Hiking & Backpacking
Hiking is a favorite past-time for many visitors to Grand Teton National Park near Jackson Hole. Many trails are available and no matter if you are young or old, you will enjoy varied levels of hikes venturing in and around the mountains, for a short excursion or even days of adventure.
Grand Teton National Park is an amazing place to visit, offering a wealth of activities to entertain every person and satisfy every curiosity. It is situated outside of nearby Jackson Hole, a town with a reputation for hospitality and easy transport to some of the area's most wonderful spots, including Grand Teton. During the summer months, many visitors hit the trails, used during the winter for skiers. Some choose short day trips on the easy trails and others opt for more adventure and overnight trips with a hike into the backcountry, accompanied by skilled guides.
Grand Teton is renowned for its hiking. Hikers from across the planet can choose from beginner, medium or expert trails. Experts can wander into the backcountry, but backcountry permits are mandatory, especially if overnight camping is involved. Backcountry hikes require survival, first aid and safety knowledge as well as knowledge of the local terrain. Changes in weather are common place and it is easy to get lost. However, guides are available and highly recommended if hiking outside of the main perimeters.
Grand Teton has five areas where hiking trails can be found. These include Signal Mountain, Flagg Ranch, Taggart Lake Parking, the Moose and Colter Bay. Each one covers specific terrain, offering views of the beautiful mountains, valleys, rivers and forest. In fact, it is recommended that hikers try the easiest and shortest hikes first to assess their abilities and fitness.
Signal Mountain area has only one trail which is designed for intermediate level hikers. The twelve mile trail called Signal Mountain Summit Road is an unpaved area that leads through the forest and loops back around. Flagg Ranch area has three trails, the four mile long Flagg Canyon Trail South (beginner), the two and a half mile Polecat Creek Loop (beginner) and the four mile long Flagg Canyon Trail North (expert). Taggart Lake Parking area gives access to two trails, the four and a half mile trail, the Jenny Lake, generally considered to be easy, and the four mile, Taggart Lake-Beaver Creek Loop, which is best for experts. The Moose has two main trails, the Phelps Lake Overlook and the Moose - Wilson Road. The Phelps is five miles long and good for intermediate level hikers, and the Moose is four miles long and very easy.
Other Online Resources
The ALDHA connects local hikers and backpackers together to enjoy hiking in the Grand Teton area.
NOLS is a well known organization that offers courses for all ages on outdoor skills, leadership, involving hiking and many other outdoor activities.
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