Explore the Best Hiking Trails in Jackson Hole – Local’s Guide 2025
Welcome to Jackson Hole, Wyoming—a place where the mountains are dramatic, the air is crisp, and the wildlife is just wild enough to make you feel like you’re in a National Geographic documentary. If you’re someone who enjoys fresh air, spectacular views, and pretending you’re starring in a rugged outdoor survival show (but with snacks), then hiking in Jackson Hole is your jam.
So grab your backpack, lace up your boots, slather on some sunscreen (seriously, the sun up here doesn’t play), and let’s hit the trail!
Why Jackson Hole Is Basically Hiking Heaven
Picture this: towering granite peaks, mirror-like alpine lakes, wildflowers that look like they were planted by Bob Ross himself, and maybe even a moose or two giving you the side-eye. That’s Jackson Hole.
Here’s why hikers love it here:
- Views That Slap: You’ll run out of phone storage before you run out of scenic spots.
- Trail Options for All: Whether you’re hiking with kids or channeling your inner mountain goat, there’s a trail for you.
- Wildlife Encounters: Bears, moose, marmots, bald eagles… it’s like Disney’s “Bambi” meets “Survivor.”
- Close to Everything: Most trailheads are 10–30 minutes from town. That’s less time than it takes to find your missing sock.
Easy Trails (Aka You Can Do These Without Regretting Your Life Choices)
1. Taggart Lake Trail
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Effort Level: Low-key fabulous
Short, sweet, and stunning. This trail is like the chocolate chip cookie of hikes—comforting, crowd-pleasing, and always a good idea. You’ll meander through meadows and forests with a grand finale view of the Tetons reflecting in the lake. Instagram gold.
Bonus tip: Go early to catch mirror-like reflections and beat the photo-snapping crowd.
2. Phelps Lake via Rockefeller Preserve
- Distance: 7 miles round-trip
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Effort Level: Moderate brunch stroll
This trail gives “peaceful forest escape” vibes. You’ll stroll through pine-scented woods to a lake so serene it looks fake. Feeling brave? Check out the Jumping Rock—nature’s diving board. Just try not to scream like a cartoon character on the way down.
3. Jenny Lake Loop
- Distance: 7.5 miles full loop (or 4 miles with a boat ride)
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Effort Level: Choose your own adventure
Jenny Lake is the Beyoncé of Jackson Hole hikes—iconic, beloved, and always flawless. You can walk the whole loop or hop a shuttle boat like the clever hiker you are. Detour to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point for maximum wow.
Moderate Trails (Some Sweat, All Worth It)
Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
- Distance: 2–5 miles (depending on route)
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Effort Level: Puff-worthy
Sure, there’s a bit of an uphill climb, but you’re rewarded with a roaring waterfall and an overlook that’ll make you say “wow” out loud. (Or “whoa,” Keanu Reeves-style. Your choice.)
Warning: This trail gets crowded. Start early, or embrace your inner people-person.
Death Canyon to Patrol Cabin
- Distance: 7.5 miles round-trip
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Effort Level: Thigh-burn certified
Yes, it’s called Death Canyon. No, it won’t kill you (probably). This one’s got dramatic canyon walls, wildflowers galore, and a solid chance of spotting marmots doing marmot things. The uphill slog at the beginning is no joke, but the peaceful views make up for it.
Bradley-Taggart Lake Loop
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Effort Level: Leisurely loop-de-loop
If you love lakes but want a little extra oomph, this loop is perfect. You get two gorgeous lakes for the price of one hike, and plenty of Teton photo ops. Pack a snack and a friend who laughs at your trail jokes.
Hard Trails (For Mountain Goats in Human Form)
Static Peak Divide
- Distance: 16 miles round-trip
- Time: 8–10 hours
- Effort Level: Bring snacks. Lots of snacks.
This one’s for the hikers who hear “4,500 feet of elevation gain” and say, “Bring it on!” You’ll trek up Death Canyon, pass tree line, and feel like you’re on top of the world. The views? Unreal. The calf soreness? Also unreal.
Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop
- Distance: 20-mile loop
- Time: 10–12 hours or overnight
- Effort Level: Type II fun (painful but awesome)
This is the ultimate hike in Jackson Hole. Alpine lakes, dramatic canyons, and the kind of peace and quiet that makes you feel like you’re in a hiker’s fairy tale. Do it in a day if you’re part superhero—or split it into two days and camp at Lake Solitude.
Snow King Mountain Trail
- Distance: 3.5 miles round-trip
- Time: 2–3 hours
- Effort Level: Short but spicy
Right in downtown Jackson, this local favorite is steep, scenic, and great for sunset. Your thighs might protest, but your camera roll will thank you. Bonus: Ride the gondola down if your legs stage a full-on rebellion.
Best Time to Hike in Jackson Hole (Because Snow in June Is a Thing)
- May–June: Lower trails open, wildflowers start poppin’. Snow lingers on high-altitude routes.
- July–August: Prime time. Everything’s open. Everyone’s here.
- September–October: Fewer crowds, golden aspens, crisp air. Also: Pumpkin spice season.
- Winter: Snowshoe, ski, or cuddle up with cocoa. Regular hiking = nope.
Safety Tips (Don’t Be Bear Lunch)
- Bear spray is not optional. Think of it like hiker cologne—never leave home without it.
- Make noise on the trail. Sing, chat, or narrate your hike like David Attenborough.
- Dress in layers. It might be 80°F at the trailhead and 40°F at the summit.
- Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Dehydration is not cute.
What to Pack (Besides Enthusiasm)
- Sturdy shoes (sorry, flip-flops)
- Water & snacks (trail mix > regret)
- Bear spray (we’re not kidding)
- Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses
- Map or GPS (especially on longer routes)
- Extra socks (you’ll thank us later)
Want a Guide? You Fancy!
If you prefer to hike with a pro who knows where all the cool rocks and secret photo ops are:
- Hole Hiking Experience – Naturalists who make plants interesting.
- Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris – See animals and epic views.
- Teton Science Schools – Family-friendly, educational, and fun.
Where to Stay (Sleep Close to the Trails)
- Splurge: Amangani (fancy AF) or Four Seasons (yes, that Four Seasons)
- Middle of the trail: Cowboy Village Resort or Snow King Lodge
- Budget-friendly: Hostel in the Hole or Gros Ventre Campground
- Roughing it: Backcountry sites in Grand Teton NP (permits required!)
After-Hike Treats
- Soak your sore feet in Granite Hot Springs
- Grab an elk burger at Local Restaurant & Bar
- Sip something fancy at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
- Ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram just for the views
Final Thoughts from Your Hiking Hype Crew
Jackson Hole isn’t just a pretty face—it’s an outdoor lover’s dream with enough trails to keep your boots dirty all summer long. Whether you’re strolling to a lake or trekking to the sky, you’ll leave with sore legs, a full camera roll, and a new appreciation for just how cool (and challenging) Mother Nature can be.
Now go out there, get a little lost (in a safe way), and find your favorite trail. The mountains are calling—and they said, “Bring snacks!”
