Higher Ground

Higher Ground Adventure. Support. Belonging. Recreational Therapy Nonprofit for People of All Abilities
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We know this is a long testimonial, but we hope you’ll take the time to read it. It captures so much of what Higher Grou...
09/01/2026

We know this is a long testimonial, but we hope you’ll take the time to read it. It captures so much of what Higher Ground is about: connection, trust, challenge, community, and realizing you don’t have to do everything on your own.

This year, we introduced something new to Higher Ground: our Hiking and Expressive Arts Program in Sun Valley. And boy, are we glad we did.

Kylesha came to Higher Ground after years of intensive mental health work, following a su***de attempt and a long road toward feeling ready to take this next step. What happened during her week with us is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people feel supported, challenged, and surrounded by a community they can trust.

As Kylesha put it:
“I first learned of Higher Ground in 2019 while I was inpatient at the VA after a Su***de Attempt. At that time I knew I had a great deal of work ahead of me before I would be ready to apply to a program with Higher Ground. After 7 years of intensive mental health work I finally felt ready to apply. I knew when the time was right I would be selected for the program that was the best fit for me. In early 2026 that time finally came. I applied and was accepted into the Hiking and Expressive Arts Program in Sun Valley Idaho.
I was quite nervous about being physically capable, but I went anyway. I am So Grateful that I did. My Sisters and I hit it off right from the start. I have always depended on myself and found it difficult to trust others, but this trip changed that. We did everything as a team. On one particular hike I almost fell out and everyone rallied around me and took care of me, supporting and encouraging me. With that support I realized I don’t have to do everything on my own and there are people that are trustworthy. That was a game changer for me.

Needless to say, I made it to my destination and was rewarded with a Beautiful View and time spent with new found family. I will not be going home the same person I was when I arrived. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity and I will carry what I have learned in this program with me for a lifetime! Thank You So Much!”

— Kylesha

Thank you, Kylesha, for being so raw, open, and honest about your experience. We are incredibly grateful that you trusted us with your story, and we hope sharing it might reach and inspire someone else who needs to know they aren't alone.
Su***de affects far too many people, and conversations like this matter. Talk to the people around you. Check in on someone you care about. And if you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help and connect with the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline or local Thecrisishotlineidaho
Kylesha, thank you for reminding us why this work matters. We’re so glad you said yes to this program.

08/28/2026

What does adaptive recreation sound like?

Turns out, it sounds like recreation.

Skis swishing through snow. Bike chains moving. Wheels turning over dirt. The grunt that comes with a hard push. Laughter after a fall. Friends cheering each other on.

No soundtrack needed.

Because adaptive recreation isn’t a different kind of recreation. It’s finding the right equipment, support, and opportunity so everyone can experience the challenge, freedom, connection, and pure fun of getting outside.

Turn the sound on and hear it for yourself.

08/26/2026

We’re grateful to Forterra for continuing to stand alongside Higher Ground and for recognizing the value of getting veterans outside, creating meaningful experiences, and building community along the way.

In this video, you’ll see just one example of what that looks like through a Higher Ground Fly Fishing Program. Time on the water becomes more than learning how to cast or landing a fish. It creates space to slow down, try something new, build relationships, and spend time with others who understand the transition from military service to civilian life.

As one participant put it, so much of life in the military is spent in service to others. When that chapter ends, finding a new sense of purpose and connection can be challenging. Experiences like this can be an important part of moving forward.

Partnerships like this make more possible. We’re better together.

Thank you, Forterra, for continuing to be a part of this work.

Learn more about Forterra here: https://www.forterra.com

Some weeks are about trying something new. Others change the way you see what you’re capable of.During our climbing prog...
08/25/2026

Some weeks are about trying something new. Others change the way you see what you’re capable of.

During our climbing program in New Hampshire with Paradox Sports, Kathy came into the week willing to try, but without many expectations. By the end, she had pushed through fears and doubts, made two incredible climbs on the final day, and left with a new perspective on life.

“I came into the week with the theory I would try but had no expectations. By the end of the week I can’t stop smiling inside. I made 2 amazing climbs on the last day, even after my day had a rough start. I accomplished fears and doubts. Always felt supported, pushed just the right amount to accomplish my goal. I woke up every day excited to see what would happen next whether it was morning mindfulness, climbing, group and chats later in the evening. Thanks for a new perspective on life.” — Kathy

That’s what these programs are about: creating space to try something new, challenge yourself, build confidence, and discover what might be possible with the right support around you.

We’re grateful to Paradox Sports for helping make experiences like this possible and, most importantly, for the people who show up ready to give it a try.

There’s something special about experiencing the full circle of accessible recreation.Thanks to Sandor Szombathy, the U....
08/12/2026

There’s something special about experiencing the full circle of accessible recreation.

Thanks to Sandor Szombathy, the U.S. Forest Service, the Sawtooth Conservation & Recreation Alliance (SCRA) and HG staff and volunteers, the Phyllis Lake trail was cleared and improved to make it more accessible for adaptive recreation. Their support and advocacy were a huge part of getting this project approved and, most importantly, getting the work done.

After all that work, we got to do the fun part, bring a crew out to Phyllis Lake and enjoy the trail together.
It was pretty special to see the whole thing come full circle: putting in the work to create access, then getting to actually get out there and use it.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make this happen and to our crew for joining us on the trail. More access means more adventures and more people getting to enjoy these incredible places.

Our collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project brought together the best of what Higher Ground does. Designed for vetera...
08/04/2026

Our collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project brought together the best of what Higher Ground does. Designed for veterans with physical disabilities, the program combined the expertise of our Volunteer, Veteran and First Responder, Adaptive Sports, and Special Projects teams to create a seamless, high-quality experience that challenged participants, built confidence, and fostered meaningful connection. By partnering with Wounded Warrior Project, we were able to expand our reach and ensure more veterans had access to transformative outdoor recreation and community.

This week Higher Ground celebrates 27 years.What began in 1999 as Sun Valley Adaptive Sports has grown into Higher Groun...
07/30/2026

This week Higher Ground celebrates 27 years.

What began in 1999 as Sun Valley Adaptive Sports has grown into Higher Ground, a community dedicated to empowering children and adults with disabilities, veterans, first responders, and their families through adaptive recreation and meaningful connection.

For 27 years, we’ve had the privilege of watching people discover what they’re capable of through the power of the outdoors and a community that believes in them. We’ve celebrated first ski runs, first mountain bike rides, new friendships, growing confidence, and countless moments that remind us what’s possible when everyone has the opportunity to belong.

This milestone isn’t just about our organization. It’s about every participant, family, volunteer, donor, staff member, and community partner who has been part of this journey. Your belief in our mission has helped create a place where people can challenge themselves, connect with others, and experience the joy of the outdoors.

Thank you for being part of the last 27 years, from our beginnings as Sun Valley Adaptive Sports to the Higher Ground community we are today. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the years ahead.

Happy 27th Birthday, Higher Ground!

July is Parks and Recreation Month!Here’s your official excuse to get outside (like you needed one). Whether it’s a trai...
07/17/2026

July is Parks and Recreation Month!

Here’s your official excuse to get outside (like you needed one). Whether it’s a trail, river, mountain, or your favorite park, fresh air is always a good idea.
We’ll see you out there. 💚

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100 S Leadville, Suite 100
Ketchum, ID
83340

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