan glides by — pure alpine charm. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Interior of the Duchin Lounge at Sun Valley Lodge, featuring classic bar seating, warm lighting, and vintage cocktail atmosphere. — The historic Duchin Lounge inside Sun Valley Lodge offers vintage cocktails, cozy elegance, and a touch of old-school glamour. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

A legendary stay at the heart of Sun Valley Resort, the Lodge blends classic charm with modern luxury.

Historic elegance with a Western-meets-luxury vibe.
Complimentary shuttle service — to/from Hailey (SUN) and downtown Ketchum.
Year-round outdoor ice skating on the resort’s famous rink.
On-site spa, boutique shopping and panoramic mountain views.
The Duchin Lounge — home to vintage cocktails, live piano and the birthplace of the Hokey Pokey.

Sun Valley feels nostalgic and indulgent—the perfect setting for a memory-making girls’ trip.

Where to Eat: Ketchum Faves

Three small plates of appetizers on a wooden table at Enoteca restaurant in Ketchum, Idaho. — A trio of flavorful starters served at Enoteca, a favorite Ketchum spot for wood-fired fare and fine wine. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

A plated serving of pan-seared trout at Enoteca in Ketchum, Idaho, garnished with herbs and accompanied by seasonal vegetables. — Pan-seared local river trout, a popular main dish at Enoteca, highlights local flavors with a perfectly crisp finish. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Pioneer Saloon: A true Old West experience. Great steaks, strong cocktails and local vibes.
Enoteca: Cozy, elegant and delicious. Known for wood-fired pizzas and a killer wine list — perfect for a girls’ night.
Fiamma: Rustic, stylish and seasonal. Handmade pastas, open-fire cooking and a lively vibe. The newest hot spot in town.

Fall in the Wood River Valley: Golden Aspens & Storied Hills

Cluster of quaking aspens with fiery gold leaves glowing in the fall sunlight in Idaho’s Wood River Valley. — A golden grove of quaking aspens lights up the Wood River Valley in full autumn glory. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Landscape view of Idaho mountains under a dramatic cloudy sky, with a grove of golden-yellow aspens and a rustic homestead nestled in the valley. — A dramatic autumn landscape in Idaho’s Wood River Valley, with golden aspens glowing beneath a moody mountain sky and a quiet homestead in the distance. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

In autumn, the Wood River Valley glows. Golden aspens light up the hillsides, and the crisp high-mountain air invites adventure.

Roll down the windows and cruise through Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley — or venture into the surrounding Pioneer, Smoky and Boulder Mountains, where sheep graze in summer pastures. Around every bend, the landscape delivers postcard-worthy views.

Once a booming mining region, the valley later drew ranchers, railroads and eventually thousands of sheep. That same rail line helped put Ketchum on the map — and inspired the creation of the legendary Sun Valley Resort.

Literary Legend: Ernest Hemingway’s Idaho Connection

Gravesite of Ernest Hemingway in Ketchum Cemetery, adorned with personal mementos left by visitors, including coins, pens, and small bottles. — Visitors leave tokens of respect at Ernest Hemingway’s grave in Ketchum Cemetery—an homage to the legendary author’s enduring legacy. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Stone Hemingway Memorial surrounded by fall-colored trees, overlooking Trail Creek in the Idaho mountains. — The Hemingway Memorial sits quietly above Trail Creek, framed by amber leaves and Idaho’s autumn beauty. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Ketchum was Ernest Hemingway’s final home — a place he loved for its solitude, wildness and soul. He spent his last years writing and wandering beneath these skies.

You can visit:

The Hemingway Memorial , a peaceful spot overlooking Trail Creek
His grave , tucked into Ketchum Cemetery and often decorated with pens, whiskey or coins
His final home , viewable from a quiet street nearby

A plaque at the memorial reads, “Best of all he loved the fall…” — a fitting echo for both the season and the man.

Shopping with Style

Colorful display of felt cowboy hats arranged on a vendor table at the Happy Trails Festival in Ketchum. — Felt cowboy hats for sale at the Happy Trails Festival Closing Party — a fun way to take home a bit of western flair. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Two women vendors wear vibrant, upcycled wool clothing at the Happy Trails Festival in Ketchum. — Two creative vendors showcase their upcycled wool garments—transformed into stylish, colorful fashion—at the Happy Trails Festival Closing Party. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

What’s a girls’ getaway without a little retail therapy?

Stroll downtown Ketchum for:

The Gold Mine Thrift Store – Run by The Community Library, this gem is packed with vintage finds and quirky treasures. We scored the perfect Western hats.
Independent bookstores and art galleries
Western wear boutiques — just in case you need a belt buckle or boots for the parade

SheBuysTravel Tip: Shops in Ketchum can close early on Sundays — plan your browsings for Friday or Saturday.

What to Wear: Layers, Boots and a Bit of Fleece Flair

Three friends sitting on a bench at Knob Hill overlook in Ketchum, Idaho, enjoying the mountain view during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. — Taking in the view from Knob Hill — Ketchum’s perfect perch during the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Two women wearing whimsical lamb ear and curly wool headbands enjoying the Folklife Fair with food and vendor booths in the background. — Wearing whimsical lamb ear and curly wool headbands, we dove into the good fun, delicious food, and colorful crafts of the Folklife Fair at the festival. Photo credit: Carol Waller

Planning your Trailing of the Sheep weekend wardrobe? Think layers, comfort and laid-back mountain style.

October in Idaho can deliver all four seasons in a day. I packed jeans, a jean jacket, a raincoat and a lightweight puffer—perfect for changeable weather.

My friend Carol rocked her sheep-themed sweaters — because if you can’t go full wool at a sheep festival, when can you? Boots are a must— stylish, but made for walking. A hat and scarf for warmth and style.

SheBuysTravel Tip : Bring gloves— sheepdog trials start early, and it’s chilly out there!

Two women seated at the bar of the historic Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum, raising glasses in a celebratory toast during a girls’ getaway — Toasting a perfect girls’ day at the iconic Pioneer Saloon—an Old West favorite in downtown Ketchum. Photo credit: Carol Waller

Plan Your Trip

Flock of sheep moving through a high mountain meadow with fall-colored aspens and conifers, continuing their journey after the Big Sheep Parade. — After the parade, the sheep continue trailing through a mountain meadow toward their winter pasture, surrounded by sunlit foliage and evergreens. Photo credit: Carol Waller

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival takes place each October in the mountain towns of Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley, located in central Idaho.

Fly into Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey — just a short drive from all the action.
For next year’s dates and the full schedule, visit Trailing of the Sheep.
For year-round travel tips, lodging and local info, go to Visit Sun Valley.