Jackson Hole Bicycle Touring & Mountain Bike Tours

From road biking to single track, from mid-summer fun to winter chill, there are many places to enjoy biking year round in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Overview
Opportunities for mountain biking within Jackson Hole are numerous. The mountains are laced with roads, two-track paths, single-track trails, and paved roads throughout the park and forest areas. Discover the trails with one of the area's guides or biking outfitters.

Where to Go Biking
There are many areas to “spin your wheels”. Here are just a couple fit for mountain biking.

• National Elk Refuge
  First, you cross the grasslands of the National Elk Refuge and then enter the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The trail may be overgrown in a few areas, but the ride is really worth the effort. From the majority of this trail, you can get an unparalleled view of the Teton Mountains. This easy to moderate ride will total 4.8miles out and back and will take approximately one hour to complete.
• Smokey Hollow
  This abandoned forest service road is found near Wilson, WY. One of the great things about this trail is that no cars are allowed on the trail. In addition, from here you can explore other trails to include Observation Peak and Elk Creek. This is an easy to moderate ride with some areas requiring some strenuous pedaling. The total length of the ride is 11 miles out and back and will take approximately 3.5 hours to complete.

Every bicycle shop in town has a bike trail map and their knowledgeable staff can help you determine the best place to ride geared to your ability and stamina.

Fees and Costs
Whether you are on vacation, your bike is in the shop, or you’d like to try a new ride, you can find bicycle rentals available at various locations in Jackson Hole.

Fees and costs range from $10.00 for a two-hour rental to $50.00 per day dependent on the type of bike you need. There are discounts for multiple days’ rentals. In addition to the bike itself, shops in town carry baby trailers, car racks and bob trailers.

Guided bicycle tours are also available. If you are new to the sport, you may want to consider an instructional tour.

In addition, here is something you probably didn’t even think about – how about a bicycle ride in the winter – snow biking!

Hire A Guide
If you are new to the sport, or simply new to the area, the best approach to biking in Jackson Hole is to hire a guide. Guides know the best places to ride, how to keep you safe, and still give you the experience of a lifetime.

Bike tours can be combined with other sports, i.e. kayaking, hiking, etc, to compose a full multisport adventure for you and your family. Local shops provide tours and guides. Check them out!

Safety Precautions
Some safety rule and regulations for mountain biking include :

• Gear UP
  Always wear a helmet and any other appropriate safety equipment for the riding conditions.
• Never Ride Beyond Your Abilities
  There is no shame in walking sections of the trail you don't feel confident enough to ride, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise.
• Use Appropriate Equipment for the Terrain
  Some bikes are better for different situations. Just because you can see tire tracks, doesn't mean you can ride it with your bike.
• Keep Your Speed In Check
  Always keep your speed at a level that will allow you to adjust to any unforeseen obstacles or changes in trail conditions.
• Know The Trail
  Never push the limits on a trail you are not familiar with.
• Slow Down for Blind Corners
  You never know what or who is around a corner when you can't see past it. (Think moose, bear, cougar etc.)
• Stop and Look
  Stop and look at sections of the trail that look like they may pose a challenge before you ride them.
• Plan on the Crash
  Always look at the consequences of crashing in a particular section or on a particular stunt before trying to ride through it. Sometimes a section can look easy to ride but can have deadly consequences to a crash.
• Start Small, Go Big
  Work your way up to obstacles and stunts. Find ways to practice moves in less difficult and dangerous situations or at lower speeds before committing yourself to something more dangerous.
• Play It Smart
  If you think what you are doing is not the brightest idea you have ever had, you are probably right. Think about what you are doing and trust your instincts.