Hiking
Taggart Lake
© Vertical Media
Don't be offended if a local tells you to "hit the trail": it's friendly advice. Many of the region's wonders are hidden from the highways and can be accessed only on foot. Over 4,000 miles of trail lead to the bottom of canyons, climb mountaintops, follow river 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.
The not-far-from-the car choices outlined below are intended to introduce you to the two national parks and six national forests that comprise this vast ecosystem. Suggested hikes are presented near destination towns. Space limits description of almost limitless options. Good guidebooks and visiting with park or forest service rangers will help transport you to even greater rewards further afield. So, hit the road then hit the trail. more info
Hiking Listings: (add your listing)
Hole Hiking Experience
Biologist guides take you to the lesser known areas of Jackson Hole. Wildlife encounters, natural history education and a great time are all included.
(866) 733-4453
Trails.com - Free Trial!
Information & Maps on many local hiking/biking/fishing trails.
Backcountry.com
The source for outdoor gear for skiing, camping, backpacking. Free shipping!
EcoTour Adventures - Wildlife and Hiking Tours
Customized park tours with an educated naturalist. We are flexible and will cater to your needs. Carbon neutral and we contribute to local non-profits. Create an Experience!
(307) 690-9533
Jackson Hole Mountain Guides
Offering "non-Technical" climbs in Grand Teton Park. No climbing required, but these are full day challenging hikes to ascend teton peaks w/ a guide.
(800) 239-7642
Rendezvous Backcountry Tours
Enjoy an educational, fun day of hiking in the mountains with our knowledgeable, friendly guides. Unique Yurt lodging packages available.
(877) 754-4887
Browse Hiking Trails by Region
Information & Maps on many local hiking, biking, fishing trails in the Grand Teton and Jackson Hole area.
Other Related Listings: (add your listing)
Flying Pig - Guided Hikes in Yellowstone Park
Flying Pig Adventures partners with the Yellowstone Association (official education partner of Yellowstone Park) to offer this unique day-long trip for kids & adults.
(866) 807-0744
Where is Mountain Man Country?
Sublette County offers easy access to the high mountain lakes and trails of the Wind River Range. Fishing, hiking, climbing in an uncrowded paradise.
(307) 367-2242
An Aspen Grove
© Vertical Media
Yellowstone National Park
Visitors to the world's first national park have over 1,000 miles of trail at their feet. Those on a tight time tether should not miss the South Canyon Rim Trail from Artist Point to the Upper Falls parking area. The heavily used path follows the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a deep chasm cut by the powerful Yellowstone River. Both the Lower and Upper Falls are showcased on this 3.2-mile, out-and-back excursion. (If you have two vehicles, a car shuttle cuts the distance in half.)
Those in good physical condition can easily extend their canyon exploration with a spectacular side trip down Uncle Tom's Trail. This short but very steep, one-mile path plunges 500 feet into the canyon via a series of steel grate steps constructed by the National Park Service. It ends at a platform near the base of 308-foot Lower Falls, offering a close-up view worth every gasp on the way back up.
Both trails are accessed off the South Canyon Rim/Artist Point Road, located 14 miles north of Lake junction and 2 miles south of Canyon junction on the park road.
Mount Washburn is a superb choice for an all-day hike. This 6-mile excursion begins at Dunraven Pass Picnic Area, the highest point of maintained road in the park. Hikers gradually gain 1,380 feet as they walk up an old roadbed to a fire tower on top of the 10,243-foot summit. Washburn's central location yields a panoramic view of Yellowstone, the three states that contain the park, and seven mountain ranges. The view, memorable wildflower displays and the chance to see bighorn sheep lend to Washburn's appeal.
The signed picnic area is 5.5 miles north of Canyon junction and 13.5 miles south of Tower Falls on the upper park loop.
Jackson / Grand Teton National Park
For drop-dead, gorgeous mountain views and quick access, it's hard to beat the Tetons. Phelps Lake Overlook is a good, short outing. The 2-mile, roundtrip hike gently gains 400 feet as it climbs to a scenic overlook of the fourth largest lake in the park and the portals of Death Canyon. The well-trod path travels through forests and lush wildflowers fed by snowmelt and springs. The path begins at the Death Canyon Trailhead, accessed off the Moose-Wilson Road.
The 3-mile Swan Lake/Heron Pond loop near Colter Bay is a virtually flat hike that offers glorious mountain reflections and wildlife viewing. Moose, elk, and deer often browse on the plentiful vegetation, while cranes, ducks, and trumpeter swans frequent the small bodies of water. The trailhead is located near the Colter Bay marina. Stop at the Colter Bay Visitor Center for a brief map and trail description.
Dubois
The dazzling beauty of 8,520-foot Lake Louise in Wyoming's Wind River Range replicates that of its famous Canadian namesake. Its sapphire-hued water is enclosed by granite walls polished smooth by retreating glaciers. The magnificent scenery and good fishing make this destination a favorite for Dubois residents.
But you have to work to get to it. Though it is only 2.3 miles to the lake, the trail gains over 1,100 feet as it switchbacks up the southern slope of Whiskey Mountain en route to your destination.
To reach the trailhead, drive east out of Dubois on U.S. Highway 26/287 to the signed Fish Hatchery Road. Turn onto this dirt artery, staying left at the immediate fork, and travel the sometimes rough road 9.6 miles to the parking area.
Pinedale
Pinedale is the jumping-off point for trips into the Wind River Range, arguably the best backpacking terrain in the country. Forty summits top 13,000 feet in this dramatic Rocky Mountain chain, led by 13,804 foot Gannet, the highest point in the state. While oriented towards longer trips, Green River Lakes and Deep Lake are wonderful choices for day hikes. Green River Lakes is a 6.5-mile loop hike that offers superb views of Square Top Mountain, the most photographed peak in the range. Deep Lake is an alpine tarn nestled in a stunning semi-circle of jagged peaks. Though there is only modest elevation gain, this roundtrip hike is 15 miles long. Inquire locally for directions.
44FOther pages you might find helpful:
American Long Distance Hiking Association
The ALDHA connects local hikers and backpackers together to enjoy hiking in the Grand Teton area.
National Outdoor Leadership School
NOLS is a well known organization that offers courses for all ages on outdoor skills, leadership, involving hiking and many other outdoor activities.
