Hiking & Backpacking
Don't be offended if a local tells you to "take a hike": it's friendly advice as many of the region's wonders are hidden from the highways and are only accessible on foot.
Local Listings:
Overview
Over 4,000 miles of hiking trails lead to the bottom of canyons, climb mountain tops, follow rivers and lake shores, and pause at thundering waterfalls contained within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's 14 million acres of public land.
The terrain varies from toddler-gentle to technical climbing-extreme, with every grade and condition in between.
Where to go Hiking/Backpacking
How much time you have and how experienced or fit you are will play into what trails you plan to enjoy. If you plan on hiking or backpacking in a group, be sure to find something that is appropriate for everyone in your group.
Trail maps and information can be obtained at visitor centers, forest service offices, and local retailers. We would recommend that you also “chat” with a few of the locals to find out their favorites.
Here are just a couple of examples:
Hidden Falls & Cascade Canyon
This is a good, low impact, family friendly hike. The trail begins at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Park for this trip at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station on the east side of the lake. If you prefer, a boat shuttle carries hikers across the lake every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, dropping you within a half mile of Hidden Falls. Or you can take a mostly flat two mile hike around the south end of the Lake.
After arriving at Hidden Falls, the trail climbs steeply for about a mile to the mouth of Cascade Canyon. Then the route flattens and once again offers easier hiking for the next several miles.
Goodwin Lake
This is a popular day hike due to its proximity to the town of Jackson. Drive out of Jackson on the Elk Refuge Road about five miles until you see a well-used road turning right into Curtis Canyon. Follow this road and, at the only fork, take a right and drive until it ends at the trailhead parking area.
The trail takes you approximately 2.5 miles uphill to Goodwin Lake. The lake itself makes a nice half-day outing, but if you are up for a little more adventure, the trail continues southeast from here toward Cache Peak and deeper into the Gros Ventre Range.
Teton Crest and Grand Loop
This is backpacking at its best. This multi-day adventure represents the two truly classic backpacking trips in Grand Teton National Park. You get to sweat your way up three big hills, including the two most famous in the park—Hurricane Pass and Paintbrush Divide. And you go by the three most famous high country lakes—Marion Lake, Lake Solitude, and Holly Lake.
For this trip, you will need good weather, at least a week off (it takes about 6 days and you will cover approximately 35 miles) and to be in good physical shape. If you start by taking a ride up hill on the aerial tram, this hike actually starts downhill.
Hire a Guide
A number of outfitters and guide services offer half day, full day, and overnight hiking trips. Join a guided hike to learn about the area, ensure your safety, and to make the most of your hiking experience in Jackson Hole.
Guides can take you safely off the beaten path and educate you about the local plants and animals, the geology and the history of the area. Hiking tours are offered for all ages and all abilities.
Safety Precautions
Safety is important whether you are day hiking or backpacking. Proper planning, preparation, proper clothing and taking appropriate gear along are essential to a safe and enjoyable excursion.
Before You Leave
- Plan ahead. Learn about the area ahead of time. Study the latest guidebooks and maps that give information on highways, trails, streams and other physical features. Plan your trip carefully according to routes and the time you have available. Check weather reports before you set out.
- Prepare yourself physically. If your planned recreation calls for considerable physical exertion, get in shape beforehand. Do not attempt a trip that is beyond your physical capabilities.
- Leave word of your destination and schedule.
- In order to locate you in an emergency or send assistance should you need it, leave word at home or with a friend as to where you are going and when you intend to return.
- Know the rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior for the area you are visiting.
On The Trail
- Dress appropriately for the season and where appropriate hiking shoes or boots. Layered clothing is best to meet changing weather
conditions. If cool or wet conditions can be expected it is recommended that you avoid cotton clothing, which insulates poorly when wet and dries very slowly. - Carry a compass and a topographic map of the area and know how to use both.
- Take along appropriate equipment and supplies. A day pack containing rain gear, extra warm
clothing, high energy food, water, first aid kit, pocket knife, whistle and matches in a waterproof container are recommended. - Sunglasses, a hat and insect repellent are also handy.
- Don't drink water from ponds or streams unless you have treated it first by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets.
- You should sign in at any trail register you may pass. This will assist in finding you should the need arise.
If You Get Lost or Someone is Injured
- The best thing to do is not get lost in the first place. Do not leave the trail.
- If you become lost, there are four important steps: Keep Calm, Stay Dry, Keep Warm and STAY PUT!
Trail Maps
The following maps have been provided by Friends of Pathways in Jackson, Wyoming.
 Jackson Hole Valley Trails and Pathways |
 Trails on Teton Pass |
 Trails on Snow King Mountain |
