JACKSON HOLE HIKING
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Sandwiched between two of North America’s most sprawling National Parks, Jackson Hole is the access point for some of the most incredible hiking trails in the United States. A Jackson Hole hiking trip should be on the bucket list of every hiking fan or nature lover. With a dynamic range of trails that suit beginners and experienced hikers alike, it’s the perfect place to get out and enjoy a dose of fresh air and sunshine.
Jackson Hole has long been a retreat for people looking to escape the city life (or even suburban life) and step into the old West – or as close to the old West as you’ll find nowadays. It is one of the wildest places left on earth, where North America’s big five roam freely in a thriving ecosystem, thanks to being spared from development by a group of conscientious citizens and former U.S. presidents. Knowing where to find the trails that you’re looking for can make or break your hiking experience, and the guides at Glamping On the Greys will give you the best advice on current conditions and the top access tips, ensuring that your Jackson Hole hiking trip is a smashing success.
Hiking in Wyoming is an all-season activity! Winters hit hard, but that doesn’t keep people from the trails. During the winter, Jackson Hole fills up with skiers and winter sports lovers of all types. Certainly, given the harsh winter conditions throughout the area, many choose to stick to hiking during the warmer months from spring to fall.
The things you’ll need to bring depend on which season you plan to go. For most fair-weather hiking, comfortable, breathable layers are recommended. For winter hiking or snowshoeing, you’ll want to bring snow-appropriate attire and:
Spring
From March to May, the temperature in Jackson Hole ranges from 35 to 70 degrees. May 1st is when most of the trails within the Grand Tetons open up.
Summer
Peak season is from June to August, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees during the day and cooler evenings and mornings. There are frequent afternoon thundershowers, but sunny overall.
Autumn
Fall brings cooler temperatures averaging between 45 and 75 degrees, and cooler temps in the mornings and evenings. Keep in mind that the days are beginning to shorten, so bring extra layers and a light if you think you might be short on daylight. An early fall snowstorm isn’t unheard of in Jackson Hole.
Winter
Expect the entire Bridger-Teton range to be blanketed thickly with snow during the winter months from mid-November to early March. Don’t expect to see temperatures over 30 degrees, and be prepared to see frequent temps in the sub-zero range. Cross-country skis or snowshoes are the most reliable way to traverse the terrain here during the winter.
Jackson is the hub of access for Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, and the Glamping On The Greys campsite is a short distance away, providing easy access to the hiking trails that spring directly out of Jackson Hole. Our seasoned Jackson Hole hiking guides are familiar with all of the hikeable trails in the area and can guide you toward the perfect trails that match your group’s preferences and ability levels. Glamping On The Greys has a fun range of activities for the non-hikers in your group to enjoy as well.
Jackson Hole is home to a number of fantastic hiking trails ranging from flat and mellow trails around Jenny Lake or the short but steep climb up Snow King Mountain, a popular ski resort and the center of summer activity in the valley. There are so many hiking trails in and around the Jackson Hole area that you could spend years hiking here without visiting the same place twice.
Access this picturesque 3.5-mile loop via the Aerial Tram, located at the apex of the Top of The World loop. Follow along a path framed with pine trees and rocky outcroppings and take in breathtaking views of Cody Peak. Rock Springs Overlook is worth stopping at for a splendid view of the valley below. Even if you’re lucky enough to have the trail all to yourself, you are never alone here because the Rock Springs Loop trail is teeming with local wildlife. You’ll likely see deer grazing, rabbits bouncing about, and wild birds soaring overhead. You can take a detour to Cody’s Loop, where the topography makes a sharp transition to rocky, mars-like terrain, or continue on the lush Rock Springs Loop.
Josie’s Ridge is a moderately challenging Jackson Hole Hiking trail that is 3.5 miles out and back. The last bits of it can contain some moderately steep terrain so prepare yourself. Josie’s Ridge Trail begins at a bridge on the Russ Garaman Pathway behind the West Jackson post office that goes across Flat Creek. There is another trailhead by Wildlife Drive if parking by the post office is difficult.
Game Creek Road, off Highway 89 South just south of Jackson, is where you will find the Game Creek Trailhead. Don’t let the small parking lot and single kiosk with a map fool you; this trailhead gives you access to a myriad of Jackson Hole hiking options within the Bridger Teton National Forest. During the summer months, the area explodes with a stunning burst of wildflowers.
Those looking for double black diamond trails should definitely check out Holey Moley. This rather new trailhead can be found off Wildflower Trail, easily accessed by the Sweetwater Gondola. At only 1.7 miles, it’s a short but very intense burst that will have you scrambling over boulders, winding through trees and jaunting past patches of wildflowers in a direct line toward the summit with stunning views. Many of the more challenging hikes are located higher up in the mountains, so making good use of the Gondolas and trams throughout Jackson Hole is advised.
This idyllic and popular black diamond singletrack trail extends 3.8 miles and traverses to and from the summit of Rendezvous Mountain. To get to it, you will need to take both the Aerial Tram and the Bridger Gondola. You can choose to walk up the rocky trail dotted with wildflowers or down it to experience the scenic views of the expansive valley below. This trail is recommended for spring-early fall seasons, as the terrain can become quite dicey during the winter months.
Redlining the Jackson Hole area is something that not a lot of hikers can say they’ve done. The Bridger Teton National Forest is a vast expanse of already trodden trails; as people and animals continue to explore, new trails are sprouting up daily. It just depends on how keen you are for some bushwacking!
With all-inclusive glamping, you have most of the creature comforts of a luxury hotel but with the raw, natural feel of camping (minus all of the work). Don’t worry about meals, tents, or bedding. Instead, refuel yourself for long days of hiking on a comfy mattress, fresh linens and professionally prepared meals (without the chores).
Glamping On the Greys is perfectly situated to provide easy access to some of the best trailheads in and near the Jackson Hole area. Reserve an all-inclusive glampsite at Glamping On The Greys and countdown to the best hiking trip of your life!