The best walks and hikes around Jackson

While this guide features a selection of three routes, the Jackson area, including Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest, offers hundreds of miles of trails. You'll find everything from easy strolls to challenging alpine treks.

The region is renowned for its dramatic landscapes. You can expect to encounter towering peaks of the Teton Range, pristine glacial lakes like Jenny Lake and String Lake, dense forests, alpine meadows, and rivers such as the Snake River. Waterfalls, like Hidden Falls, are also a highlight on some trails.

Yes, Jackson offers several easy options perfect for families. The Sparks Foundation County Park Path is an easy route, and within Grand Teton National Park, trails around String Lake are ideal for families, often featuring gentle terrain and opportunities for swimming.

Absolutely. Loop trails are a great way to experience diverse scenery. This guide features the MacCready Reserve Yellow, Blue, and Red Loop, which is an easy option. Other popular loops in the wider region include the Bradley-Taggart loop in Grand Teton National Park, offering stunning Teton reflections.

For a more extended day hike, consider the Falling Waters Trail, which is a moderate 16.9 km route. In Grand Teton National Park, challenging routes like the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop offer significant distance and elevation gain, traversing alpine meadows and reaching Lake Solitude.

Dog policies vary significantly by location. While some areas in Bridger-Teton National Forest, like Cache Creek, are generally dog-friendly, national parks like Grand Teton typically have strict rules, often only allowing dogs on paved roads, in campgrounds, or within 50 feet of roads, not on hiking trails. Always check specific park or forest regulations before heading out with your pet.

Many trails around Jackson offer spectacular views. Snow King Mountain, located within city limits, provides demanding climbs with rewarding panoramic views of the valley and the Teton Range from its summit. The Crystal Butte Trail in Gros Ventre Wilderness also ascends to an open butte with excellent Teton views.

The prime hiking season in Jackson typically runs from late spring through early fall (June to September). During these months, trails are generally snow-free, wildflowers are abundant, and the weather is pleasant. Early fall also offers stunning autumn foliage.

Yes, Jackson Hole is a fantastic area for wildlife viewing. Hikers frequently spot elk, moose, and various bird species. Bears are also present, so it's crucial to carry bear spray and know how to use it, and to make noise on trails to avoid surprising wildlife.

While Grand Teton National Park can be busy, the Bridger-Teton National Forest often provides a more secluded hiking experience. Trails in areas like Cache Creek or the Gros Ventre Wilderness can offer a quieter alternative, especially during peak season.

Many trails lead to or offer views of iconic landmarks. In Grand Teton National Park, you can hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point from Jenny Lake, or visit the famous 'Jumping Rock' at Phelps Lake. The Laurance Rockefeller Preserve also offers access to Phelps Lake and pristine natural beauty.